Romance is on the menu
Date My Family returns with more awkward icebreakers, meddling mothers and interesting family dinners in season 6.
Date My Family Season 6 Sundays (from 2 December) Mzansi Magic (*161) 18:00
There are two ways that a blind date could go on reality show Date My Family (2015- current). The singleton hits it off with one of the three suitors’ families and they return for a follow-up. Or the date ends on a bitter note. “The dates are meant to be lighthearted and fun. There’s nothing to be nervous about,” says producer Kopano Gelman. Date My Family is unlike any other dating show. Instead of having a candlelit dinner for two, the romantic hopeful shares a blind- date dinner with three of the unseen suitors’ families and at the end of the episode they choose a winner based on the families’ likability. “The families are welcoming and hospitable, not just to the daters but to the crew. They’re quick to open their doors,” says Kopano.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
Date My Family is a Sunday Twitter Classic and trends religiously on social media. “It has continued to surpass our expectations,” explains Kopano. “We wanted to put together a show that resonated with viewers. What better way than with food and family?” For fans, watching as a fly on the wall is the best part thanks to the overprotective sibling or that eccentric uncle who is joking around inappropriately – every family has that person, so it makes the show relatable, says the executive producer. “Surprisingly, we’ve never had a family that’s stopped us while filming. They are all willing participants.”
BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Becoming a dating hopeful isn’t just a matter of volunteering and after six seasons, the production team know exactly how to find the perfect singles. “The participants fill in a detailed form about themselves and what they are looking for, then we do an extensive background check,” explains Kopano. “We verify all the information, most importantly making sure that they aren’t married.” The research team goes as far as contacting the participants’ friends and family and once that has been done, they begin the pairing process. “The key is balance when matching the suitors with the hopefuls’ families. We’d like them to get along and have fun. We aren’t offering anyone a husband or wife, there isn’t a marriage proposal at the end, just a fun date,” says Kopano.