Survivor started it all, but reality TV seems to constantly be looking for new ways to reinvent itself.
Reality Run Down
They moved from a remote tropical jungle to a concrete one with billionaire Donald Trump firing the weakest contenders. The Amazing Race tested relationships during a race around the world. Then there’s the good old rose ceremony on the Bachelor.
But not all reality shows are about contests anymore. We can also peak into people’s daily lives. For instance, you can follow the life of former pop star Victoria Beckham (a.k.a. Posh Spice), see how “little people” survive in the big world, and how upper class housewives work and play in Orange County.
Matchmakers Enter the Arena
And then there’s the shows following professions and trades, like home improvement, plastic surgeons, and now matchmakers.
Say what? Yep, apparently matchmaking is joining the reality TV show ranks for being a viewer worthy and interesting profession.
Show 1
A&E’s version is Confessions of a Matchmaker with matchmaking pro and dating coach Patti Novak.
I haven’t seen any episodes, so I don’t know what it’s all about but apparently she’s a straight-shooting, no holds barred kind of personality. She helps the single in Buffalo, New York, (which apparently has the highest number of singles per capita) find love. Cameras follow her interviewing clients, matching them, while her fix ups are on dates, and then when she gives them feedback.
Show 2
Not to be out done, Bravo also has a version called the Millionaire Matchmaker with Patti Stanger. (What is it with matchmakers being named Patti?)
I’ve seen brief, brief parts of this show and this Patti is the no holds barred kind of Patti the other show boasts. She lets the men (they’re usually the millionaires) know exactly why they’re not finding love and what they need to change to get it.
Staying Power?
I’m not a fan of either show, I’m simply aware of them. I don’t think I’ll become a fan either. From the little bit I have seen I haven’t been convinced the people utilizing the matchmakers are even cut out for loving relationships, much as they may want to be. (Or claim to want to be.)
I think the shows will be flash-in-the-pan hits. Then again, tons of skeptics said the same about Survivor…
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