If it feels like new reality shows are always competing to push the limit when it comes to what’s acceptable TV, a new show on Hulu is breaking all the rules—andfans might not take to this one as easily.
Varietyreported that Hulu’s new show,Are You My First?, is set to premiere in August, but this show is taking finding love on TV to a whole new level.
According to Hulu’s press release,Are You My First?is a “groundbreaking new dating experiment” wherein “the largest, hottest group of virgins ever assembled search for intimacy, love–and maybe their first–in a tropical paradise designed just for them.”
The show steals elements fromThe Bachelor andThe Bachelorettefranchises, as well asLove Island,Are You The One?and other reality dating shows,but the added element of virgin players is unique, to say the least.
Let’s face it: raunchy reality shows tend to be popular, butwill audiences find the concept ofAre You My First?too distasteful to make it a hit?
Are You My First?’s Concept Is Sketchy, To Say The Least
There’s Never Been A Reality Show Like This One
Are You My First?, which will behosted byBachelor NationalumsColton Underwoodand Kaitlyn Bristowe, hinges on the concept that those who might not be as experienced in romance might still want to find love on reality TV. When it comes to reality TV, the subject of virginity isn’t as widely discussed, almost verging on taboo in a society where sex sells.
Colton, in particular, made headlineswhen he becameThe Bachelorin 2018 afterhe openly discussed being a virgin.
Most reality dating shows tend to push the limit with regards to sexuality. OnLove Island USA, for instance, couples are barely afforded privacy, only allowed to sleep with their partner privately in The Hideaway towards the end of the show. As a result, some couples get frisky under the sheets in the shared sleeping space.
The BachelorandThe Bachelorettesimilarly offer contestants a chance to sleep in the show’s famed Fantasy Suite just before the finale.
Sex clearly isn’t a topic that these reality dating shows shy away from.
But virginity is a sensitive subject, and by casting “the hottest group of virgins ever assembled,“Are You My First?is raising the stakes when it comes to reality dating.
Are You My First? Viewers May Not Enjoy This One
Some May Feel It’s Inappropriate
Are You My First?is certainly groundbreaking, asthe concept of taking virgins and having them compete on a reality dating show hasn’t been explored before. While some may find this idea interesting and want to tune in to see how the show unfolds, others may find it too tawdry to entertain.
Depending on whether the show feels exploitative or gimmicky to the contestants involved, audiences will have to see for themselves if the show treats the contestants' sexual history, or lack thereof, sensitively.A person’s sexual history is a very personal experience, as is whether they’ve made the decision to be sexually active or not.
Still, there are certainly those who would no doubt relate to the pressures of having sex, andthe contestants' journeys on the show might resonate.
The Are You My First? Hosts Are A Problem
Colton’s Track Record Is Problematic
With such a sensitive topic as the concept ofAre You My First?, the network would have been wise to pick hosts deemed “safe” by the public. Unfortunately,their choice in Colton is problematic.
Colton was famouslyThe Bachelorduring season 14, where he was open about how he felt pressure to hide his virgin status as a former professional athlete. Colton chose Cassie Randolph during his season, butCassie filed a restraining orderagainst Colton after he allegedly stalked and harassed her in 2020.
In 2021,Colton came out as gay. His journey to coming out was chronicled in a Netflix documentary calledComing Out Colton. Colton will also be competing duringThe Traitorsseason 4, which is expected to drop in early 2026.
Colton’s history of stalking former girlfriend Cassie is troubling, of course, and fans haven’t forgotten about it. On X, a commenter who goes byflowerdrumscommented on a post fromVarietyannouncing the newAre You My First?that the network needed to, “STOP GIVING THE DANGEROUS STALKER A PLATFORM,” in reference to Colton.
