What’s pulling viewers into stories of ‘never-dated’ singles

Contestants skate during a date on Netflix’s reality dating show “Better Late than Single.” Courtesy of Netflix

Netflix’s reality dating show “Better Late than Single” has struck a chord with global audiences by capturing the raw, heartfelt journeys of ten adults in their twenties and thirties who have never dated before.

Since its debut on July 8, the series has quickly gained popularity, landing in Netflix’s Global Top 10 (non-English TV category) for two consecutive weeks and hitting No. 1 in Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

Its success lies in its emotional authenticity, thoughtful production and clever use of mentors, offering a refreshing contrast to the more sensationalistic formulas of typical dating shows.

At its core, the series celebrates the clumsy but genuine first steps into love. Cast from over 4,000 applicants, the final 10 participants were selected for their desire to change and their readiness to pursue love with sincerity.

From awkward small talk to tentative door-knocks and fluttering confessions, their experiences evoke the bittersweet nostalgia of one’s own first love.

One standout moment involves a group date at a roller-skating rink. As two female contestants help a third, who struggles to skate, the three male contestants focus awkwardly on a race, missing the chance to connect.

Watching from the studio, panelist Lee Eun-ji quips, “Is this a competition? It looks more like ‘The Walking Dead,’” to laughter and groans.

Singer Car, the Garden delivers a sharp-witted comment to his assigned contestant on Netflix’s reality dating show “Better Late than Single.” Courtesy of Netflix

Beyond entertainment, the show focuses on transformation. Over six weeks, contestants go through makeovers that include speech training, psychological counseling, and style coaching.

“Most of them blamed themselves for not being able to date,” said producer Kim No-eun. “The makeover was about building their confidence.”

Their emotional growth, whether it’s crying over past mistakes or opening up to others, drives the show's most powerful moments.

The show’s panel of celebrity mentors, includes Seo In-guk, Kang Han-na, Lee Eun-ji and Car the Garden.

Each mentor is paired with a contestant and offers advice, support and even the occasional apology on their behalf. They serve as both guides and emotional buffers, invested in each contestant’s journey.

Outside the show, its popularity has been amplified by YouTube creators like Charles Enter, whose reaction videos, featuring laughter, tears and gasps, have drawn hundreds of thousands of views and added to the communal experience. Many viewers say they were introduced to the show through these videos before watching the full episodes.

The boom in dating reality shows continues, evolving from the likes of “Heart Signal,” "Love After Divorce" and “EXchange” into variations exploring love among teens, older adults and now, first-timers.

Two contestants go on a date on Netflix’s reality dating show “Better Late than Single.” Courtesy of Netflix

Cultural critic Kim Kyo-seok said, “Today’s shows draw people in by introducing the participants themselves. Even if we don’t see a frenzy like we did with ‘Heart Signal,’ dating shows will remain dominant for the foreseeable future.”

Still, concerns remain over casting and safeguarding contestants. Public backlash and post-show controversies have raised questions about production ethics. Kim added, “Some people join these shows seeking fame, and production teams can’t screen for everything. But they must have the judgment to say no, even to a promising story, if ethical red flags emerge.”

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.