The Dating Game
The Dating Game is an ABC television show that first aired on December 20, 1965 and was the first of many shows created and packaged by Chuck Barris from the 1960s through the 1980s. ABC dropped the show on July 6, 1973, but it continued in syndication for another year as The New Dating Game. It was revived as follows: 1978–1980, 1986–1989 and 1996–1999. For years it was almost always aired in tandem with another Barris production, The Newlywed Game, which premiered on ABC the following year. The show was a forerunner of a number of other shows themed in the same style.
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Plot Summary
The Dating Game was a popular American television game show where a single contestant (the "bachelorette" or "bachelor") interviews three unseen contestants. Based on their answers, the contestant picks one to go on a date with. The show often featured humorous and sometimes awkward interactions, highlighting the dating norms and humor of its era. It became a staple of syndicated television for decades.
Critical Reception
As a game show, The Dating Game was primarily judged on its entertainment value and ability to generate lighthearted fun. It was a ratings success for its time, widely enjoyed for its simple premise and the often comical outcomes of the dates. While not critically acclaimed in a traditional sense, it is remembered fondly as a cultural artifact of 1960s and 70s television.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its simple and engaging premise that provided consistent entertainment.
- Noted for its often humorous and sometimes cringe-worthy contestant interactions.
- Remembered as a nostalgic piece of television history reflecting societal dating customs.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the show's charm and nostalgic appeal, with many appreciating its lighthearted and humorous nature. Viewers often recall specific memorable contestants or awkward date scenarios, cementing its place as a beloved classic game show.
Fun Fact
One of the most infamous episodes featured a bachelor named Rodney Alcala, who would later be revealed as a serial killer, going on a date with Cheryl Bradshaw.
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