Real love: 6 SA reality shows that bring the drama to dating

OPWGet a window into other people’s dramatic dating lives with these South African reality shows that explore the pitfalls of falling in love. Some recently divorced women attempt to move on with their lives; some eligible guys hand out roses; others have to grapple with disapproving families; some relationships are just beginning, while other couples are walking down the aisle – or trying to figure out why it just didn’t work. Whatever the storyline, we all know that all’s fair in love and war.

The boys are suited and booted, looking for eternal, true, undying love – in front of the nation. Season 1 of this reality show franchise features Lee Thompson from 2019, followed by Bachelor #2 Marc Buckner from earlier this year. They’re hunky, romantic, business savvy and have a soft spot for pets. So why are they single and looking to settle down? Neither has had time to find Mrs Right and they’re hoping that their special someone is waiting among the 22 ladies who’ll each be vying for their hearts. Expect drama, backstabbing, tears, cat fights and more from the women. And a tear or two from the Bachelors.

M-Net recently announced that the first season of The Bachelorette SA is coming soon, featuring Qiniso Van Damme, who was on Season 2.

Who doesn’t love a fairytale wedding? Whether it’s the full-on white wedding, something with traditional colour or the full cultural experience, Showmax has the perfect solution with Our Perfect Wedding. But here’s the best bit: they’ve got three franchises on their catalogue! There’s Our Perfect Wedding South Africa S1-7, Our Perfect Wedding Kenya S1-10 and Our Perfect Wedding Nigeria S1. Go behind the scenes with the bridal pair as they put together their big day, with everything from the décor and music playlist, to the flower arrangements and all-important cake testing taking place onscreen. I do, I do, I do!

Expect the unexpected, because on this show, anything can and will be said – from “Oh she doesn’t cook at all”, to “I know these Zulu men – they’re trouble”. Drama aplenty and sometimes a happy couple going on a date in the end.

If you think that dating someone is stressful, imagine the ordeal these singles are going through on this South African dating show, which first aired in 2017 and has been a twitter trend with each episode. In it, singles looking for a relationship don’t meet their potential match first – instead, they’re sent to visit the family. And it’s not just to quiz the family group about the would-be significant other, but also for the singleton to get grilled themselves, to see if they’re worthy.