NBC Orders ‘First Dates’ Docu-Reality Series Produced By Ellen DeGeneres
NBC has picked up First Dates, an eight-episode reality series based on a format from Shed Media’s Twenty Twenty banner. The hourlong series will be produced by Shed Media, which is part of Warner Bros. TV’s alternative department, and Ellen DeGeneres’ WBTV-based A Very Good Production.
First Dates
is described as an observational documentary series that takes an authentic look at a variety of real first dates happening over one night at the same restaurant. Casting is underway, with filming slated to begin in July in Chicago. No premiere date has been set.
First Dates aired two installments on the UK’s Channel 4. The NBC adaptation is executive produced by Pam Healey and John Hesling for Shed Media, DeGeneres and Jeff Kleeman for A Very Good Production, and Tim Carter for Twenty Twenty. Anthony Dominici also serves as executive producer.
NBC has been looking to launch a successful dating franchise, with the Eva Longoria-produced Ready for Love among its efforts. In addition to ABC’s stalwart The Bachelor, there was a buzzy newcomer in the space last year in FYI’s Married at First Sight, which is moving to bigger sibling A&E for Season 2.
A Very Good Produnction, repped by ICM Partners, has been building an unscripted series portfolio, which includes Ellen’s Design Challenge on HGTV, Repeat After Me on ABC and the upcoming Hello Goodbye on the Travel Channel.
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