Matchmaking shows are on the rise again. Are they changing real-life dating habits?

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The story of “Muslim Matchmaker” began as many modern tales of romance do: with an unsolicited DM.

Smriti Mundhra, the executive producer behind “Indian Matchmaking” on Netflix, is now leading a new series that delves into the practice of matchmaking within the Muslim-American community.

Following the proposal of the concept to future stars of the show, Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady, on Instagram some time back, Mundhra embarked on the extended journey of creating the series. Later, they successfully found a suitable platform for it at ABC News Studios.

Mundhra, who was once a client and is well-versed in the field of matchmaking due to her role as creator of “Indian Matchmaking” and former association with Sima Taparia, has also served as an executive producer for the Netflix series “Jewish Matchmaking” in 2023. Now, she’s taking the helm for the Hulu release, “Muslim Matchmaker.

Television

‘Indian Matchmaking’ becomes the latest addition to Netflix’s collection of dating series, such as ‘Love Is Blind’ and ‘Too Hot to Handle’, offering a fresh perspective by challenging traditional arranged marriage perceptions.

Mundhra expressed that she believes audiences find intrigue in series focusing on religious or cultural groups due to the abundance of knowledge one can gather by observing how diverse cultures and communities handle matchmaking and matrimony concepts. Despite not being a Muslim herself, Mundhra shared that while working on the show, she absorbed several valuable lessons from Islam which have remained with her ever since.

Mundhra found it captivating to observe how the matchmaking process and the broader quest for a life partner can reveal personal aspects about oneself. This insight served as an excellent source of inspiration and drove the creation of the series, and it remains intriguing.

In the year 2023, Mundhra was recognized with two Emmy nominations for her contributions to “Indian Matchmaking” (Season 3), and she has also been nominated for a total of two Oscars in the category of directing documentary shorts, one of which is this current year’s nomination for “I Am Ready, Warden.

Much like the practice of matchmaking, though, these shows are not new.

Pioneers in the matchmaking series genre, Pattis (Novak and Stanger) introduced their respective reality TV shows towards the end of the ’00s. Novak graced our screens with “Confessions of a Matchmaker” in 2007, while Stanger launched “The Millionaire Matchmaker” in 2008, which continued for eight seasons.

Some episodes of “The Millionaire Matchmaker” are currently available for streaming on Netflix. In April 2024, Patti Stanger debuted in a new series titled “Patti Stanger: The Matchmaker” on the CW network. When interviewed by The Times, she expressed her desire to return to television, preferably for a revamped version of “The Millionaire Matchmaker,” which she described as her dream.

The reason these series continue to be popular is straightforward, Mundhra explained. “They have a fascinating, almost intrusive allure,” she stated. “I’m constantly amazed at how people can’t help but be drawn in while watching two individuals on an uncomfortable date.

In the bustling realm of reality dating programs, matchmaking shows go beyond what Adam Cohen-Aslatei, CEO of matchmaking firm Three Day Rule, labels as “beach body competitions.” In simpler terms, they offer a more authentic and in-depth approach to finding compatible partners.

Cohen-Aslatei commented that the show is of superior quality and carries a strong purpose. Since many people are investing significantly in it, there’s more on the line. He went on to say, ‘These shows are authentic. It seems like real individuals facing genuine difficulties that we all encounter.’

According to Cohen-Aslatei, these shows often delve into profound aspects of relationships and dating, providing guidance for viewers on how to navigate their own romantic lives in a more constructive manner. He also noted that “we’re not naturally endowed with the knowledge of how to date.

Television

Have we learned if Viral got married to Aashay, or is it that Arshneel and Rinkle are still an item? We reached out to the cast of ‘Indian Matchmaking’ for updates on their romantic situations.

According to Cohen-Aslatei, his firm aims to capitalize on the popularity of certain TV shows. They are working on a project that he characterizes as a fusion between “Queer Eye” and “Selling Sunset”, which will focus on some of Three Day Rule’s matchmakers, offering a glimpse into their lives.

To numerous spectators and enthusiasts of these shows, turning off their televisions often leaves them with a dismal perspective about the real-world dating scene. Stranger, who continues her career as a professional matchmaker, labels the dating scene on most apps as “a town full of losers.

I find it draining to be on these dating apps,” I admitted. “It’s akin to stepping into a colosseum, where you’re searching for a compatible partner amidst countless unsuitable candidates. After finding one who seems promising, there are still dozens of others competing for their attention.

some dating platforms are adapting to combat swiping fatigue. One such example is Lox Club, a “members club for individuals with exceptionally high standards who identify as Jew-ish,” which already boasts a select membership, but entered the matchmaking arena in May 2024 by unveiling its own service. The waitlist currently exceeds 10,000 hopeful members.

As a passionate movie-goer speaking to fellow enthusiasts, let me ask you this: ‘Have you ever used a dating service specifically catering to the Jewish community?’ I’ve noticed that many of you have not. However, our platform, Lox Club, piques their interest because we’ve cultivated an extensive network within the Jewish community. They are on a quest for a partner who shares their faith and they find our team’s knack for carefully selecting potential matches quite enticing.

Over the past five years, both Stranger and Cohen-Aslatei have noted a rise in the number of single individuals approaching them for their services.

Stranger mentioned that since the COVID-19 pandemic, she’s observed an increasing trend among women resorting to matchmaking services, a practice previously sought mainly by men. She went on to say that her business is currently booming, with Valentine’s Day and the enthusiasm of a new year encouraging more individuals to focus on personal growth and meaningful relationships.

Lifestyle

According to dating experts, the demand for their services is soaring, as an increasing number of individuals are becoming more open-minded and purposeful in their search for a romantic partner.

According to Cohen-Aslatei, their customer base has shifted significantly towards a younger demographic compared to the last decade, and they’re also seeing an increase in diversity with regards to race, faith, and sexual orientation.

Previously, this service catered more to wealthy, white individuals, but that’s no longer accurate. Now, everyone, regardless of their identification, can utilize our matching services.

Stranger’s matchmaking services for her Millionaire’s Club are quite pricey, with packages starting at $50,000. Similarly, Three Day Rule’s fees begin at $5,900. Notably, Three Day Rule has introduced a year-long package priced at $1 million, which encompasses premium date planning services, a 3-carat diamond engagement ring, and other exclusive benefits.

Two services, among others, provide a complimentary usage of their database for individuals who aren’t prepared to invest a few thousand dollars yet. However, Cohen-Aslatei noted that some weary dating app users are ready to pay for a tailored experience that could potentially increase their chances of success.

He stated that today’s generation tends to put money into relationships earlier compared to previous ones, and he finds it fascinating since this early investment appears to significantly boost their chances of success.

It’s unclear if this change in the matchmaking sector is connected to the success of Mundhra’s television programs, but she’s delighted to observe an increase in interest in matchmaking. In a playful manner, she claimed responsibility for the phenomenon.

Everyone can identify with the longing for a meaningful life partner and the desire to escape the superficiality of swipe-based dating culture. I believe this is something that transcends cultures, whether you’re watching a matchmaking show from India, Judaism, Islam, or any other culture, we all resonate with that yearning.

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2025-02-14 14:37