A new study by tech retailer Currys has analysed 210 couples from some of television’s most popular dating shows to determine which programmes offer the best chance of finding lasting love. By examining couples’ relationship statuses, marriage rates, and even the number of children, the study found that Love is Blind leads as the most successful dating show, with one in three couples still together.
Looking at seven popular dating programmes, the study found that 33% of couples from the US version of Love is Blind remain together, compared to a slightly lower success rate of 29% for the UK version. Although the UK series is only in its first season, compared to six seasons of its US counterpart, both shows appear to provide a higher chance of lasting relationships than most other reality TV programmes. Notably, every couple still together from the US series has married, as have the remaining two couples from the UK version. The format of Love is Blind, where contestants choose whether to marry after meeting, appears to be key to its success rate, particularly for those seeking marriage.
The study’s analysis showed Married at First Sight UK as the next most successful dating show, with a success rate of 11%. Out of 18 couples examined from seasons six and seven, two remain together, though only one of those couples is married. Married at First Sight Australia ranked similarly, with 10% of couples still together, though only 5% remain married.
Both UK and US versions of Love Island, which involves contestants coupling up in a villa, share the same success rate of 10%, with only one in ten couples still together. Love Island UK continues to enjoy strong popularity among viewers; it was recently named the biggest reality show of the past decade, with over two billion streams since 2017 and 137 million streams on ITVX during this summer’s season alone, surpassing viewing figures for the Euros football tournament.
Overall, the analysis found that only 12% of couples across all seven dating shows are still together, dropping to just 8% when focusing solely on married couples.
At the opposite end of the scale, Ex on the Beach UK emerged as the least successful show for finding love, with only one in 24 couples still together. Too Hot to Handle, another programme with low long-term relationship rates, managed a 5% success rate, with only one out of 19 couples still together.
For contestants seeking social media fame, however, Love Island UK offers the most profitable route. According to Currys, an average contestant from Love Island UK can attract an Instagram following of over 1.2 million, potentially earning £2,528 per sponsored post. Too Hot to Handle follows closely, with an average earning potential of £2,279 per post. Ironically, Ex on the Beach, the least successful show for lasting relationships, ranked third for social media profitability, with average earnings of £2,120 per post for contestants.
Currys’ study highlights the divide between love and fame in reality television, with some shows offering a better shot at romance while others yield higher financial rewards for contestants.
