Perfect Match (TV series)

Perfect Match
Created byChris Coelen
Presented byNick Lachey
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes22
Production
Executive producers
  • Chris Coelen
  • Eric Detwiler
  • Sarah Dillistone
  • Heather Crowe
  • Sharyn Mills
Running time38–106 minutes
Production companyKinetic Content
Original release
NetworkNetflix
ReleaseFebruary 14, 2023 (2023-02-14) –
present

Perfect Match is a reality dating television series created by Chris Coelen[1] and produced by Kinetic Content.[2] It premiered on Netflix on February 14, 2023 and had a second season the following year.[3] Season 3 has not yet been confirmed, but it is likely the series will be renewed.[4]

The series features contestants from other Netflix reality shows who pair up and compete in challenges. As they compete to form relationships, the most compatible couples will play matchmaker, breaking up other couples and sending them on dates with brand-new singles they'll invite to the villa. The series is hosted by Nick Lachey.

Perfect Match has received mostly positive reviews from critics.[5][6] The series has also been praised for its inclusion of three bisexual cast members, bucking the trend of reality dating shows featuring exclusively heterosexual couples.[7]

Format

[edit]

A group of single Netflix alumni arrive in a tropical villa where they attempt to match themselves into couples. The couples who win "compatibility challenges" get a private date and the ability to choose two new singles to bring into the game by either setting them up on a date with members of the other couples, or with themselves. Once the daters all have returned, the participants will match themselves all over again, and at the end of each night, anyone without a match must leave the villa. At the end of the series, only one couple will be chosen as the Match.[8]

Production

[edit]

Filming of Season 1 took place in Playa Bonita, Panama City, Panama,[9] during March 2022, before the third season of Love is Blind and The Mole had aired.[10]

Filming of Season 2 took place in Tulum, Mexico during August and September 2023.[11][12]

Netflix released a video game adaptation in June 2024 for iOS and Android. It is free but requires a Netflix subscription.[13]

Reception

[edit]

Viewership

[edit]

Variety reported that "the Kinetic Content-produced series, featuring figures from some of the streamer's other popular shows like "Love Is Blind" and "Too Hot to Handle," debuted at No. 2 on the English-language TV chart during the Feb. 13–19 viewing window" with "over 24 million hours viewed."[14]

On February 22, 2023, Perfect Match became the No. 1 series in the Netflix US TV rankings.[15]

According to FlixPatrol, which monitors daily updated VOD charts across the globe, Perfect Match has reached Netflix's No. 1 TV Series ranking in 38 countries around the world.[16]

Critical response

[edit]

Lauren Piester of The Wrap says Perfect Match "might actually be perfect." Piester states "It's endlessly watchable. It's funny. It's sexy, it's stupid, and it knows that it's all these things...I've never loved a dating show as much as I love this one."[17]

Brett White at Decider says Perfect Match is "a series that may just be the first dating show of its kind that could be called prestige TV....It's like if Michelin-starred restaurant cranked out its own version of the Taco Bell menu. Yes, that's a Crunchwrap Supreme — but it's a Crunchwrap Supreme that would make Tom Colicchio weep... Everything about Perfect Match feels meticulously crafted to be peak binge-worthy TV.... I've fallen in love with this gourmet Gordita and junk food has never been this filling nor tasted this exquisite."[18]

Tara Ariano at Vanity Fair says "Netflix's Blissfully Dumb Perfect Match Is Ideal Background Viewing. We mean that as a compliment!"[5]

EJ Dickson of Rolling Stone writes "Netflix's Perfect Match is horny, utterly ridiculous fun...a show that doesn't care if you or anyone else thinks it's anything but lazy, frothy fun."[6]

Gigi Fong at Hyperbae writes Perfect Match "resembles the 'Hunger Games of Dating'".[19]

[edit]

Elizabeth Wagmeister at Variety writes Perfect Match is "changing the game for LGBTQ representation on reality TV"[20]

Tilly Pearce at Digital Spy says "In a world where reality TV dating shows continue to be predominantly a straight person's game, Netflix's Perfect Match has achieved the impossible – by displaying not one, but three separate bisexual experiences in the space of one episode...In perhaps one of the most uniquely important conversations around queer love shown on reality television in recent years... Kariselle (opens) up to her match, The Circle's Joey Sasso, about her own sexuality and the effect it's had on her identity...and Perfect Match putting these conversations out into the world is what makes it stand out from rival dating shows. Perfect Match's multiple variations on queer love, bisexuality and the complicated feelings that may/may not come with that part of your identity is a refreshing, surprisingly deep, and much-needed positive take. It also displays positive examples of how to be an ally to loved ones who need that reassurance and support."[7]

Season 1

[edit]
Cast member Age Original series Entered Exited Status
Dom Gabriel 30 The Mole 6 Episode 1 Episode 12 Winner
Georgia Hassarati 26 Too Hot to Handle 3 Episode 3 Episode 12 Winner
Bartise Bowden 27 Love is Blind 3 Episode 5 Episode 7 Finalist
Episode 9 Episode 12
Chloe Veitch 24 Too Hot to Handle 1
The Circle 2
Episode 6 Episode 12 Finalist
Izzy Fairthorne 22 Too Hot to Handle 3 Episode 3 Episode 6 Finalist
Episode 11 Episode 12
Joey Sasso 29 The Circle 1 Episode 1 Episode 12 Finalist
Kariselle Snow 27 Sexy Beasts Episode 1 Episode 12 Finalist
Lauren "LC" Chamblin 31 Love is Blind Episode 10 Episode 12 Finalist
Nick Uhlenhuth 29 The Circle 3 Episode 1 Episode 5 Finalist
Episode 10 Episode 12
Shayne Jansen 33 Love is Blind 2 Episode 1 Episode 7 Finalist
Episode 9 Episode 12
Abbey Humphreys 27 Twentysomethings: Austin Episode 8 Episode 12 Eliminated
Damian Powers 31 Love is Blind Episode 5 Episode 11 Eliminated
Francesca Farago 30 Too Hot to Handle 1 Episode 1 Episode 11 Eliminated
Diamond Jack 31 Love is Blind Episode 8 Episode 9 Eliminated
Ines Tazi 26 The Circle France Episode 1 Episode 9 Eliminated
Mitchell Eason 23 The Circle 2 Episode 7 Episode 9 Eliminated
Will Richardson 30 The Mole 6 Episode 7 Episode 9 Eliminated
Colony Reeves 31 Selling Tampa Episode 6 Episode 6 Eliminated
Chase DeMoor 26 Too Hot to Handle 2 Episode 1 Episode 5 Eliminated
Savannah Palacio 26 The Circle 2 Episode 1 Episode 4 Eliminated
Anne-Sophie Petit-Frere 28 Selling Tampa Episode 1 Episode 4 Eliminated
Calvin Crooks 32 The Circle 3 Episode 1 Episode 2 Eliminated
Zay Wilson 27 The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On 1 Episode 1 Episode 2 Eliminated

Matching progress

[edit]
Contestants 1 2 3/4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11/12
Compatibility
Challenge
Winners
Savannah
& Nick
Anne-Sophie
& Chase
Francesca
& Dom
Kariselle
& Joey
Francesca
& Damian
Ines
& Will
Chloe
& Mitchell
Kariselle
& Joey
Dom Francesca Francesca Francesca Georgia Georgia Georgia Georgia Georgia Georgia Georgia
Georgia Chase Dom Dom Dom Dom Dom Dom Dom
Bartise Izzy Ines Eliminated Abbey Abbey Izzy
Chloe Shayne Mitchell Mitchell Shayne Unmatched Shayne
Izzy Shayne Bartise Eliminated Bartise
Joey Kariselle Kariselle Kariselle Kariselle Kariselle Kariselle Kariselle Kariselle Kariselle Kariselle
Kariselle Joey Joey Joey Joey Joey Joey Joey Joey Joey Joey
LC Nick Nick
Nick Savannah Savannah Ines Eliminated LC LC
Shayne Ines Ines Izzy Ines Chloe Eliminated Chloe Unmatched Chloe
Abbey Francesca Bartise Bartise Eliminated
Francesca Dom Dom Dom Damian Damian Damian Abbey Damian Damian Eliminated
Damian Francesca Francesca Francesca Ines Francesca Francesca Eliminated
Ines Shayne Shayne Nick Shayne Bartise Will Damian Eliminated
Will Ines Diamond Eliminated
Mitchell Chloe Chloe Eliminated
Diamond Will Eliminated
Colony Eliminated
Chase Anne-Sophie Georgia Eliminated
Savannah Nick Nick Eliminated
Anne-Sophie Zay Chase Eliminated
Calvin Eliminated
Zay Anne-Sophie Eliminated
Eliminated None Calvin
Zay

Failed to match
Anne-Sophie
Savannah

Failed to match
Chase
Nick

Failed to match
Colony
Izzy

Failed to match
Bartise
Shayne

Failed to match
None Ines
Diamond
Mitchell
Will

Failed to match
None Francesca
Damian
Abbey

Failed to match
  Perfect Match
  Unmatched, but not eliminated
  Unmatched and eliminated

Season 2

[edit]
Cast member[21] Age[22] Original series Entered Exited Status
Christine Obanor 27 Too Hot to Handle 5 Episode 9[a] Episode 10 Winner
Nigel Jones 30 Too Hot to Handle 4 Episode 7 Episode 7 Winner
Episode 10 Episode 10
Alara Taneri 24 Dated and Related Episode 3 Episode 10 Finalist
Bryton Constantin 23 Squid Game: The Challenge Episode 1 Episode 2 Finalist
Episode 9 Episode 10
Chris Hahn 28 Dated and Related Episode 2 Episode 10 Finalist
Elys Hutchinson 24 Too Hot to Handle 5 Episode 1 Episode 10 Finalist
Kaz Bishop 31 Dated and Related Episode 1 Episode 10 Finalist
Micah Lussier 28 Love Is Blind 4 Episode 1 Episode 10 Finalist
Stevan Ditter 29 Too Hot to Handle 3 Episode 1 Episode 10 Finalist
Tolú Ekundare 26 The Trust: A Game of Greed Episode 1 Episode 10 Finalist
Izzy Zapata 32 Love Is Blind 5 Episode 1 Episode 2 Eliminated
Episode 9 Episode 10
Jessica Vestal 29 Love Is Blind 6 Episode 3 Episode 9 Eliminated
Episode 10 Episode 10
Harry Jowsey 27 Too Hot to Handle 1 Episode 1 Episode 9 Eliminated
Justin Assada 26 Surviving Paradise Episode 5 Episode 9 Eliminated
Brittan Byrd 23 Too Hot to Handle 4 Episode 7 Episode 7 Eliminated
Holly Scarfone 25 Too Hot to Handle 3 Episode 6 Episode 7 Eliminated
Melinda Melrose 31 Too Hot to Handle 2 Episode 6 Episode 7 Eliminated
Dom Gabriel 29 The Mole 6
Perfect Match 1
Episode 2 Episode 5 Eliminated
Jake Cunningham 29 The Ultimatum: Marry or Move On 1 Episode 5 Episode 5 Eliminated
Dominique Defoe 24 Too Hot to Handle 4 Episode 1 Episode 4 Eliminated
Xanthi Perdikomatis 25 The Circle 5 Episode 1 Episode 4 Eliminated
Trevor Sova 31 Love Is Blind 6 [b]
Notes
  1. ^ Christine was never brought into the competition but was given a chance during the mixer to find a match with the other contestants. She made a match and was entered into the competition Episode 9.
  2. ^ Trevor was never brought into the competition but was given a chance during the mixer to find a match with the other contestants.

Matching progress

[edit]
Contestants 1 2 3/4 4/5 6/7 7/8 8/9 [a] 10 10
Compatibility
Challenge
Winners
Elys
& Harry
Kaz
& Micah
Dom
& Tolú
Alara
& Stevan
Kaz
& Micah
Chris
& Tolú
Christine Kaz Nigel Nigel
Nigel Eliminated Christine Christine
Alara Stevan Stevan Stevan Stevan Stevan Stevan Stevan
Bryton Dominique Eliminated Elys Elys Elys
Chris Dominique Elys Tolú Tolú Tolú Tolú Tolú Tolú
Elys Harry Harry Chris Justin Justin Justin Bryton Bryton Bryton
Kaz Xanthi Micah Micah Micah Micah Micah Christine Micah Micah
Micah Stevan Kaz Kaz Kaz Kaz Kaz Izzy Kaz Kaz
Stevan Micah Xanthi Alara Alara Alara Alara Alara Alara Alara
Tolú Izzy Dom Dom Chris Chris Chris Chris Chris Chris
Izzy Tolú Eliminated Micah Jessica Eliminated
Jessica Harry Harry Harry Harry Eliminated Izzy Eliminated
Harry Elys Elys Jessica Jessica Jessica Jessica Eliminated
Justin Elys Elys Elys Eliminated
Brittan Eliminated
Holly Eliminated
Melinda Eliminated
Dom Tolú Tolú Eliminated
Jake Eliminated
Dominique Bryton Chris Eliminated
Xanthi Kaz Stevan Eliminated
Trevor
Eliminated None Bryton
Izzy

Failed to match
Dominique
Xanthi

Failed to match
Dom
Jake

Failed to match
Holly
Melinda

Failed to match
Brittan
Nigel

Failed to match
Justin
Jessica
Harry

Failed to match
None Izzy
Jessica

Failed to match
  Perfect Match
  Unmatched, but not eliminated
  Unmatched and eliminated
Notes
  1. ^ In episode 8, all eliminated and non-entered contestants returned to the villa and were given a chance during the mixer in episodes 9 and 10 to match with current contestants in order to return to the competition.

Episodes

[edit]

Series overview

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
112February 14, 2023 (2023-02-14)February 28, 2023 (2023-02-28)
210June 7, 2024 (2024-06-07)June 21, 2024 (2024-06-21)

Season 1 (2023)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal release date
11"Love is the End Game"February 14, 2023 (2023-02-14)
22"It's About the Chase"February 14, 2023 (2023-02-14)
33"Strike a Match"February 14, 2023 (2023-02-14)
44"Unfinished Business"February 14, 2023 (2023-02-14)
55"Blind-Sided"February 21, 2023 (2023-02-21)
66"Love is Savage"February 21, 2023 (2023-02-21)
77"Circling Back"February 21, 2023 (2023-02-21)
88"Mixes and Matches"February 21, 2023 (2023-02-21)
99"Love It or Leave It"February 28, 2023 (2023-02-28)
1010"Making Waves"February 28, 2023 (2023-02-28)
1111"Back in the Mix"February 28, 2023 (2023-02-28)
1212"Game, Set, Perfect Match"February 28, 2023 (2023-02-28)

Season 2 (2024)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleOriginal release date
131"Ready, Set, Match"June 7, 2024 (2024-06-07)
142"Kiss and Tell"June 7, 2024 (2024-06-07)
153"Chaos Theory"June 7, 2024 (2024-06-07)
164"Truth Bombs"June 7, 2024 (2024-06-07)
175"Shakeups & Breakups"June 7, 2024 (2024-06-07)
186"Seeing Eye to Eye"June 7, 2024 (2024-06-07)
197"Love Is Blindfolded"June 14, 2024 (2024-06-14)
208"He Said, She Said"June 14, 2024 (2024-06-14)
219"To Tell the Truth"June 14, 2024 (2024-06-14)
2210"Perfectly Ever After"June 21, 2024 (2024-06-21)

After filming

[edit]

Season 1

[edit]
Couples Still together Relationship notes
Georgia Hassarati & Dom Gabriel No Although the couple ended the season together, it was later revealed that they had split, citing distance as the demise of their relationship. Dom also revealed that he found out through a podcast that Georgia was in a new relationship.[23]
In June 2022, Georgia started dating Harry Jowsey, a Too Hot to Handle season 1 contestant who also happened to be Francesca's ex-boyfriend. They broke up in June of the following year.[24] Harry was also a contestant in the 2nd season of Perfect Match.[25]
Kariselle Snow & Joey Sasso No After filming ended, the couple eventually split and they are no longer engaged. Kariselle was quoted saying "once entering the real world, they grew apart".[23]
Chloe Veitch & Shayne Jansen No After filming ended, the couple revealed they ended their relationship.[23]

Season 2

[edit]
Couples Still together Relationship notes
Christine Obanor & Nigel Jones No Although the couple won and ended the season together, they are no longer together.[26] It is still unclear how this relationship ended.
Jessica Vestal & Harry Jowsey No It was revealed in the last episode that Jessica and Harry are no longer dating. In June 2023 they were spotted together on a vacation sparking rumors about them dating.[27] Before the final episode of Perfect Match, Harry posted a video to his TikTok with Jessica overlayed with text saying "I can't wait to grow old with her".[28] However, it has since been confirmed that they are not dating.[29]
Alara Taneri & Stevan Ditter No Stevan confirmed on Harry Jowsey's podcast that he and Alara are no longer dating.[30]
Tolú Ekundare & Chris Hahn No Tolú and Chris did not stay together but seem to be in contact.[31] However, a Reddit thread revealed Chris had deleted some of Tolú's comments, allegedly saying "You can delete my comments all day I have time today" and "I posed with you to be nice now you're using the video for clout?".[32][33]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Longeretta, Emily (February 14, 2023). "'Perfect Match' Creator Breaks Down the Format, Weighs In on 'Bachelor in Paradise' Comparisons and Why Nick Lachey Hosted Solo". Variety. Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  2. ^ "'Perfect Match' Boss on Giving Netflix Reality-Show Standouts Another Chance at Love". The Hollywood Reporter. February 14, 2023. Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  3. ^ White, Peter (April 18, 2023). "'Perfect Match' Reality Dating Show Renewed For Season 2 At Netflix". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
  4. ^ "Will There Be a Perfect Match Season 3 Release Date & Is It Coming Out?". Yahoo Entertainment. June 10, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Netflix's Blissfully Dumb Perfect Match Is Ideal Background Viewing". Vanity Fair. February 14, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  6. ^ a b Dickson, E. J. (February 19, 2023). "Netflix's 'Perfect Match' Is Horny, Utterly Ridiculous Fun". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 20, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "Why Perfect Match's bisexual representation is so important". Digital Spy. February 21, 2023. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  8. ^ Bradley, Laura (February 14, 2023). "Netflix's 'Perfect Match' Creates a Reality TV Supervillain". The Daily Beast. Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  9. ^ "Where Is 'Perfect Match' Filmed? Netflix's Filming Locations". Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  10. ^ Corbett, Kelly (February 21, 2023). "When Was 'Perfect Match' Filmed? One Contestant Allegedly Signed Up for the Show While Dating Someone". Distractify. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  11. ^ "Perfect Match Season 2 Filming Locations". June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  12. ^ (@zacharyreality) (2023, August 15) Perfect match season 2 started filming today in Mexico. I know Micah is for sure there. #perfectmatch [Tweet]. x. https://x.com/zacharyreality/status/1691572006133829711
  13. ^ Madnani, Mikhail (May 30, 2024). "Netflix Announces Netflix Stories: Perfect Match, Too Hot To Handle 3, the Ultimatum: Choices, and Netflix Stories: Selling Sunset for Release This Year". TouchArcade. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  14. ^ Bell, BreAnna (February 21, 2023). "Netflix Top 10: 'Perfect Match' Debuts at No. 2 on English TV List With Over 24 Million Hours Viewed". Variety. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  15. ^ Tassi, Paul. "'You' Dethroned In Netflix's Top 10 List By A New Show". Forbes. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  16. ^ "Perfect Match • FlixPatrol". FlixPatrol. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  17. ^ "Perfect Match Review: Netflix's Best Reality Dating Show Yet". February 14, 2023. Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  18. ^ "'Perfect Match' Netflix Review: Stream It or Skip It?". Archived from the original on February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  19. ^ "Netflix's 'Perfect Match' Delivers "F-ckgirls," Drama, Red Flags and More — But What About "True" Love?". Hypebae. February 15, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  20. ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (February 21, 2023). "Netflix Star Francesca Farago on How Dating Shows Like 'Perfect Match' Are Changing the Game for LGBTQ Representation on Reality TV". Variety. Archived from the original on February 22, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
  21. ^ Hailu, Selome (May 8, 2024). "'Perfect Match' Season 2 Cast: From Dom Gabriel to Harry Jowsey, Meet the Netflix Stars Set to Couple Up". Variety. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  22. ^ "They're here! Meet the cast of Netflix's Perfect Match season 2". Cosmopolitan. June 3, 2024. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c "The 'Perfect Match' Cast Reveal Who's Still Linked Together". Netflix Tudum. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  24. ^ "Harry Jowsey and Georgia Hassarati have broken up". Cosmopolitan Middle East. August 11, 2023. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  25. ^ Hailu, Selome (May 8, 2024). "'Perfect Match' Season 2 Cast: From Dom Gabriel to Harry Jowsey, Meet the Netflix Stars Set to Couple Up". Variety. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
  26. ^ "'Perfect Match' Season 2: How the Netflix Series Ended and Which Couples Are Still Together". Peoplemag. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  27. ^ Ryan, Tamantha (March 5, 2024). "'Love Is Blind' star Jessica Vestal had romantic Mexico romp with Harry Jowsey months after entering the pods". Page Six. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  28. ^ Jowsey, Harry [@harryjowsey]. (2024, June 13). #perfectmatch [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@harryjowsey/video/7380074663839321364
  29. ^ "Are 'Perfect Match' stars Harry Jowsey and Jess Vestal still together now?". TODAY.com. June 21, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  30. ^ "Stevan Ditter talks Alara, Fights & F-boys on Perfect Match" (video). youtube.com. Boyfriend Material with Harry Jowsey. July 2, 2024.
  31. ^ LeGardye, Quinci (June 20, 2024). "Tolú Ekundare and Chris Hahn Were the "Most Unlikely Couple" on 'Perfect Match'—Could They Be the Most Successful?". Marie Claire Magazine. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  32. ^ fuendutksjdurnsj (June 21, 2024). "So… does anyone have REAL tea on who's still together?". r/PerfectMatchNetflix. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
  33. ^ BravoTimes. "u/BravoTimes". www.reddit.com. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
[edit]