"Dating Naked" is a show where, like "The Bachelor", the producers line up dates with potential love interests. In this case, a man and a woman are each "dating" others in hopes of making a suitable match while at a tropical island location.
In the first episode, we meet Joe and WeeWee (that's her nickname). After very little ceremony, they strip and then have a "date" together on a nearby beach. They play in the surf where she voices such sweet nothings as "Shut up, jackass. I'm gonna kill you." She is kidding, of course.
He is from Long Island and she was originally from NYC. During asides to the camera, they explain what they are looking for. She feels her clock ticking and fears appearing desperate. He was disappointed by a short marriage and hopes to regain trust. I can't see how this date does much to further their goals, but nudity does break down some barriers. Later, they have a clothed dinner where they share their feelings and hopes.
In phase two of the show, Joe meets and spends time with Jasmine (in the nude). She is very attractive and she knows it. She wants someone who is "adventurous" and "sexy" and "honest", but it seems like she views the show more as a competition than as a chance to connect. They go boogie boarding. Their time together is very flirty. They also discuss WeeWee.
Meanwhile, WeeWee meets Jack, a guy who says he is very flexible when it comes to the type of woman he seeks. Their date consists of body painting. Though there is some awkwardness at first, eventually they are very comfortable with each other, even applying some paint with their hands. But the connection is somewhat platonic. WeeWee brings up the subject of Joe.
Then all four of them spend time together poolside at the villa. Clothes come off. Jasmine and Joe make out while WeeWee wonders exactly what Joe is thinking.
In phase three, Joe meets Chrissie, a performance violinist who wants a man who is "funny" and "driven". A motorboat pulls them on an inner tube until they are exhausted--not exactly the best setting for soul sharing. WeeWee meets Justice, an events (party) planner or producer from Miami Beach. They take a hike through jungle mud while WeeWee wonders if Justice is a player.
Then it's back to the jungle villa where the six of them cavort in the pool. Jasmine and Justice seem rather touchy-feely. She is hoping that Joe will assert himself and pursue her. Joe and WeeWee retire upstairs where they share their first kiss and she reinforces the connection by calling him a "jerk". WeeWee now exhibits signs of possessiveness. When they go back to the pool, Jasmine reconnects with Joe and they go upstairs to make out until WeeWee comes looking.
In "The Bachelor", participants know that the bachelor or bachelorette will spend time with others, and feelings of jealousy are scorned. Is the same true of "Dating Naked"?
In the final phase, the six are reunited with the hostess where Joe and WeeWee get to make their choices among the three candidates for their affection. Joe chooses WeeWee. WeeWee chooses Joe, though she still wonders about his intentions. And they walk off hand in hand.
Apparently there is no prize other than the trip to the island and the experience. And there is no explanation of what happens if they choose someone else. Or if there are conflicting choices. I assume they all walk off the show and resolve things any way they want to. Or not.
It does feel like most of the participants are there to find love, marriage or a significant other. But is this format the best way to accomplish that? Probably not. Does the nudity contribute to the chances of finding someone? Probably not.
Update 8/17/14: After watching a few episodes of this show, I think the producers do a good job of finding interesting daters. I don't know how effective the show is as a venue for long-term connections, but it is entertaining to see how these people cope with the situation. The nudity is a factor, but the condensed time frame and the multiple partners make for some interesting situations.
Update 8/22/14: The question about long-term connections may have been answered. They announced that one couple will be marrying.
Update 9/17/05: Season 2 is so much better than season 1. The format is much improved. I am raising my grade to "8".
In the first episode, we meet Joe and WeeWee (that's her nickname). After very little ceremony, they strip and then have a "date" together on a nearby beach. They play in the surf where she voices such sweet nothings as "Shut up, jackass. I'm gonna kill you." She is kidding, of course.
He is from Long Island and she was originally from NYC. During asides to the camera, they explain what they are looking for. She feels her clock ticking and fears appearing desperate. He was disappointed by a short marriage and hopes to regain trust. I can't see how this date does much to further their goals, but nudity does break down some barriers. Later, they have a clothed dinner where they share their feelings and hopes.
In phase two of the show, Joe meets and spends time with Jasmine (in the nude). She is very attractive and she knows it. She wants someone who is "adventurous" and "sexy" and "honest", but it seems like she views the show more as a competition than as a chance to connect. They go boogie boarding. Their time together is very flirty. They also discuss WeeWee.
Meanwhile, WeeWee meets Jack, a guy who says he is very flexible when it comes to the type of woman he seeks. Their date consists of body painting. Though there is some awkwardness at first, eventually they are very comfortable with each other, even applying some paint with their hands. But the connection is somewhat platonic. WeeWee brings up the subject of Joe.
Then all four of them spend time together poolside at the villa. Clothes come off. Jasmine and Joe make out while WeeWee wonders exactly what Joe is thinking.
In phase three, Joe meets Chrissie, a performance violinist who wants a man who is "funny" and "driven". A motorboat pulls them on an inner tube until they are exhausted--not exactly the best setting for soul sharing. WeeWee meets Justice, an events (party) planner or producer from Miami Beach. They take a hike through jungle mud while WeeWee wonders if Justice is a player.
Then it's back to the jungle villa where the six of them cavort in the pool. Jasmine and Justice seem rather touchy-feely. She is hoping that Joe will assert himself and pursue her. Joe and WeeWee retire upstairs where they share their first kiss and she reinforces the connection by calling him a "jerk". WeeWee now exhibits signs of possessiveness. When they go back to the pool, Jasmine reconnects with Joe and they go upstairs to make out until WeeWee comes looking.
In "The Bachelor", participants know that the bachelor or bachelorette will spend time with others, and feelings of jealousy are scorned. Is the same true of "Dating Naked"?
In the final phase, the six are reunited with the hostess where Joe and WeeWee get to make their choices among the three candidates for their affection. Joe chooses WeeWee. WeeWee chooses Joe, though she still wonders about his intentions. And they walk off hand in hand.
Apparently there is no prize other than the trip to the island and the experience. And there is no explanation of what happens if they choose someone else. Or if there are conflicting choices. I assume they all walk off the show and resolve things any way they want to. Or not.
It does feel like most of the participants are there to find love, marriage or a significant other. But is this format the best way to accomplish that? Probably not. Does the nudity contribute to the chances of finding someone? Probably not.
Update 8/17/14: After watching a few episodes of this show, I think the producers do a good job of finding interesting daters. I don't know how effective the show is as a venue for long-term connections, but it is entertaining to see how these people cope with the situation. The nudity is a factor, but the condensed time frame and the multiple partners make for some interesting situations.
Update 8/22/14: The question about long-term connections may have been answered. They announced that one couple will be marrying.
Update 9/17/05: Season 2 is so much better than season 1. The format is much improved. I am raising my grade to "8".