First Dates (article)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 27 February 2026

First Dates is a British reality dating series on Channel 4 that quite literally follows people on first dates, succeeding in its simplicity. The show debuted in 2013 but, in today’s world of toxic dating apps and online personality wannabes, it is more relevant and important than ever.

Each episode sees plucky singletons arrive for a blind date at the First Dates restaurant, welcomed by front of house maître d' Fred Sirieix, who also offers up compliments and advice about love, romance and dating. They are then served a drink at the bar by friendly bartender Merlin, where their date then greets them, before they are seated for their meal, served by a range of regular waiting staff. A total of four pairings are covered in each episode, with each date ending in both being asked if they would like to see each other again. If they both say yes, the end of the episode then provides an update on their progress. The restaurant is located in Bath, with previous seasons having been filmed in Manchester and, before that, London.

Unlike many other reality shows which primarily focus on the 18-30 younger demographic that could be described as beach body ready, First Dates features a wide range of people from different backgrounds, covering various personalities, appearances, ages, ethnicities and sexualities. There’s younger couples in their 20s and 30s; some are parents, many have been hurt in the past, a few are students, some are inexperienced and have dates consisting of awkward silences and dreadful icebreakers. There’s middle-aged couples in their 40s and 50s; some are divorced, some have just never found that special someone to spend the rest of their lives with. There’s older couples in their 60s and over; many are widowed, some have lived a life too busy and adventurous to have found a steady partner and several are traditional souls with a strong outlook on love looking for companionship. But, whichever they are, all have a story to tell and are looking to write the next chapter.

A teen spin-off has aired, featuring 16 to 19-year-olds, many of whom are on their first ever date, resulting in cringeworthy moments aplenty!

Another spin-off series First Dates Hotel started in 2017, following the same premise as the regular series, except daters attend the First Dates Hotel restaurant instead, set in the stunning location of the south of France and later Naples in Italy. If their first date is successful, they can check-in to the hotel for the night and attend fun activities after.

Another similar spin-off series filmed abroad called First Dates Beach Club began in 2025, this time set at a luxurious beach club setting in Spain. The series feels like First Dates meets Love Island as singletons check-in and are again set up on dates where, if successful, they continue to see each other on holiday but, if not, they leave… or hang around to try again. The enjoyable laidback format sees added drama too as more possibilities can happen. Also, daters can chat with other participants that they are not paired with to discuss their dates both before and after.

Channel 4 is the network that has given us the outrageous and explicit reality shows of Naked Attraction, Virgin Island, Open House and Sex Box, but here they provide a down-to-earth reality series.

Above being a piece of entertainment, it exists to serve a much greater purpose. It represents the genuine public looking for genuine connection and a genuine relationship. Many of the younger daters explain that they are there to find something real, recalling poor experiences on dating apps where people are only after one thing. There’s also a whole host of ghosting, breadcrumbing, filtered pics and abuse… and that’s just the real profiles! Throw in all the other fake accounts existing purely to sell their OnlyFans or extort money and it’s clear to see why people are seeking a return to real-world dating. Sure, there’s still a selection of Love Island-style narcissists consumed by their ego, but all the posers, bitches and fuckboys with their six packs, lip filters and Turkey teeth (not to mention other fake anatomy!) make up just a small disappointing proportion of the youth population. Want a bad boy? Well you’re asking to get your heart broken! Many of those looking for love have been treated poorly by ex-partners too, often having been cheated on and / or made to feel not good enough. It’s a story that’s been told concerningly frequently on the show, yet reinforces their search for someone who will treat them right over someone they fancy. Meanwhile, those dipping their toes into the dating pool for the first time are often kindhearted as they are overly intent on ensuring their dates are mutually interested in them (and have often been told by family to make their date feel special). The ones who have reached middle age without having found someone start to feel unlovable, a sad sentiment but one that at least proves that the desire to love and be loved is still very much alive. And then there’s the handful of widows and widowers. They deserve to be forgiven if they are a bit rusty with their flirting as they go on to recall their undying love for their dearly departed. With some having had their marriage of 60 odd years come to an end, they tell of that old-fashioned love where they were instantly smitten from their meet cute, several decades before that term was even coined, and carried utter devotion for their spouse throughout a lifelong marriage. For better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part; they really meant every word. The true gentleman is a dying breed and the world is a bit more sad of a place for it, but this series is here to show that, above all, love wins.

This series is not just an opportunity to have a good ol’ nosey into other people’s business, it’s a vehicle to restore our faith in humanity.