“First Dates,” returns to Channel 4 for its 23rd season. It’s a simple formula, really: two strangers, a blind date, and the potential for either heartwarming connection or excruciating awkwardness. Yet, it continues to resonate.
This season premiere offers a fresh batch of hopeful singles, each with their own quirks and anxieties. Justine, a 53-year-old self-proclaimed chocolate aficionado, is paired with Angus, a 59-year-old chocolate expert. Will their shared passion for all things cocoa blossom into something more? The potential for a sugar-sweet romance is certainly high.
Elsewhere, 24-year-old fashionista Lucy, who has never had a boyfriend, meets the equally stylish and moustachioed Ben. Both share a love of music and clothes, offering common ground for connection. Lucy’s story takes a deeper turn, revealing her use of a stoma bag due to a past illness, a quiet testament to the show’s willingness to present a broader spectrum of experiences.
And then there’s Clint, a 39-year-old hairdresser hoping to charm Dani, a long-haul flight attendant of the same age. Will their busy schedules allow for a second date? Only time will tell.
But perhaps the most memorable pairing of the night involves Jack, a writer with a striking resemblance to Captain Jack Sparrow, and Chloe, a rock singer. Their connection is instant, sparking with compliments on eyeliner and a self-penned poem from Jack. The real surprise, however, comes when Chloe serenades Jack with a rock ballad, a moment that leaves the entire restaurant stunned. It’s these unexpected bursts of genuine emotion that keep “First Dates” from becoming just another dating show.
“First Dates” returns to Channel 4 on Monday, February 3, 2025.