46 Responses to: ABC’s “Dating in the Dark” is the Worst Reality TV Show Idea EVER

1. Denise

   February 19th, 2009 at 11:52 pm

   I personally know one of the “contestants” who is participating/filming for this Dating in the Dark show right now. Even though he actually already had a girlfriend who he’d spent all of Valentine’s weekend with, he still chose to continue with the show.

   He’s been dating a nice, intelligent, beautiful girl on/off for about 2 1/2 yrs now, and although he first applied for the show during a time that they were not officially together, as of the day he started filming for this show, they were currently dating as bf/gf … he told her he wanted to go ahead with the show just because he wants to be on TV (my response to this, esp knowing what the show is about, is that he’s a moron w/ no ethics, morals, or values but instead w/ selfish motives and no thoughts of who might be hurt because of his decision to be on this show).

   I think his decision to participate in this dating show was the final straw for his current girlfriend who has decided to break up and call it quits for their relationship. The way I see it, for his current girlfriend (now ex by her choice), his decision was a blessing in disquise … now she can get on w/ her life and finding a truly nice, honorable guy who wouldn’t even dream of publicly cheating on her (I consider going on a game show of this type to be cheating on a current girlfriend, after all, the show is about actively seeking a compatible partner). I suppose he could totally surprise me by just being a friend to the female contestants on the show, but I’m not going to hold my breath on that one!

2. Sam

   February 20th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

   This sounds like a Very Interesting show. I would definitely watch it…it might make you think about how shallow you really are! Are looks a make it or break deal?

3. SB

   April 1st, 2009 at 12:03 am

   I think it sounds interesting. The idea if people CAN make a connection without knowing what they look like in a looks driven world could be worth a gander!

4. Christina

   April 20th, 2009 at 9:09 pm

   I think Michael needs to get his facts straight before going on his rant about a show he obviously knows nothing about. The entire show does not take place in a completly dark house. There is only one room in the house that is dark which is where all the dates take place. The rest of the time when the contestants are not in that room it’s like being in normal lighting. It’s actually a very cool concept. Society is so consumed with physical appearances that it will be interesting to see what kind of connection people can make based on personalities alone.

5. "josh"

   April 29th, 2009 at 12:37 am

   I am actually one of the contestant on the show and its going to be a great show, i lived in the house for the 4 days in malibu ca and had a great time, i cant say much but i will be on there and it will be good!!

6. "josh"

   April 29th, 2009 at 12:40 am

   This show will be a hit! so much more to it!

7. Boston

   May 7th, 2009 at 10:52 pm

   I was also on the show, and I had a great time. I met great people, and have some really great friends from it. It made me really think of what was important in life, and whether or not people watch it, I will always appreciate ABC for helping me find the qualities I really want in a man.

8. Denise

   July 15th, 2009 at 9:03 pm

   The stupid thing about this show is that they say it’s an experiment. If it was a true experiment, all contestants who are on would have to have been honest, truly single and looking for a relationship … not just people who might want time in the spotlight.

   Supposedly the show has 3 SINGLE men and 3 single women, however, at least one of the “men” was not single at the time of filming. Seems abc isn’t so good at weeding these liars out since Bachelorette recently had same thing happen. These guys need to apply for MTV’s show “Is She Really Going Out With Him”

   In Dating in the Dark preview where the guys are single file w/ the guy at front leading them in the dark, the guy in the front is the confirmed liar, Jeff. Don’t know if they use real names on the show, but his real life name is Jeff L. and he was not single when the episode he’s featured in was filmed … he was actually dating my daughter. They had just spent Valentine’s weekend together, filming started right after V-Day. She obviously didn’t want him to go on the show, and she obviously broke up w/ him when he went ahead and did it, although lots of other reasons too. In an attempt to make up w/ her, he sent her a fake Tiffany necklace! What a loser! When she called him on that, he sent her another necklace. Wish we could post their Valentine’s pics here … perhaps the producers would like to see them.
   We already know that the girl on Dating in the Dark didn’t choose to continue a relationship w/ him – smart girl. Oh yeah, he tried to convince my daughter that the show was scripted … to the other contestants, is it reality or scripted? If any of you are still in contact w/ Jeff, please let him know, my daughter really does NOT want anything to do w/ him … she got rid of both necklaces, why would she want to wear a heart shaped necklace of a reminder of her cheating, lying ex?

   Something really funny, he made up some story about the producers thinking he has a fan base because I’d made a posting here LOL Trust me, I am NOT a fan!!

9. s. baker

   July 20th, 2009 at 10:10 pm

   Is the house for dating in the dark the same house outside as nick lachey and jessica simpson’s newlywed show house?

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12. Denise

    July 21st, 2009 at 6:20 pm

    I’m a reality TV junkie, had to watch it, but had a hard time sitting through the whole show – in fact, I didn’t, just not enough there to keep me interested. Was anyone else able to sit through the whole thing … and be entertained? Suppose the Aug 10th episode might be a bit more interesting, for us anyway, since it has my daughter’s now ex-boyfriend in it, curious to see if he mentions that he had a girlfriend upon entering the house at any time during the show … we’ll be able to know just how much editing is done to make a person look better, or worse, than he really is.

13. brit

    July 23rd, 2009 at 5:06 am

    For crying out loud, Denise, NO ONE CARES. Sorry that your daughter dated a lying bastard…believe me, it happens to the best of us; however, dwelling on it from February to now is just a little ridiculous, don’t you think? I’m sure your daughter is over it by now…shouldn’t you be as well??

14. Chelzor

    July 23rd, 2009 at 11:05 pm

    Hahaha totally agree with you, Brit. Sheesh.

    I bet the guy signed an agreement when the couple was broken up, and he had to follow through with it even though they got back together. And I’m sure if the outside girlfriend is nearly as annoying as her mom (Denise), Jeff was eager to find a better, more laid back match.

15. Denise

    July 26th, 2009 at 12:22 am

    Ah, I see Jeff and his friends have found this thread LOL
    If you really don’t care … stop reading here

    Brit, my last post is mostly my observation about the show – which is the same as TV Jabs statement, and most other TV viewers and our local radio talk show hosts – betting that the show won’t make it beyond the few episodes that have already been filmed … too boring, not enough substance, and doesn’t let the viewers get “attached” to any of the “characters” enough.

    Chelzor, unfortunately for us he wasn’t eager to find someone else, guess we weren’t annoying enough LOL … he supposedly has a new gf, but still wouldn’t leave my daughter alone … he finally quit contact about a week ago (late July) after numerous continued requests for him to stop contact. I doubt your theory is correct as far as him having to follow through (although that’s exactly what he claimed), all these shows have lists of back-up contestants in case of problems, change of circumstances, and/or emergencies.

    Brit & Chelzor, not “dwelling” on it, but have been forced to deal with it since February because Jeff would not cease contact attempts until very recently. If you knew us at all, you’d know we are actually the laid back ones – but gotta love you people who can judge someone by a couple posts! What I’ve posted here I’ve posted more as proof that the show can’t be the experiment that it claims to be in part because of lack of thorough screening of participants. Also, I think it might be interesting for other viewers to have a little more background info on the participants.

    In closing, I agree with TV Jab that ABC’s “Dating in the Dark” is the Worst Reality TV Show Idea EVER

16. Mike

    July 26th, 2009 at 1:04 am

    I thought the show sucked but I appreciate that Denise provided more info about one of the contestants. It adds a new twist but I probably won’t waste anymore of my time watching future episodes. If the information is true it takes away from the credibility of the show and any experiment attached to it.

17. John M.

    July 27th, 2009 at 2:44 pm

    Why are BLACKS and people of color excluded from this program???

18. Michelle

    July 27th, 2009 at 11:01 pm

    Hi John—Chrystee (on tonight’s show) is black and gorgeous. The man she was purported to have something in common with dumped her at the end of the show—which was sucky. His loss.

19. AJS

    July 27th, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    I agree, She was the best looking girl! I just wanted to reach through the screen and hug her.

20. Hollister58

    July 28th, 2009 at 9:41 am

    I don’t think the show is as bad as the premise sounded, but I think updates on the couples that choose to go out after they leave the house would be nice – to give the show more credibility.

21. kay

    July 28th, 2009 at 10:10 am

    This show is stupid and I am so ready for the shows I love to start up again in the Fall. Where are Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy when you need them?!

22. tiff

    July 28th, 2009 at 10:21 am

    I agree, updates would be nice. Though I doubt seriously any of them are still dating. I also agree that I’m ready for some Housewives and Greys!

23. NIKKI

    July 30th, 2009 at 12:25 am

    I’m sorry about your daughter Denise, but seriously…?

    anyway onto the thing about updates…I know, it’s weird they say at the end of the episode that you can go to ABC.com for updates but i couldn’t find it. in fact, that’s how i ended up here.

    I too liked Chrystee, yet, I can see how Jason would be bothered by the religious aspect. Not everyone is into it, and any way they were only matched to 75%…so Chrystee’s dream guy, and Jason’s dream girl is still out there…

    anyway i like the show’s idea. i don’t think it warrants the rants of the author of this piece..I’ll continue to watch it as a late night snack because you get to see the true colours of people. Also this show aired in the UK prior…

24. Yoym

    July 30th, 2009 at 3:51 pm

    I thought the premise was interesting and the show completely blew away my expectations. Im not gonna lie I kind of like watching people get rejected, its why I watch the auditions in American Idol. But man I just felt so sad for the guy and the girl that got rejected on the first 2 episodes. Harsh.

25. Denise

    July 31st, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    Nikki, I know, when you ask “but seriously?” about the bits I’ve posted, there’s so much more, and it’s not normal. In fact, just found out recently that since he lives 3+ hours away now, he has what he refers to as “my [his] sources” to keep tabs on my daughter … kind of creepy! Stalkerish? 5+ months later, why does it matter to him where she works, who she’s going out with? Wish he’d quit obsessing and get over her so we can all move on.

    Yoym, the auditions of AI are my favorite part … esp the people who are horrible and don’t realize it

26. Valerie

    August 3rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm

    I think that it’s interesting to see just how big of a role looks play. For a new show there are still a few kinks that need worked out… but the show just aired so some credit is due. No matter what kind of show it is there are still going to be liars and people that try to cheat the system… but that alone is reality.

27. "Veronica"

    August 6th, 2009 at 8:36 pm

    Denise,

    I was the “smart” woman who ended up leaving Jeff on the balcony, and I just have to say that what Jeff told me off-camera about his relationship with your daughter was that it had been an on-and-off relationship for quite a while. There’s a lot of “she said he said” stuff going on with that situation, and it’s unfortunate that both of them are being painted as liars. He told me that they were still hanging out, but had been having problems and were not currently “official.” Frankly I couldn’t care less. I had just met someone when we taped the show, but had already signed up for the show, and signed the contracts, etc. Jeff seems to be a nice guy. The truth is, when relationships break up, people say and do stupid things. My mother learned years ago to stay out of my relationships because it only makes things messier with more people involved. Jeff told me it was your daughter that deleted me from his facebook account because she thought I was a porn actress. I was very hurt by this (I have not, and never will, act in pornography). Whether or not it is true that your daughter deleted me, I don’t know. I just felt bad that you were bad mouthing Jeff, and his side was not being defended. I suggest you, your daughter, and Jeff all move on from this situation. She is very young, so is Jeff. There are way more fish in the sea. Jeff cares about your daughter (I know this because he told me), and she was his best friend for a long time, but stuff happens, and I know from experience that its just best to cut all ties sometimes and move on.

    Taping the show was fun. I am still in contact with all of my cast members. They are all good people, and I hope for the best for all of them. Jeff included.

28. Denise

    August 7th, 2009 at 12:15 am

    Hi Veronica,
    When I said there’s so much more, there really is. But enough of rehashing, there’s more than should be discussed publicly on these boards. And yes, lots of he said/she said, but time will prove credibility, nature, and honesty of a person.

    Your suggestion that me, my daughter, and Jeff all move on is what we want, perhaps if you’re still in touch w/ Jeff, you can help convince him to move on … it’s been hard for us to do w/ the stuff he continues to do (he knows what I mean)!

    BTW, I’m sure the part about porn is just another of his embellished stories so don’t worry about it (or maybe you should if it’s a rumor he’s spreading).

    On a different note, it’s too bad you didn’t realize that you could have gotten out of your contract if/when you met someone before filming … they always have back-ups … end results from the show would have been more true to the “experiment” if everyone was really single like the show states they are/were.

29. Tom

    August 9th, 2009 at 11:09 am

    It would be interesting to know how many of the participants were not actually single when taping since it would affect their decisions. Sounds like Jeff def had a gf, and if “Veronica” really was one of the contestants, she admits she also “had just met someone when we taped the show”. How many of the participants actually were single? Maybe that’s why the one guy had 3 girls show interest, but none chose him. Did they all have bf’s too and just wanted air time?
    Why do the 2 people who claim to be contestants put their names in quotations here?

    Got curious about some of the discussion here, so did some research and searches. If this is the same Jeff who was on the show, looks like Denise is telling the truth about him obsessing over her daughter and continuing to try to contact her: http://www.myspace.com/jeffjlogan
    His dp is interesting w/ a bunch of questionable looking women, is he trying to prove something? Maybe a trip to Tiajuana.

    Go to “All Updates Jeff’s Status and Mood Updates” and here’s what I found:

    Jeff well be both know you were always stubborn…at 3:27 AM Jul 15

    Jeff is giving up yet again…at 3:15 AM Jul 15

    Jeff you know you want to E. the past is the past. lets carch up!!at 9:02 PM Jul 14 from mobile

    Jeff Erika I would very much like to talk to you…at 11:56 PM Jul 12

    Jeff Erika I would very much like to talk to you…at 11:50 PM Jul 12

    Jeff is laughing at Erika because she us unwilling to just talk. Furthermore, name calling is mature.at 10:41 PM Jul 10

30. Denise

    August 10th, 2009 at 12:12 pm

    To watch, or not. Wonder how many people agree the show would be a lot more interesting if it could be credible in the experiment aspect. It would be interesting to know how much appearance does affect relationships. We’d need more real/true/varifiable facts and background info about the participants … and their reason for going on the show (ie to truly find a partner? for TV air-time? for the money they were paid to participate?). Because of these other variables, the show is not able to answer the question of if love is blind.

    Still curious about the people posting here that say they were participants. I recall J saying the girl’s name was Shannon, so why post as “Veronica”?

    Maybe in the way Bachelor has the after the final rose episode, this show can have a When the Lights Come On episode to answer questions and do some follow up LOL

31. Shawn

    August 10th, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    LOL, you guys have no life if you’re this caught up in a dumb reality show.

    Investigating a complete stranger’s Myspace page is not only creepy but lame … wow.

32. Tom

    August 10th, 2009 at 11:35 pm

    Shawn
    August 10th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
    LOL, you guys have no life if you’re this caught up in a dumb reality show.
    Investigating a complete stranger’s Myspace page is not only creepy but lame … wow.

    JUST TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO’S TELLING THE TRUTH SO MORE INFORMED WHEN WATCHING, AND I THINK ANYONE GOING ON A REALITY TV SHOW IS JUST ASKING FOR IT

    WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?

33. Denise

    August 12th, 2009 at 11:41 am

    Final thoughts and follow-up …

    OK, we watched the episode in hysterics, and sometimes in disbelief!! And now our answer of how real is reality TV may be a little more clear for us. And it is more fun and entertaining to watch when you really know someone and have background info on them and the show. ABC really should not be advertising that this is an experiment on whether looks matter, though.

    While the show says participants didn’t know their homes were going to be filmed, Jeff was given 3 days notice before they were going to film his home, as well as a call shortly before they arrived. My daughter was there when they filmed his house, so they told her to pick up all her stuff … the teddy bear is something she gave him a couple years ago. Point is, with plenty of warning that filming crews were on the way, particpants had time to stage their homes if they wanted to.

    The most humorous part of the show for us was probably when J started listing all the things he does. He hasn’t surfed in the 3+ years we’ve known him, he kayaked once over 2 years ago in Belize w/ my daughter, and only snowboarded once, maybe twice, this past winter (although he did use to go more often), training for a marathon – he did actually do a 1/2 marathon last Spring … now the beer pong is something I guess he does more regularly LOL

    Oh, and the part about being judged for being an aerospace engineer, hahahaha He had just recently graduated, finished his senior/masters project late October 08, started his job Nov 08 (then his employer closed for Christmas and he was off for 3-4 weeks), so he’d only actually been on the job for about 2 1/2 months ahead of filming in Feb 09! And during that time, was in a relationship which did not judge him based on his career. We were cracking up about his seriousness when he said he was judged by girls based on his career If he doesn’t brag about his occupation, he won’t be judged on it – simple.

    The sketch he had the artist draw …. it looked more like my daughter! Other people we know said the same thing.

    At the end when he said he entered the house single, false, but interesting he’s the only participant that has felt the need to make that comment … although my daughter sent him a break up email while he was there filming, we are wondering if he got it while he was in the house and that helped him w/ his decision to wait on the balcony for Shannon … although Shannon’s personality does seem to fit him better than my daughter. But then as soon as he got home, he started trying to make up w/ my daughter – and up to a few days ago, he still hasn’t totally quit trying to contact her.

    Right after filming, he tried to convince us that Shannon leaving him was scripted (for my daughter’s benefit which still doesn’t make sense).

    So how much reality is in reality TV, seems that who the participants are could play a large part in that answer.

34. Anonymous

    August 16th, 2009 at 3:44 am

    I think this guy is completely right. US society is by far the most superficial and exterior motivated in the entire world. The majority of these people will choose not to date each other based off looks, REGARDLESS of any supposed “connection” they shared. I forced myself to watch the last episode and it proved my point. One girl simply chose not to meet the guy because he was a little bit too short for her taste. I mean really, he was too short??? That one thing overshadowed that fact that she found him attractive and they had a decent time with each other. This just goes to show you how superficial people really are.

    This show is another example of the absolute worthless reality tv garbage that networks poisons people’s minds with. This show will last a season, if that and then it will be done for good.

35. leslie

    August 24th, 2009 at 11:34 pm

    For once, a dating reality show with a unique and different twist! All other reality shows have made me wanna vomit because they’re so superficial ad based ONLY on physical appearances! Finally an opportunity where couples are forced to get to know one another WITHOUT judging first on physical appearance! Our culture places WAY TOO MUCH emphasis on physical appearance and virtually nothing else. Do all 28 year old males just want a good fuck with some woman they happen to think is hot in the moment and care nothing about her value system or personality?? Likewise, do the only thing women care about is a perfect body, styled hair and white teeth??

36. Allie

    August 25th, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    Wow. I’m guessing 2 things… 1 either you’ve never watched the show to truely understand how it works. Yes, it night vision cameras, and complete darkness but that’s what it’s about. It’s about seeing someone other than the physical sight. And 2, Besides the normally overdone reality shows about surviving this, eatting that, or whatever, this show does have depth. Be completely honest and say that you wouldn’t think twice about talking to someone looks COMPLETE opposite than you do! 98% of people don’t. You can judge a book by it’s cover, welp, this is the one show that proves that there’s more to people than meets the eye.

37. kathy

    August 26th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    I am sorry to all those that do not like the show Dating in the Dark. I think it is great. It shows just how shallow people are. Grant it we do not know what goes on every minute of the day but when it is said in the dark what a connection they feel with someone and than they see them and they walk out the door instead of taking a chance. I would like to see a an older group. I am sick of the 20 something year olds that make up the majority of the reality shows (Big Brother, The Bachelor(ette) Survivor…). Boo Hoo to the girls that leave the front door and cry because they may have hurt someone. I may not know the rules but I do not recall anyone being told that if they go on the balcoly they have to get married. Having a conncetion and falling in love takes more that a weeks worth of “blind” dates. I watch the show with my 8 year old daughter and my 23 year son’s girlfriend (21). We make bets on who is going to meet on the balcony and who is going to leave the front door. We also have a few choice words for the one that leave. DATING IN THE DARK, one of the best shows! Oh and sorry Denise…Blah Blah Blah to you.

38. Dave

    August 26th, 2009 at 8:09 pm

    WRONG ! I don’t watch reality shows, they don’t interest me. But this concept did, so I checked it out. It is the best relationship reality show on. I do agree that screening should improve. But the concept is what is truly intriguing. Or at least I thought so.

39. Mike

    August 26th, 2009 at 9:22 pm

    Kathy, you state the show “shows just how shallow people are” but your post shows how shallow and disrespectful you are. You’re sick of the 20 something year olds, you make fun of the girls who feel bad for hurting someone’s feelings, you let your 8 year old watch this type of show – really? – you make bets alongside your 8 year old? and “blah blah blah” to another poster? Really?

40. George

    September 19th, 2009 at 4:49 pm

    I am an older 60+ person I actually applied to be on the show but as Of yet have not heard from anyone. Perhaps they really do want to have only the young supposedly people on it.

41. George

    September 19th, 2009 at 4:50 pm

    Sorry, it should have said supposedly good looking people. That’s what I get for typing too fast and not proofreading.

42. Amy

    July 13th, 2010 at 12:11 am

    I love this show! I have seen it before and I think it’s great! Whoever said this was a stupid idea doesn’t get it. The idea is that people have to find out who the person is before they see if they are physically compatible, rather than going with someone because of the physical attraction and hoping they like the person inside. The idea is novel and I love it! I have seen this show and it’s awesome.

43. Johntrak

    August 24th, 2010 at 7:40 pm

    The show is fun. It’s a unique blend of reality and character study. Granted, many of the participants show very poor and selfish judgment, concurrent with our culture, but sometimes you see a redeeming quality in others. It’s an interesting study in behaviour as well as personalities. I think it’s a fresh thing in reality. Why not?

44. Josh

    October 20th, 2010 at 10:11 pm

    Denise is either trolling or is some uptight bitch that is having a PMS tantrum cause she failed to raise her daughter properly and doesn’t want to admit it to herself.

    I’m guessing Denise has some sort of Narcissistic disorder or is one of those 50 year old mothers that abuses anti-depressant drugs and yells at the damn kids playing on the sidewalk.

    FINAL POST HERE!!!
    Posts 3 more times…

45. Jc Tsou

    December 14th, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    I would have to state, you culled ur words well. The information you gave are well placed.

46. Isabelle

    October 31st, 2011 at 9:42 pm

    Well well well….I happen to have met Jeff and ironically enough, I side with Denise…..this guy is a pathalogical liar and uses the “nice guy” act to get ahead…..TRUE this is Hollywood, however this guy is a slime ball and frankly NOT ALL THAT….I would LOVE to find out what his last name is considering he wouldnt tell me BAHAHAHAHAHA…….gotta love guys who move to Hollywood to “re invent” themselves

    And furthermore, a mother who defends her daughter? ROCK ON MAMA!!!!!!!! Anyone who hates on her obv doesnt understand about having a strong and loving mother. Mine would have done the same! ;0