11 Forgotten MTV Dating Shows, From 'Room Raiders' to 'Next'

Television has long been a mirror of societal norms and a platform for exploring the evolution of interpersonal relationships. A distinct subgenre within reality television that began gaining traction in the early 2000s was the dating show. And when it came to outlandish and wildly entertaining dating shows, MTV was the unrivaled master.

In the annals of TV history, MTV's dating shows stand out for their audacious formats, hilariously raw emotions, and breathtakingly candid insights into the trials and tribulations of the dating scene. They might seem like light entertainment at first glance, but they've played a surprising role in shaping our attitudes and expectations around dating, relationships, and personal boundaries.

This article will delve into 11 of these forgotten MTV dating shows, from the infamous 'Room Raiders' to the whimsically wicked 'Next.' Buckle up for a whirlwind journey into the wild world of reality TV dating shows, and get ready to appreciate how far we've come – or maybe, to yearn for the audacious simplicity of dating in the reality TV world.

1. Room Raiders

First on our list is 'Room Raiders.' This show, which aired from 2004 to 2006, flipped the conventional dating script by focusing on personal spaces rather than personal appearances.

In each episode, a contestant would be 'kidnapped' from their home, then watch from a van as three potential dates riffled through their bedrooms. These potential dates were there to make judgments based on the contents of the contestant's room. From drawers to diaries, nothing was off-limits. It was an entertaining, albeit slightly creepy, exploration of how much our personal spaces reveal about us.

The premise might have been slightly invasive, but 'Room Raiders' raised interesting questions about privacy, personal space, and how we judge potential partners. The show's unorthodox approach to dating kept viewers glued to their screens, offering a fresh perspective on what we value and how we present ourselves in our most personal of spaces.

2. Next

'Next' was another MTV classic, airing from 2005 to 2008. The show brought a harsh dose of reality to the often rose-tinted world of dating shows.

In each episode, a contestant would go on a date with a lineup of potential suitors. The catch? They could say "next" at any time, instantly ending the date and moving on to the next person. There were no second chances, no time for redeeming features to come to light. Just a blunt, often hilarious, rejection.

This brutal dating game might seem heartless, but it tapped into the increasingly fast-paced, decision-oriented world of modern dating. In an era where dating apps let us swipe left or right in a heartbeat, 'Next' showed us the realities of snap judgments and first impressions.

3. Parental Control

As the title suggests, 'Parental Control' put the power of choice in the hands of the parents. The show, which aired from 2005 to 2010, featured parents who disliked their child's current partner. The parents would each select a new potential mate for their child, then watch as their child went on dates with these carefully chosen individuals.

It was a show that dealt with the often fraught intersection of familial relationships and romantic ones. While some might argue that it undermined the autonomy of the participants, it was undeniably a captivating spectacle to see parents and children navigate the tricky terrain of relationship choices together.

The intriguing premise of 'Parental Control' made it a popular viewing choice and sparked many discussions about the role of parents in their children's romantic lives. It struck a chord with its honest exploration of the family dynamics that come into play in the world of dating.

4. Date My Mom

Hot on the heels of 'Parental Control' came 'Date My Mom,' a dating show with an even more radical twist. Airing from 2004 to 2006, this series involved contestants who went on dates with three mothers. Yes, you read that correctly - the mothers! The goal was to decide who had the most desirable offspring based on these dates, adding a new layer of complexity to the dating game.

'Date My Mom' challenged the conventional dating show format by focusing on indirect interactions. It explored the idea that you can tell a lot about a person from their family, particularly their parents. While it may have been a somewhat exaggerated scenario, it did provoke thoughts about the influence of family on romantic relationships.

The uniqueness of 'Date My Mom' resulted in high viewer engagement. While the show was unquestionably entertaining, it also underscored the importance of family in shaping our identities, providing a fascinating (if unconventional) lens through which to examine potential romantic partners.

5. DisMissed

Taking us back to the earlier days of MTV dating shows, 'Dismissed' aired from 2001 to 2003. The show involved a single dater who would go on a date with two people simultaneously. By the end of the date, the dater would need to decide who they wanted to continue seeing.

What set 'Dismissed' apart was the opportunity for contestants to witness their competition firsthand. It forced participants to up their game and brought the competitive nature of dating into sharp focus.

As a show, 'Dismissed' broke away from the typical one-on-one dating scenario and delved into the intricate dynamics of dating multiple people at once. It opened up conversations around comparison, competition, and the complexity of choosing one person over another. Despite its relatively short run, 'Dismissed' left a significant mark on the reality dating genre.

6. Exposed

'Exposed,' which aired from 2006 to 2007, added an element of lie detection to the dating game. Contestants went on dates while hooked up to lie detectors, and their truths (or lies) were displayed to the viewers and the person they were attempting to woo.

This quirky setup made 'Exposed' a memorable addition to MTV's lineup of dating shows. It served as a metaphor for the vulnerability and openness required in relationships, albeit in a highly dramatized fashion.

By displaying truths and lies in real-time, 'Exposed' not only added tension and excitement but also illuminated the importance of honesty in relationships. It underscored the notion that trust and authenticity are the cornerstones of any meaningful connection, a theme that resonated with viewers.

7. Taildaters

'Taildaters,' an intriguing show which aired from 2002 to 2003, took dating advice to a whole new level. In each episode, a contestant would go on a date, but the twist was that their friends would watch the whole ordeal from a van, providing real-time feedback and advice.

The concept of 'Taildaters' brought to light the often significant role our friends play in our dating lives. The show made viewers question how much influence friends should have and how their opinions can shape or even distort our perceptions of potential partners.

'Taildaters' stood out from other dating shows of the time with its unique mix of humor, drama, and unexpected advice. More than just entertainment, it served as a reminder that dating isn't a solo endeavor and that our relationships exist within the wider context of our social networks.

8. Singled Out

Going further back in time, 'Singled Out,' which aired from 1995 to 1998, was a dating game show where contestants chose a date from a pool of 50 potential partners. The process of elimination was based on categories like physical attributes or peculiar habits.

'Singled Out' was innovative for its time, offering an interesting mix of shallow judgments and amusing interactions. It played with the idea of "ideal" attributes in a partner and the compromises we're willing to make when faced with real people instead of hypothetical ideals.

While the show's format might be seen as superficial, it touched on real dating issues such as physical attraction, compatibility, and the way we categorize potential partners. 'Singled Out' paved the way for the dating shows that would follow, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of reality television.

9. Wanna Come In?

'Wanna Come In?' was a dating show with a socially conscious twist. In each episode, a contestant would go on a date, and at the end, ask the magic question, "Wanna come in?" If the date agreed, they were presented with a choice: accept a cash prize and leave, or forego the cash and spend the night.

This show, which aired from 2004 to 2005, touched upon the sensitive topic of intimacy in dating. It delved into questions around the perceived value of physical closeness and whether it should ever be a transactional decision.

Despite its relatively short run, 'Wanna Come In?' offered an intriguing exploration of the societal pressures and personal dilemmas surrounding intimacy in the dating world. It was a reality show that sparked conversations, encouraged self-reflection, and invited viewers to question their own beliefs and boundaries.

10. A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila

Diving headfirst into the uncharted territory of bisexual dating shows, 'A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila,' which aired from 2007 to 2008, showcased internet celebrity Tila Tequila in her quest for love among a pool of both male and female contestants.

The show was groundbreaking for its time, presenting a dating scenario where both genders vied for the affection of one person. It was a significant step toward representation of diverse sexual orientations in mainstream television.

'A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila' received much attention, not just for its sensational content but also for its bold move in shedding light on the realities and complexities of bisexual dating. It allowed viewers to gain insight into a less-explored aspect of dating culture, providing both entertainment and social commentary.

11. The X Effect

Our last stop on this nostalgic journey through MTV's dating show history is 'The X Effect.' Airing from 2007 to 2009, this show involved current couples spending time with their exes, under the pretense of being on a dating show.

'The X Effect' played on the tension and unresolved feelings that often exist between exes. The show encouraged contestants to reflect on their past relationships, often leading to surprising revelations and dramatic showdowns.

While the show was undoubtedly high on drama, it also highlighted the often complicated dynamics between current and past relationships. 'The X Effect' served as a reminder that our romantic histories play a crucial role in shaping our present relationships and our future choices.

Conclusion

From the bold and outrageous to the heartfelt and introspective, MTV's forgotten dating shows were more than mere television entertainment. They provided fascinating insights into the complexities of dating and relationships. Each show, in its unique way, captured the essence of a particular aspect of the dating scene and made us question our own perspectives and practices.

Whether you remember these shows with a sense of nostalgia or are discovering them for the first time, they offer a delightful glimpse into a bygone era of reality TV. They remind us of how far we've come and how much further we have to go in our understanding and representation of love, dating, and relationships.

Resources:

1. Reality TV: Remaking Television Culture. Susan Murray and Laurie Ouellette. New York University Press, 2009.

2. The Triumph of Reality TV: The Revolution in American Television. Leigh H. Edwards. Praeger, 2013.

3. Understanding Reality Television. Su Holmes and Deborah Jermyn. Routledge, 2004.

4. Screening Reality: How Documentary Filmmakers Reimagined America. Jon Wilkman. Bloomsbury, 2020..