“First Dates” puts a fresh spin on reality television

BY KENDYL COUNTS

First dates are notorious for being one of the most awkward aspects of the human experience. Add a camera crew, an interview and a national audience, and you’ll arrive at Ellen Degeneres’ new show “First Dates,” which airs Fridays on NBC.

When Ellen Degeneres’ name appears in the credits, you know it must be good. Though she (unfortunately) does not appear on the show, Degeneres is the executive producer, bringing the audience hilarious and touching moments from the first dates of ordinary people. The show is set in a romantic restaurant in Chicago, and people travel from across the country to appear on the show and potentially find love. The couple meets for the first time as they sit down together to enjoy dinner. Then, the fun begins.

The couples share their backstories and hobbies with one another, (usually) desperately avoiding bringing up the more controversial topics like religion, politics or children. One guest, a medium, claimed that he could see his date’s dearly departed aunt. Another began flirting with the waitress, in spite of his date’s awe-stricken face. The silence that follows these awkward moments is richly uncomfortable and more often than not, priceless.

Each episode follows the experience of multiple couples, switching between storylines throughout the show. From the moment the guests are introduced in individual interviews, it’s time to start examining their compatible traits and ideas. As the couple gets to know each other, it’s usually pretty obvious whether or not they’ve hit it off. Sometimes, however, the outcome is a surprise – making it all the more tempting to make a guess and root for your favorite couples.

At the end of the date, the couple sits down for an interview to recap their time together. Occasionally, the show accomplishes its objective, and the two part ways having exchanged ambitions, dreams and phone numbers. Then comes the most anticipated part – the update. Photos of the guests appear as the show reveals which couples have lasted since their night in Chicago, confirming or negating any initial judgements. When you get it right, you feel like cupid.

Reality television is a misnomer in that it usually does little to reflect the actual population of viewers. It’s like an alternate reality – the people are real, using their own names and homes and stories, but their lifestyles are so inaccessible that it may as well be fiction.

“First Dates” is a refreshing departure from the typical reality television show. The guests come from all ages, backgrounds and sexual orientations, proving that the stars of reality television do not need to look like the Kardashians to be entertaining. Instead, they provide the rare opportunity for the audience to empathize with reality television stars rather than lusting after their luxurious lifestyles. If you’ve ever had spinach in your teeth while talking to a crush, gone for a hug and ended up in a handshake or taken a selfie instead of paying attention to your date, you’ll have no problem relating with the people featured on “First Dates.”

In remarkable consistency with Degeneres’ other projects, “First Dates” is everything from warm and inspiring to laugh-so-hard-you-spill-your-bowl-of-ice-cream hilarious. Ultimately, it makes first dates seem far less intimidating, and quiet Friday nights far less boring.