HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD (OR SHOULDN’T) WATCH NETFLIX’S NEW SERIES “DATING AROUND”

You might want to watch all the six episodes of this new dating series from Netflix, Dating Around.

Released just in time for Valentine’s Day. Netflix dished out a six-episode dating series featuring six New York hopefuls looking for love and biting into blind dates.

The series was a fun yet awkward show to see. It was visually pleasing, and charismatically entertaining that it’ll make you binge watch all the episodes in just one sitting. Though the format is the same all throughout the whole series, what sets it apart from other dating show is that it lets you see dating on a whole new diversified spectrum and a different perspective.

Each episode starts with a primer envelope called “Drinks”, followed by “Dinner”, then “After Hours”. Each section of the episode is a constant interaction of finding similarities, likes, dislikes and semiotics which goes on at the duration of the meal.

Now here’s our simple take on why you should or shouldn’t watch the series, Dating Around.

IT IS A NEW AND A REFRESHING TAKE FOR AN OLD “DATING” FORMAT

Dating Around, is a dating series, with an old and used format but kicked with an exciting elements that’ll make you finish the whole show in just one sitting. It’ll serve you some refreshing insights about the dating life and sometimes connects its audience through sympathy and episode belongingness.

YOU WILL OR WILL NOT RELATE TO THE CHARACTERS OF EACH EPISODE

The series features six episodes that represent different gender preferences that we have in society. From a good looking straight and dapper guy to a James Dean-like Asian gay guy, this series shows and acknowledge variations.

LUKE (EPISODE 1)

Luke, a 28-year-old North Carolina native real estate agent, is looking for a woman who can keep up with his active lifestyle, has a strong personality and takes care of her body.

Netflix puts Luke on dates with marketing specialist Ashley (31), real estate agent Betty (31), hospitality PR specialist Kate (26), copywriter Victoria (37) and Tiffany, a 28-year-old in sales.

GURKI (EPISODE 2)

Gurki, a 37-year-old who is a senior buyer for jewelry at Barneys, was married at 25. The marriage ended when she discovered her husband cheated, and now she’s single and dating in her 30s. She’s looking for somebody to match her ambition and is not going to rush into walking down the aisle again.

Netflix sets Gurki up with police officer Jay (36), real estate broker Justin (34), business development manager Rob (30), journalist Salim (26) and senior account executive Manny (29).

LEX (EPISODE 3)

Lex, 36, originally hails from Southern California and is a scenic and costume production designer in theater. He travels a lot , and is looking for a partner who is OK with staying in.

Lex dates ex-NFL lineman and tech consultant Brad (31), asset manager Cory (33), social media manager Jonathan (35), event coordinator Peter (31) and Mic, a 30-year-old head of sales.

LEONARD (EPISODE 4)

Leonard, a 70-year-old former lawyer and a private investigator, a widower ready to find love again following the death of his wife three years ago. The two were married for 34 years. The Bronx native is partial to a good martini and looking for a bright liberal woman who isn’t going to let age get in the way. 

Leonard is paired up with artist Eileen (72), retired finance banker Dianna (67), retired teacher Gloria (68), real estate banker Karen (54) and Lauren, a 64-year-old semi-retired fashion correspondent.

SARAH (EPISODE 5)

Sarah, 25, originally hails from Charlotte, North Carolina, but moved to New York City for an ex. The analytic recruiter is looking for a guy who can keep up with her—both out and about and on nights in.  Her spare time includes writing historical erotica, trivia competitions, and swing dancing.

Sarah goes on dates with musician Adrian (29), firefighter Antonio (30), strip club manager John (27), software engineer Matt (31) and real estate agent Nick (26).

MILA (EPISODE 6)

Mila, a 24-year-old sales associate originally from Illinois, moved to New York four years ago after her mother found out she was gay. Mila is also makeup artist and model who is looking for a passionate woman with confidence and a career who wants to start a family down the line.

Mila dates fashion designer and student Nina (29), sports club manager Christina (30), journalist Jarry (26), event producer Charlotte (31) and Ashley, 30, who is in mobile ad sales.

BEWARE OF THE NON-VERBAL CUES GALORE

If you are keen and observant, you will definitely see how a person interacts with the other and the way they act and respond to the situation. Needless to say, the biting of the lip that Sarah did while looking at one of her dates; the pursing of the lips just like Lex’s reaction while watching the “mustache bro” Jonathan eats his food; and of course the running of fingers through the hair as if wavering a call for smooches just like Luke’s date, Victoria. All of which is a non-verbal manifestation of attraction or apprehension.

Indeed, Semiotics plays a lot in this series which tend to be a bit satisfying to pin.

NO HOLES BARRED AND SOME SCENES ARE CRINGE-WORTHY

One episode that caught our attention was episode two. It is about Gurki, a 37-year-old divorcee, an intimidating yet beautiful woman of Indian descent.

In one of the scenes from this episode, Gurki clashed with one of her dates making an emotional scene that leads to a shocking ending that speaks of comfortability and compatibility. If you’ve watched the other five episodes you’ll be gobsmacked to find out that Gurki didn’t pick any of the boys.

Another gripping scene happened with Sarah and John. Looks could be very deceiving, as they say, and that’s what happened with John when he assumed that Sarah was a promiscuous lady who happens to be DTF. Poor John, with his sexually induced puns, Sarah decided to just politely walk out and cut the date night shorter than expected.

In another scene, still, with Sarah, reality punched her back when Antonio, his “cute headache firefighhter” decided to, this time, cut the date night shorter than expected and walked out, leaving Sarah sitting at the bar alone, due to unmatched wavelengths and likings.

THE SCORING AND EDITING ARE ON FLEEK

The music was perfectly on point and the cinematic shots and editing were all feast to the eye. Watch out to ala Devil Wears Prada transitions and a neon doused screen for yet another visual treat.

IT’LL MAKE YOU WANNA SEE MORE

Though the series has gathered critic reactions reactions ranging from “the trash you need this Valentine’s Day” at Mashable, to “the new Netflix reality show you’ll love to hate” at The Guardian. Dating Around is an addicting watch that will make you wanna see more.

Netflix has escalated its unscripted content recently with shows like “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” the “Queer Eye” reboot, “The Great British Baking Show,” “Amazing Interiors,” and cooking competition, “Nailed It!”, and they have released up to 50 reality and talks programs in 2018 with plans for more this year, according to Vulture.

Check out the shows trailer for better appreciation (or hate) below.