Watch Sexy Beasts
- 2015
- 1 Season
-
5.7 (60)
Sexy Beasts is a British reality dating show that premiered in 2014 on BBC Three. The show revolves around the concept of blind dating, where singles looking for love go on a series of dates with potential partners who have been designed to look like different animals or creatures – from lions to beavers, aliens, pandas, and more.
Each episode features a single looking for love, and three potential partners who are dressed in elaborate full-body animal costumes, complete with prosthetics and makeup to cover their entire face. The singles are then tasked with asking questions and going on dates with the different creatures to determine which one they have the most chemistry with – all while never seeing their faces.
The show takes the concept of dating to a whole new level by adding the element of costumes and makeup. The participants' personalities and chemistry must shine through their highly altered appearances, and the series offers a fun and unique spin on the traditional dating format. Sexy Beasts appeals to audiences looking for something playful and unique, as well as those who enjoy watching the classic search for love unfold with a twist.
The show's core premise is to test whether looks or personality is more important in a romantic partner. By having the contestants behind animal masks, the show creators remove the physical element that often plays a crucial role in selecting a partner. Instead, the participants must rely on their gut instincts and rely on conversation and personality traits to determine their ideal match.
As the dates progress, the contestants eliminate potential matches until the final reveal, where they finally get to see their chosen person without their mask on, signaling whether they will pursue a relationship with them. Many of the participants have described the show as a surreal experience, but one that has ultimately allowed them to connect with people who they would not have given a chance in the past.
Additionally, Sexy Beasts strays from other reality TV dating shows in that it is not exploitative or overly dramatic. There is no fighting or manipulating of situations to create ‘must-watch’ TV moments. The show is based purely on the participants and their authentic reactions and emotions. It’s a refreshing change of pace that distinguishes it from other, more toxic reality dating shows.
However, there were also criticisms raised about the show’s messaging in regards to beauty standards, as the show’s marketing often featured more conventionally attractive contestants with makeup and costumes that only enhanced their features rather than totally altering them. This messaging could have potentially undermined the show’s central message about the importance of inner beauty and personality.
Despite the criticisms, there is no doubt that Sexy Beasts was an entertaining and fascinating show, and one that people were drawn to. Though it only aired for one season in 2014, the show has since garnered a cult following and has been referenced in popular culture. In fact, Sexy Beast inspired a spin-off limited series, called Sexy Beasts: Yank Edition, which aired in the United States on the streaming platform Netflix in 2021.
Overall, Sexy Beasts is a fun and light-hearted show that challenges our perceptions of what it takes to find a romantic partner. It puts a unique twist on the traditional dating show formula and creates a sense of anticipation as we wait to see who the participants choose when the masks come off. Though it may not have been without its criticisms, Sexy Beasts remains a compelling and entertaining watch that showcases the unpredictability and complexity of human attraction.
Sexy Beasts is a series that ran for 1 seasons (4 episodes) between February 14, 2015 and on