Sexist dating shows still dominate TV in 2025—here’s why they’re harmful, how they affect viewers, and what to watch instead.
Haven’t gone away in 2025. If anything, they’ve just put on better makeup and snuck back onto our screens looking more “progressive”—but the same old toxic patterns still exist underneath.
If you’ve ever watched a dating reality show and cringed at the outdated gender roles, scripted drama, or “man as prize” themes—you’re not alone. These shows still thrive, despite real conversations happening around equality, consent, and emotional intelligence.
What makes a dating show sexist?
- When women are judged solely on looks or “feminine” behaviour
- When men are rewarded for aggression or dominance
- When emotional manipulation is packaged as “romantic tension”
- When contestants are shamed for sexual choices—especially women
- When gender roles are reinforced with no diversity or fluidity
Let’s be clear: reality TV is entertainment. But when it reinforces power dynamics that harm people in real life, it becomes a cultural problem—not just a guilty pleasure.
Why sexist dating shows still dominate in 2025
- Ratings over responsibility: Controversy brings views, and views = money.
- Global streaming: Netflix, Hulu, and international platforms push these formats worldwide.
- Slow change: Even “diverse” casts are often edited to fit old tropes.
Even when a show markets itself as “woke,” the actual format still rewards toxic masculinity and punishes women for stepping outside traditional norms.
Popular shows that still raise red flags
- Too Hot to Handle: Sex is shamed while emotional growth is gamified.
- Love Island: Still thrives on jealousy, body competition, and “lad culture.”
- The Bachelor/Bachelorette: Fairy-tale edits with old-school gender scripts underneath.
- FBoy Island: Literally built on the idea of testing if men can stop being toxic.
Some of these shows have attempted diversity—but rarely escape reinforcing patriarchal ideas. Many queer-inclusive versions still copy the same structure—just with new labels.
How sexist dating shows affect real people
- Skewed relationship expectations: Viewers often internalise the idea that “playing the game” is normal.
- Body image pressure: Unrealistic standards for men and women alike.
- Normalised jealousy and control: Manipulative behaviour gets romanticised as passion.
Young viewers are especially at risk. Many shows still cater to audiences aged 16–30—prime years for identity and relationship-building.
What the research says
- 58% of Gen Z say dating reality shows promote unhealthy relationship models (Pew Research, 2024)
- 48% of women aged 18–29 feel pressured to act more “desirable” after watching such shows (Glamour Survey, 2023)
- Men exposed to aggressive dating content were more likely to endorse traditional gender roles (Psychology Today, 2023)
How to watch smarter
You don’t have to quit reality TV altogether. But you can watch it consciously:
- Ask: Who’s being praised, and why?
- Spot the double standards—are men and women judged differently?
- Talk about what feels off with friends, partners, or online communities.
- Balance toxic shows with reality TV that centres consent, kindness, and emotional intelligence.
Dating shows that try to break the mould
- Dating Around (Netflix): More natural conversations, diverse cast, less drama
- Love on the Spectrum: Refreshing honesty, neurodiverse representation, zero games
- Jewish Matchmaking, Indian Matchmaking: Cultural lens—though still imperfect—adds nuance
No show is flawless. But these attempt to move past the same tired formula of “woman performs, man chooses.”
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Final thought
Sexist dating shows may seem harmless, but they shape how millions of people think about love, gender, and power. If we keep watching without questioning, we’re co-signing the message. But if we watch with eyes open, we can still enjoy the drama—and reject the garbage.