NBC’s latest doc reality show, “First Dates,” began shooting the 8-episode, one-hour series Friday through Aug. 5 at upscale MK restaurant in River West, with a crew of around 10.
Loglined, “the good, the bad and the hilarious,” the show, a live version of Match.com, looks at a variety of first dates taking place over dinner one night at the same restaurant.
The show from executive producer Ellen DeGeneres’ A Very Good Production and Shed, the alternative division at Warner Bros. is based on the hit U.K “First Date” format.
Chicago was chosen for the series locale “because it’s the quintessential American City … with a salt-of-the-earth spirit and heartland values,” Paul Telegdy, NBC president of late night and alternative programming told the Tribune.
The show went looking for eligible, single men and women, ages 18 to 65-plus, through an open online casting call and held auditions in April in Maryland and Denver; one call was held specifically for single vegans.
Applicants filled out a lengthy list of personal questions, like those found on online dating sites (e.g. “Why do you think you’re still single? Where have you been looking for love? What is your best physical asset”). After casting agents winnowed down the pool of eligible singles, producers selected the finalists and paired them up for the show.
The end of each episode will reveal if the first daters are interested in getting to know each other, or will keep looking.
Director is Michael Pearlman (“Project Runway”). Executive producers are also Pam Healey (“Who Do You Think You Are?”), John Hesling (“Top Gear”) for Shed Media and Anthony Dominici (“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”).
The premiere date has not been set.
