Iran’s online version of Blind Date is shut down by regime
IRAN’S version of has been censored by the country’s theocratic rulers after it became a must-watch for young people dreaming of more Western lifestyles.
The crackdown comes after more than a year of nationwide protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for wearing the hijab improperly.
The Iranian Blind Date attracted millions of viewers to its online episodes where young men and women attempt to find love by answering questions posed by Iranian influencer Viny.
The format is best known for the British version on ITV hosted by Cilla Black. The show attracted 14 million viewers at its peak and ended in 2003.
Unsurprisingly, the Persian version, which follows the same format, is more demure. In one episode, the would-be couple clashed on several issues, with the woman rejecting the prevalent idea in Iranian society that men are superior to women. The show was deemed radical enough to be shut down by censors who are tightening already stringent restrictions on social media. The show’s Instagram page was blocked by order “of the honourable judicial authority” until “further notice”.
Iran’s social media stars have continued to highlight a more liberal, youthful lifestyle even though it clashes with the country’s repressive leadership.
Viny, born in 2003, was a comedian and popular on Youtube before presenting his version of Blind Date.
Some episodes remain available on Youtube, giving a rare insight into life
in a pariah state, where the hijab is mandatory for women and 650 people were recently killed in street protests.
Viny peppers contestants separated by a curtain with questions. At the end, the curtain is pulled back and they give a thumbs up or thumbs down for a date.
While such talk seems innocent by Western standards, dating can be difficult under strict Islamic laws.
A study in 2022 found half of Iran’s population of 86 million were under the age of 35, with nearly 68 per cent of them single.