Watch Hot Date

Hot Date is a comedy series where the viewers can witness the challenges and awkward moments that arise when two people who are in a relationship attempt to make plans and interact with each other. Emily Axford, along with her husband and fellow comedian Brian K. Murphy, play a different couple in each episode.

Throughout the series, we see Emily and her on-screen partner navigate the ins and outs of modern dating, ranging from deciding what to order at a restaurant to navigating the digital ways to communicate with each other. The show gives a comedic take on dating and how tough it can be, from the initial online messaging to the time when the relationship progresses.

The on-screen couple’s traits broadly appeal to the audience, with Brian playing the typical guy who misreads the signals from Emily, who occasionally sends mixed signals. The show is entirely about these everyday scenarios; going out to dinner, or to the movies, meeting the in-laws and all the other things a couple does. Since Murphy and Axford, the main players on the show, are married in real life, their chemistry brings out the authenticity in their characters’ interactions.

Emily Axford’s character is relatable, and her performance is beyond reproach. In one episode, she portrays a woman who’s overly concerned about offending her date with her food selection; in the next, she acts as a woman who questions the relationship majorly. As a result, she seems like a real individual rather than a stereotypical character looking to get a good laugh. The comedy is mostly situational, and it feels like anybody in a relationship could relate to it.

The dialogue of the show is a blend of hilarious one-liners, subtexts, awkward silences, and excruciatingly funny moments of embarrassment. What makes this show stand out though is its accurate social and relationship observations, mixed in with over-the-top comedic bits. The viewer can readily identify with a lot of scenarios, whether it's the feeling of being let down when your partner doesn’t get your humor or the indecisiveness in choosing a present.

The editing and cinematography within the episodes are high quality, giving the feeling of a cinematic production. For instance, the camera work when Emily and her partner are sitting in a car is lovely, with the intentional blurring behind them. The ambiance is created from the chosen film locations as well, with several episodes being set in dimly lit bars and diners, reinforcing feelings of intimacy, isolation and vulnerability between the characters.

While discussing dating, the show also touches on other themes that emerge within the kind of relationships showcased. Topics such as the problem of settling down, the ups and downs of long-term relationships, the feeling of being ignored, and more get attention. The show avoids coming off as overly preachy, hitting balanced points of humor and taking a light-hearted approach to relationships’ experiences.

The show has a strong comedic style that will appeal to viewers with almost any sense of humor. From slapstick humor, one-liners, to ironic jabs, the show has it all. Those with a dry sense of humor or those who appreciate observational humor will see themselves in the characters.

As the show goes on, the production value increases, with more attention being paid to cinematography, set design, and wardrobe. This might be an indication that the show has developed a following and that the creators want to make it better to keep attracting viewers.

Overall, the show is an enjoyable and genuinely funny distraction from everyday life. It's well-written, well-acted, and well-shot, making it a highly entertaining series to watch. It’s relatable, re-watachable and addictive – once viewers start watching the first episode, it will definitely leave people wanting more.

Hot Date is a series that ran for 2 seasons (30 episodes) between and on CollegeHumor