Watch Date Night Live
- 2017
- 1 Season
-
6.1 (21)
Date Night Live was a television show that aired on Lifetime in 2017, hosted by a dynamic trio consisting of relationship experts, comedian Bethany Watson, matchmaker Paul Carrick Brunson, and journalist Skyler Joy. The show was designed to give viewers a front row seat to real life first dates as they unfolded, offering commentary, analysis and expert advice in real time.
Every episode followed a variety of single men and women, from different ages and backgrounds, as they went out for a first date in different cities across America, with cameras capturing every moment of the interaction. From awkward silences to heated arguments, the show painted a very raw and often comedic look at the trials and tribulations of dating in today's society.
As the dates played out, viewers had the opportunity to get expert advice from Paul Carrick Brunson, who offered well thought out suggestions on how to improve the date, insight into the psychology of dating, and generally useful tips that helped the couples bond or caused them to move in the opposite direction. Former radio host Bethany Watson was the show's resident comedian and brought her wit, humor and insight to the table. Her commentary was frank, blunt and often hilarious, making watching the show a trip.
Skyler Joy was the show's roving correspondent who interviewed nearby patrons in the restaurant and gave additional insight into the dating scene, as well as commentary on the latest dating trends.
The show was markedly different from other reality dating shows in that it showed live, unedited and unscripted footage of real people having a first date. No retakes, no staged scenes, just first impressions and natural interactions that occurred on the night. This approach allowed the show to be seen as authentically real and relatable.
The cameras captured every aspect of the date, at times revealing intimate details about each participant's motivations and desires, making for an exciting, unpredictable and often cringe-worthy viewing experience.
One of the most compelling aspects of the show was the way it dealt with the unscripted elements that inevitably occur when two people come together on a first date. There was no syrupy romance or idealized scenes where the couple fell deeply in love. It was more about showing the reality of dating and how complex and flawed we all are.
The show was based on a social experiment format, which meant that the results of the date were never certain, making every episode unpredictable and fascinating. That means the viewer literally had to wait till the end of the date to find out how successful the night had been.
Despite the show's seemingly voyeuristic nature, the commentators didn't attempt to manipulate or steer the date in any way. They were there to offer helpful tips and suggestions, but the success or failure of the date was ultimately down to the couple.
Overall, Date Night Live was an entertaining, educational and sometimes downright hilarious show that gave viewers a chance to watch couples navigate the pitfalls of a first date in real time, with expert analysis and commentary provided by three of the sharpest wits in the business. Its approach to reality TV was refreshing and authentic, offering a fresh take on the dating show format that made for intriguing television.