The new dating series “Are You My First?” has generated significant buzz even before its premiere on August 18, 2023. The show, which features celibate singles looking to lose their virginity on national television, has already attracted a flood of applicants for a potential second season. Co-host Colton Underwood, a former contestant on “The Bachelor,” revealed that he has received numerous direct messages from interested virgins. “I have never had so many virgins sliding into my DMs,” Underwood stated, expressing optimism for the show’s future.
Insights from the Co-Hosts
Underwood, who has a unique perspective on the topic, noted that many of his friends have also been nominating potential contestants. He remarked, “I definitely have a list of screenshots and saves for Season 2 for casting.” The series, produced by the creators of “Love Island,” follows 21 virgins aged between 24 and 34 on their journey to find romantic connections.
Co-host Kaitlyn Bristowe, who gained fame as “The Bachelorette” in 2015, shared her own experiences of judgment regarding her sexual choices. Facing backlash for being open about her intimate relationships with contestants, Bristowe developed empathy for the virgins participating in the show. “It gave me a bit more empathy for people who chose not to have sex because I was like, ‘Well, who am I to judge those people seeing how badly I got judged?’” she reflected.
One of the striking aspects of the series is the contestants’ cautiousness towards intimacy. Bristowe noted that she was surprised to see contestants like Katya, a 28-year-old theatre artist from Manhattan, insisting that a prospective partner must “earn” her first kiss. “I was thinking of my night one as ‘The Bachelorette,’ and that was like child’s play to me,” Bristowe said, highlighting the contrasting approaches to dating.
Breaking Stereotypes
Underwood, who was a virgin during his season of “The Bachelor,” described the complexities behind the reasons individuals might choose to remain celibate. He stated, “I think that when people watch this show, they’re really going to understand there are so many reasons that people decide not to lose their virginity at a young age.” Many contestants have cited their religious beliefs, particularly as Mormons, as a significant influence on their decisions regarding sex.
Underwood explained, “As a Christian man, it is easy to hide behind your faith… when you have other insecurities and other traumatic things that you’re trying to work through.” The revelation that some contestants, including a cocktail waitress and an NFL cheerleader, are still virgins may surprise viewers, but Underwood and Bristowe were not taken aback. “You spend a minute around them and you’re like, ‘Oh, I get it now,’” Underwood commented.
The hosts also encountered humorous moments during filming, including awkward banter and quirky pick-up lines. One contestant, Michael, a 26-year-old comedian from Austin, Texas, humorously declared his crush on former president William Howard Taft. Underwood admitted, “I didn’t even know who that is,” reflecting the show’s lighthearted moments.
Bristowe expressed her discomfort with the silence during some interactions, saying, “Everything in me wants to step in and be like, ‘Somebody say something!’” These candid moments, along with the participants’ intentional approach to dating, contribute to the show’s unique premise, offering a refreshing alternative to typical reality dating formats.
With the premiere approaching, the excitement surrounding “Are You My First?” appears to be building. The show aims to present a softer, more genuine take on dating, allowing viewers to witness the vulnerability and authenticity of its contestants as they navigate their romantic journeys.
