Why Are We Suckers For Reality Love Shows?

From The Bachelor to Splitsvilla and beyond, we explore our current obsession with reality TV coupledom and why we’re lovin‘ it.

When it comes to love, I’m one of those people they call ‘cynical’. Recently, though, something changed and it’s time we spoke about it.

Hi, I’m M, and I’m addicted to watching people fall in love on TV.

It’s become a problem as the universe becomes my enabler. From the latest The Bachelor to the upcoming The Bachelorette (’coz #equality), and Dare 2 Date and Splitsvilla. These shows not only smash the ratings, they also make up a growing chunk of fodder for the media. If we’re not hearing about the show itself, we’re hearing about the lives of its stars. We’re reading, liking and watching in rose-tinted droves.

According to psychologist Dr Becky Spelman, it comes down to the basic fact: we have a vested interest in dating and relationships—especially those of others. So imagine our delight when true romantic drama is served up on a nightly basis for an hour.