I’ve been horribly curious/addicted to this show but I have to say the US versions are torture to watch due to their man-child quotient; seems more like an experiment in self-discovery for men who eschew therapy rather than a genuine desire to connect with a woman.
But the saddest part is the amount of insecurity among the women. Not just for body issues but that seems to be the main thing. I had to stop watching whatever season Chelsea was in because I felt like I was being some sort of mental health breakdown voyeur. The British, Swedish, Japanese and Brazilian versions are way better IMO, it doesn’t seem like the contestants are all self-conscious child actors wanting to break into influencing. I was watching the Habibi series to improve my Arabic comprehension but that was pretty painful to watch for all the jealousy. (Yes I have watched this show far too much. I put it on as background noise to knit jumpers to.)
I was *really* intrigued by the first couple seasons, but after season 3 I just couldn't do it anymore. This helps me to connect the dots as to why, and I share your simultaneous boredom and infuriation that the body BS is so central to the show. Thank you for writing this!!
I have never watched a moment of this show but I see it mentioned so often, I had to read your take on it. I’m 59 and tired of reality TV a long time ago — the only kind I can bear is Project-Runway type shows. Even at my age, I still fight body issues in my own self-esteem. Thank you for confirming my instincts not to bother watching this!
I don't watch the show, but I wonder if it simply can't help exposing our cultural hangups on appearance/body image. I mean, the whole premise is "love is blind" because that seems ridiculous to most of us (whether or not we want to admit it). So it makes sense for participants to be insecure about being physically attractive to the other person. I think there's also probably something to be said about the type of personalities (insecurity --> attention/approval-seeking) who sign up for shows like this. The psychology is thick.
Yes the body stuff definitely bums me out but I think a show based on the concept ‘is love blind’ can’t help but confront these issues that remain a big part of so many women’s lives. I wish it wasn’t like this! And I would love to see more body diversity on the show!
I also can’t believe I’m still watching 7 seasons in 🙈
I won't watch the show. Where is disability represented? It is not reality.
Definitely not!
lol i had to stop watching this show because it made me sad and gave me anxiety. so!
The time has come for me!!
I’ve been horribly curious/addicted to this show but I have to say the US versions are torture to watch due to their man-child quotient; seems more like an experiment in self-discovery for men who eschew therapy rather than a genuine desire to connect with a woman.
But the saddest part is the amount of insecurity among the women. Not just for body issues but that seems to be the main thing. I had to stop watching whatever season Chelsea was in because I felt like I was being some sort of mental health breakdown voyeur. The British, Swedish, Japanese and Brazilian versions are way better IMO, it doesn’t seem like the contestants are all self-conscious child actors wanting to break into influencing. I was watching the Habibi series to improve my Arabic comprehension but that was pretty painful to watch for all the jealousy. (Yes I have watched this show far too much. I put it on as background noise to knit jumpers to.)
I love that you knit while watching, somehow that balances out the chaos lol. I felt the same way about the Chelsea season!!
I was *really* intrigued by the first couple seasons, but after season 3 I just couldn't do it anymore. This helps me to connect the dots as to why, and I share your simultaneous boredom and infuriation that the body BS is so central to the show. Thank you for writing this!!
I’m glad we’re on the same page :)
I have never watched a moment of this show but I see it mentioned so often, I had to read your take on it. I’m 59 and tired of reality TV a long time ago — the only kind I can bear is Project-Runway type shows. Even at my age, I still fight body issues in my own self-esteem. Thank you for confirming my instincts not to bother watching this!
Man, the early days of Project Runway were soooo good. I miss that very much
I stopped watching after the UK season. It got all repetitive.
I don't watch the show, but I wonder if it simply can't help exposing our cultural hangups on appearance/body image. I mean, the whole premise is "love is blind" because that seems ridiculous to most of us (whether or not we want to admit it). So it makes sense for participants to be insecure about being physically attractive to the other person. I think there's also probably something to be said about the type of personalities (insecurity --> attention/approval-seeking) who sign up for shows like this. The psychology is thick.
Thank you 👏 so well thought out thanks for sharing this
Yes the body stuff definitely bums me out but I think a show based on the concept ‘is love blind’ can’t help but confront these issues that remain a big part of so many women’s lives. I wish it wasn’t like this! And I would love to see more body diversity on the show!
I also can’t believe I’m still watching 7 seasons in 🙈