This summer's "Love Island" did not disappoint with its chaotic batch of Islanders [1], dramatic recouplings, and plot twists (hello, the Grafties). While we spent 8 weeks of summer lusting over Maya Jama's incredible outfits [2], since the villa doors have closed and Jess and Sammy were crowned the winners [3], there's been a gap in our TV schedule at 9pm.
With a stellar roster of couples having found love [4] in the villa, we can't blame you for feeling attached to the series. But there's no need to panic. There are plenty of binge-worthy reality dating series out there to watch while waiting for the your next "Love Island" fix.
"My Mum, Your Dad" is the most recent offering from ITV that took a more mature take on the reality TV format winning over the hearts of viewers in an arguably less superficial way. Then there's the seriously sexy "Too Hot to Handle" and the explosive "Love Is Blind [5]". keep reading to find out all the editor-recommended series like "Love Island" to start watching now.
"My Mum, Your Dad"
The heartwarming ITV show debuted in September 2023, and proved to be a surprising hit. With Davina McCall fronting the series, it involves a number of single parents looking for love, nominated by their grownup kids. The twist is that their kids watch all of the antics in the countryside retreat from the surveillance room. Full of heart and emotion, it will have you laughing and crying in one episode.
Watch "My Mum, Your Dad" on ITVX [6] now.
"Too Hot to Handle"
"Too Hot to Handle" follows a group of sex-driven singles who get dropped off in paradise. The catch? They aren't allowed to kiss, touch, or have sex for the entirety of their visit, or they risk losing the prize fund of $100,000. With temperatures soaring and teasing galore, it's a series that will have you hooked.
Watch "Too Hot to Handle" on Netflix [7] now.
"I Kissed a Boy"
This new reality show is actually the first gay dating series [8] to hit the UK. The eight-part series features 10 gay men on the lookout for love. The contestants enter an Italian farmhouse in pairs, where they kiss straight away to discover if there is an initial spaark. Hosted by Dannii Minogue, the show launched earlier this year, with a "I Kissed a Girl" on its way, too.
Watch "I Kissed a Boy" on BBC iPlayer [9] now.
"Made in Chelsea"
While this series is not technically a dating show, there is plenty of romantic drama to whet your appetite. Born into affluent families, the show sees a group of young men and women in their 20s navigating life in London (and across the world for the spinoff episodes). Expect love, lust, betrayal, and friendship in this E4 series.
Watch "Made in Chelsea" on Channel 4 [10] now.
"Love Is Blind"
These singles try to find a match, and end up falling in love, without ever seeing each other face-to-face. Meeting via individual pods separated by walls, the couples decide to propose before having ever set eyes on the recipient. Once engaged, they meet, honeymoon, live together, and decide whether to go through with the marriage a month later. It's every bit as dramatic and moreish as you'd think.
Watch "Love Is Blind [11]" on Netflix [12] now.
"Temptation Island"
This reality dating series sees couples being tempted to cut ties with previous relationships and explore new romances with eligible singles. Expect fireworks in the ultimate relationship test.
Watch "Temptation Island" on Amazon Prime Video [13] now.
"Deep Fake Love"
This Spanish language reality dating series (which is dubbed in English), sees five couples putting their trust into AI technology, which blurs the lines of truth and lies, with the aim of winning a cash prize.
Watch "Deep Fake Love" on Netflix [14] now.
"Love on the Spectrum U.S."
Less of a reality show, and more of a docu-dating series, "Love on the Spectrum U.S." sees seven adults with autism spectrum disorder navigating the world of romance for the first time. The show does a great job at tackling misconceptions.
Watch "Love on the Spectrum U.S." on Netflix [15] now.
"Cosmic Love"
This reality dating series involves a mystical guide leading four singles attempting to find their perfect match via astrological matchmaking. They mingle, match, date, eliminate, and eventually make the biggest decision of their lives, all by looking at the stars.
Watch "Cosmic Love" on Amazon Prime Video [16] now.
"The Ultimatum"
Long-time dating show presenters Nick and Vanessa Lachey encourage couples to put their love to the test while having encounters with other potential matches. The couples must decide whether they really want to get married, or go their separate ways.
Watch "The Ultimatum" on Netflix [17] now.
"Married at First Sight"
"Married at First Sight" is a reality series which matches couples based on psychological and sociological factors. A team of experts with backgrounds in psychology, psychotherapy, anthropology, and theology fuse their professional knowledge to create matches for successful relationships – who get married the day that they meet. After spending six weeks together, the married couple must choose whether they will stay together or split. The UK version is worth a watch, as is the Australian series for extra drama.
Watch "Married at First Sight" on Channel 4 [18] now.
"Are You the One? UK"
Hosted by presenter Joelah Noble, "Are You The One? UK" follows 20 unlucky-in-love singletons whose "perfect match" is somewhere in the house (determined by a series of interviews, questionnaires, and compatibility tests conducted individually). If they can uncover all ten perfect matches, they are rewarded with both a great relationship, and a cash prize.
Watch "Are You the One? UK" on Amazon Prime Video [19] now.