Yesterday’s Dating Shows
Dating shows, from 1960′s behind-the-curtain to today’s reality shocks
If you’re old enough, or watch the re-runs, you’re probably familiar with the 1960′s dating shows,
the forerunner of today’s reality-style dating programs. The long-standing popularity of these shows
isn’t surprising – so long as men and women are looking to meet their true love, network executives
will probably continue airing the boy-meets-girl dating programs. So, what’s the difference between
the 1960s versions and today’s? Let’s see…
In the 1960′s, the prospective dates were hidden behind a massive, ceremonial curtain, where the
three or four men or women could not be seen, only heard. The person choosing which ‘candidate’
was to be their date was seated on a tall stool outside the curtain. The idea was that, through
interviewing the unseen people, the ‘chooser’ would not be influenced by looks, but only by the
personalities. TV viewers, of course, were able to see all, with the cameras panning from the
front of the stage to behind the curtain.
Perhaps what made these dating shows so entertaining was watching the expressions and reactions of
all the participants. The one interviewing would usually attempt to ask the piercing questions
intended to reveal the likes, dislikes, and general ethics of the various candidates, thus ending
up with the ideal ‘dream’ date. Facial expressions, seen only by the audience, proved to be
particularly amusing. One could see when a candidate was trying too hard to please, as well as
when the interviewing participant was thrilled or disappoint with an answer. In the few minutes
alloted to make their choice, the chooser, with great fanfare and drama, would announce who was to
be their date. Results were mixed – sometimes the person choosing was obviously happy and sometimes
definitely disappointed.
The 1960′s dating shows rewarded the winning participants with an elaborate night on the town and
that was that.
Now, fast forward to today’s reality style dating programs. What a difference! It seems that the
public’s appetite for both fanfare and rewards has grown. Instead of a
mere three or four candidate, you now have a couple of dozen. Instead of a simple stage setting
in the behind-the-curtain venue, the show is filmed at a million dollar mansion with all the trimmings.
Participants come decked out in designer garments, not just street clothes. Amidst a backdrop of
terraces overlooking a giant swimming pool, rose-filled vases on ornate Louis XIV tables beneath
sparkling chandeliers, the chooser and candidates mingle, getting to know one another.
Again, as in the 1960′s, viewers are privy to all the little details of conversations and telling
expressions. There’s in-depth interviews, heart-to-heart talks between chooser and candidate, and
even some physical contact. A little bit of everything.
As for the rewards, the modern dating shows are over the top, sending the
‘winning’ couple on extravagant island vacations lasting a week or more, in ritzy accommodations
not unlike the 1960′s participants would never have dreamed possible.
In the end, the dating shows are all still about the boy meet-girl scenario, of which the
viewing public never tires. In it, too, you may find some dating tips for yourself.
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