“Ready to Love,” the OWN dating show that attempts to find lasting connections for Black singles in their 30s and 40s, kicks off its tenth season with a trip down the aisle. The premiere features a wedding from a previous season couple, presumably intended to inspire the new batch of hopeful romantics. Will this display of matrimonial bliss have the desired effect, or will it just remind everyone how statistically unlikely lasting love is?
The new singles, gathered in Atlanta, are split into two groups for initial mixers. This tried-and-true reality TV format provides ample opportunity for awkward introductions, forced conversations, and the inevitable clash of personalities. Early previews suggest that some contestants may not even make it past the first night.
Excessive joking and unconventional behavior are cited as potential dealbreakers. One can only imagine what constitutes “unconventional behavior” in the high-stakes world of reality TV dating. Wearing a full suit of armor? Bringing a pet parrot? Quoting Nietzsche?
“Ready to Love” premieres Friday, February 7 on OWN.
