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Parents' Guide to

First Dates

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Entertaining dating reality series has mature content.

TV NBC Reality TV 2017
First Dates Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

Produced by Ellen DeGeneres and narrated by Drew Barrymore, FIRST DATES is an unscripted series featuring people going on first dates. After being matched by producers based on their interests and characteristics, single individuals meet their dates for the first time at the restaurant MK in Chicago. After spending time getting to know each other over drinks and dinner, they must decide if they are going to see each other again. Throughout it all, one-on-one interviews reveal what they're looking for in people, details about previous relationships, and thoughts about their blind date experience.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This series, based on a British reality show, reveals how singles from all walks of life navigate their way through the nervous, fun, and awkward moments of blind dates. Despite the cameras, most of the exchanges between the daters feel genuine. Some clumsily make their way through the experience, while others are comfortable with the process. All go into the experience with the hope that there's a spark between them.

There are some entertainingly uncomfortable moments thanks to individuals who are extremely ill at ease or so overly confident that they become a dating nightmare. However, these are offset by those who make a connection with each other, sometimes unexpectedly. Throughout it all, First Dates reminds us that looking for someone to connect with isn't always easy, but if you're willing to put yourself out there, it may lead to something positive.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about dating shows such as First Dates. Why are people willing to go on first or blind dates in front of an audience? Would they act differently if the cameras weren't there?

  • Is it really possible for people to make real connections with each other on a reality show? Does First Dates offer something that makes it more possible to do so?

  • Parents: What was your first date like? Was it awkward? Fun? Did you think you would see each other again afterward?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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