‘Better Late than Single’ finds global audience with sincere stories of first-time daters

Poster for Netflix original series "Better Late than Single" / Courtesy of Netflix

A Korean reality show featuring people who have never been in a romantic relationship is winning over viewers around the world.

Netflix said that “Better Late than Single” entered the platform’s global top 10 TV (non-English) rankings on July 16. The show placed second in Korea and also made the top 10 in several other countries, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Released on July 8, the series has carved out a unique space in Korea’s already saturated dating show landscape by focusing on those who have never experienced a romantic relationship — no first love, no first date, not even a first confession of romantic feelings.

This stands in stark contrast to shows like “Heart Signal,” “Single’s Inferno,” and “EXchange,” which often feature contestants with experience and confidence in romantic settings.

Director Cho Wook-hyung said the show goes beyond typical dating observation formats and actively supports participants in pursuing their first relationships. The production team also helps cast members overcome personal challenges such as low self-esteem, social trauma or lack of dating opportunities.

The show features singer-actor Seo In-guk, actress Kang Han-na, comedian Lee Eun-ji, and musician Car, the Garden as panelists. They not only comment on the cast’s interactions but also offer emotional support and guidance.

Unlike conventional dating shows driven by looks, status or flirting tactics, “Better Late than Single” highlights participants taking their very first steps into romance, often awkward but deeply sincere.

The cast, all in their 20s, come from diverse backgrounds: some have trauma from past rejections, others from school bullying, and some have simply never encountered potential partners in their social circles.

These authentic struggles unfold into what producers proudly describe as “a new kind of dopamine,” one that emerges not from high drama but from watching someone quietly gather the courage to express their feelings for the first time.

Critics note that the show defies formulaic patterns common in reality dating formats. Viewers can't predict what the participants will do next, and in an era where the authenticity of dating show contestants is frequently questioned, “Better Late than Single” has been praised for its “genuine emotional resonance.”

A scene from "Better Late than Single" / Courtesy of Netflix

The concept has especially struck a chord with younger viewers. On social media and online forums, many 10s and 20s viewers said the show felt “relatable and real,” citing the nervous conversations and awkward first dates as moments they could see themselves in. It also gently reminds viewers that love isn’t a special skill, but a universal experience.

Following the success of “Single’s Inferno,” Netflix now has another hit with “Better Late than Single.” Industry watchers are paying attention to whether the streaming platform can drive a new wave of K-dating shows centered on sincerity rather than spectacle.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.