By Aniqa Norhazry (25S03D) and Ariann Khoo (26S06B)
Everyone knows reality romance shows are fake, shallow, and full of fame-hungry contestants. Or at least, that’s what I used to think. Growing up, romance reality TV was the lowest form of television in my household—shameless, trashy and mind-numbing. I genuinely believed Love Island wiped away my brain cells, and while there was some truth in that, I soon discovered otherwise.
What started off as hate-watching an episode of Love is Blind quickly turned into binging straight seasons of every reality show available on Netflix. And while the drama, tears and heartbreak were big factors in my now-turned obsession, the shows were doing more than just wasting my time—they were shaping my ideas of love, identity, and connection. Despite their over-the-top production, romance reality shows tap into something surprisingly genuine about human relationships—and it’s time we took a closer look.
Debunking Misconceptions
Whether it’s finding edits of Single’s Inferno contestants on TikTok or clicking past Too Hot To Handle trailers while looking for a mealtime show, you are bound to have formed your own opinions on romance reality TV. Some call it scripted junk; others insist it to be emotionally damaging. But as someone who has logged more hours watching these shows than I care to admit, I’ve noticed that a lot of these assumptions don’t hold up.
#1 – It’s all just drama, there’s no real substance to it.
Many believe that the shows have zero depth or emotional weight. Everything can be assumed to be scripted, with no real or authentic scenes. While there’s no denying that a lot of it is heavily edited and manipulated post-production, this assumption overlooks moments of real vulnerability, personal growth, or even friendship amongst participants.
For instance, in the Japanese cult classic Terrace House, six strangers are thrown into a shared home with no set plot or deadline. New cast members come and go throughout the season, and most continue with their 9 to 5s while living together. Many people think reality shows are only about explosive drama, heavily edited for shock value. Terrace House completely breaks that mold. Viewers become invested not because of forced plotlines, but because they’re watching people navigate genuine feelings that develop naturally.
#2 – These shows are damaging to society’s views of love.
While turning love into a competition or putting a prize on the line may distort its meaning and significance, I doubt that enough credit is given to the good qualities and teaching points that reality romance shows bring. Love Is Blind in particular, preaches a goal of emotional connection over physical attraction. In a situation where contestants are prohibited from seeing each other—getting to know others purely from conversations—we learn how communication and expectations affect relationships.
You’ll also be surprised to find that there are currently 11 international versions of Love Is Blind, including countries like Germany and Japan. This variety allows the audience to discover differences too, in dating cultures and practices worldwide. More region-specific shows like Indian Matchmaking go into the intricacies of culture and tradition; how it affects love lives in different ways.
Essentially, these shows spark useful conversation amongst audience members about relationship ideals, expectations and even conflict management.
#3 – Romance reality shows are so boring…. I’d rather watch anything else.
Now this, I hear all the time. Some argue that the storylines are repetitive, with the same arcs and tropes reused across different shows. Others complain about the slow pace, causing them to lose interest within the first few episodes.
While the patterns might look predictable on the surface, the beauty of reality TV is in the details. Having new casts each season brings a unique and refreshing take to the show. And the ‘boring’ moments are often where the real substance lies—an honest confession or a lingering look can change the whole dynamic.
What’s more, the diversity in format of shows today leaves no room for boredom. I personally take to the Japanese and Korean formats, that balance conversations and activity well, with a particularly entertaining panel to top it off. There’s truly something for everyone: pining for a youthful, high-school crush? Try Nineteen to Twenty. Or maybe you’re looking for something that dives into heartbreak? Change Days involves real couples fighting for (or walking away from) their love.
With the misconceptions out of the way, it’s time to zoom in on the people at the centre of it all. The shows cannot happen without the cast, and having the right people could potentially make or break the series. The real reason we keep coming back is not just the drama, but the recurring personalities that make the shows so addicting. Now, let’s talk about the characters we love (or love to hate)!
Character Archetypes in Dating Reality Shows
#1: The Man-child
Man-children are the living proof, the walking reminders that ‘The older, the wiser’ isn’t really the case for everyone. They are the unappetising staples in dating reality shows with the energy of an insecure teenage boy and a backpack of unresolved issues.
Sure, he may be an aura farmer, playful and questionably funny. But as time passes, you’ll find yourself slapping your forehead in frustration at his utter stupidity—wondering if it’s the unfamiliar environment or the complete lack of emotional intelligence on his end to be blamed. Because really, why would you say “You look like grass!” to a girl who spent hours getting ready for you?
#2: Gym Rats with a God Complex (I’m sorry.)
They are those with the body of a Greek god but the commitment level of a goldfish. The showstopper. The stunner. The swoon-worthy bad boy. Despite radiating red flag energy, it is impossible to deny his lethal face card and his well built body. He knows he’s good looking and flirts like it’s an Olympic sport, stealing hearts within a 1km radius. This leaves one to wonder if he is really that desperate to gain testimonies to be used in his portfolio.
It seems like all fun and games until he starts recycling the same flirting techniques with everyone he meets, breaks his promises and plays mind games. And when it is time for actual heart-to-heart conversations? Suddenly, he’s looking around like someone had just asked him to explain Kant’s philosophy through an interpretive dance. In the end, you’re left disappointed as you watch the ship sink in slow motion before your very eyes. What has he done…
#3: The Guy Magnet Diagnosed with Main Character Syndrome
It’s the unavoidable pull of attraction once you’re in her gravitational field. It’s the irresistible magnetic draw towards her. It’s the batting of her long eyelashes that blows you away. Taking ‘Sit Still Look Pretty’ to the next level, she’s giving #IT GIRL energy and main character vibes.
It’s all cutesy and interesting until she hogs all the screen time and the series ends up being mostly about her love octagon and the nth relationship with the other male contestants… The other girls? They’re literally non- existent. Take Seul-ki from Single’s Inferno Season 2 for example:
#4: The Unpopular Green Flags
The only one calm and composed. Looming in the background with the one with the least amount of screentime, you might think she’s just a nobody. But, she tugs at the heartstrings of the viewers, capturing their attention for being so down to earth and genuine. In the show, she doesn’t try hard, she doesn’t chase. And unfortunately, neither does she attract.
Concluding Thoughts
Coming from a romance rookie whose love life only exists through dating reality shows, here are some tips I’ve been enlightened about. Please take these pieces of advice at your own risk.
TIP #1: HaJeong’s Chin Tuck Flirting Technique
TIP #2: Dedication and Persistence
Be expressive with your actions of service. Make your love declarations bigger, bolder and braver! But know when to take a step back to avoid coming across as being too overbearing! Be a turnoff and they will run off…
TIP #3: Crying is everything.
So, are dating reality shows really worth the hype? Well, if you’re looking for some entertainment and a good laugh, then why not? You might even learn more about yourself—your own expectations of love, heartbreak, relationships and everything in between. Behind the drama and cringe-worthy moments lie raw, relatable truths about our human psyche. So before you dismiss these shows as just fluff, remember that even the most over-the-top moments can echo something familiar—something honest.
