Hulu’s Virgin Dating Show Sparks Buzz As Kaitlyn Bristowe, Colton Underwood Weigh In

Hulu is running full steam into the unknown world of reality TV with its new dating show Are You My First? that involves participants who have decided to stay virgins. The eyebrow-raising premise has created a sizable buzz, leading to the debates on intimacy, relationships and the social pressure around the sexual experience. Kaitlyn Bristowe and Colton Underwood, veterans of the televised relationship game, who have both experienced the nuances of televised romance, recently spoke on the show, which has an unconventional approach. 

They even imply that in an already cramped market that is already filled with stories of sexual experimentation perhaps what will draw audience attention to the novel is just the fact that it plays out in inexperience because perhaps, it does. Such innovative ideas break all the stereotypes of dating shows and may become a breakpoint in the genre or fail to impress by the way six jobs express the participants’ lives or depicts their emotional processes authentically.

The Allure of Inexperience

This formation of highlighting those who have made a particular conscious decision not to have sex presents a new element to a dating type of show. In a society that tends to focus so much on sex and sexual activity, the show turns the tables and gives the audience a chance to examine the idea of relationships that are founded on emotional connection and the sharing of values, prior to the occurrence of physical intimacy.

Such an orientation might appeal to a subset of the viewers who would like to see a more traditionally, or less overtly sexual depiction of romance on television. The emotional sensitivity and the emotional experiences (or heartache) that these two contestants undergo as they struggle through the maze of dating but with the physical side of things removed might give us great storylines and we will be able to relate with it.

Unconventional dating shows

Nonetheless, its popularity depends on whether a particular show can go beyond a sense of curiosity and explore the real emotional and psychological details of dating as a virgin. Possible stumbling blocks may comprise the danger to turn into sensationalism or to reproduce stereotyping when it comes to virginity. To make the show really riveting, there has to be a genuine rapport established between the participants and sensitivity should be given to their decisions.

When Bristowe and Underwood were asked about the novelty of the show, it recommended that, although the novelty of the show would initially attract some viewers, what would ultimately make it successful is the relational nature of the experience depicted, that is, the embarrassing first dates, the openness and trust in opening up and getting to know each other, and having a meaningful connection.

Also Read: Are You My First? Hulu’s New Dating Show Introduces 21 Virgins Searching For Love Tonight