‘One of the most culturally impactful and engaged reality formats in the UK’
This unique, life-changing experiment format has taken the world by storm, and its UK iteration is no exception. Produced by CPL Productions for the UK, the format follows a group of singletons as they leave dating behind and marry a stranger, having been profiled and matched by experts.
Described by one judge as “one of the most culturally impactful and engaged reality formats in the UK”, the show’s unflinchingly frank assessment of modern day relationships was praised not only for its entertainment factor but also for its ability to “teach you different ways of communicating in a relationship… and how not to in some cases”.
The format moved to E4 in 2021, in a move one judge called “a stroke of genius” and has gone from strength to strength ever since. The third series achieved the show’s highest ever ratings, with a consolidated average of 2.2m, and broke viewing records on catch up for the broadcaster.
In a competitive category, it was the format’s ability to take entertainment outside of the small screen that clinched its victory. One judge summed up: “MAFS dominates the office, WhatsApp and social media conversations. Its ability to generate consistent, cross-platform buzz with viral clips, TikTok debates has extended the life of each episode far beyond its linear airing.”
SHORTLISTED
I Kissed a Girl
Twofour for BBC
BBC3’s groundbreaking dating show is fast becoming an international hit, and surpassed every benchmark for the channel. In a first for the genre, this series welcome queer women’s experience to the reality TV table, and demonstrated that it is here to stay with representation that was far from tokenistic and packed full of entertainment value.
Rob & Romesh Vs
CPL Productions for Sky Max
Returning for its seventh instalment, Rob & Romesh continues to go from strength to strength, becoming the highest rated entertainment series ever on Sky with a 28-day average of 1.1m. The judges were impressed by the show’s ability to continuously surprise and entertain, as the central duo threw themselves into their latest set of challenges.
The Rap Game UK
Naked (a Fremantle Label) for BBC
With its sixth series marking the show as the longest-running non-scripted Black British TV show in UK history, Krept & Konan and DJ Target returned to search for the next rap star with its trademark celebratory feel. Eventual winner of the series Layyah’s track went viral, reaching 1.4m views showcasing the talent of the contestants.
The Underdog: Josh Must Win
Primal Media (part of STV Studios) for E4
Praised for being a genuinely original format, E4’s reality series from Primal Media takes viewers behind the curtain to explore how reality tv can be manipulated. The participants, including Josh himself, are totally unaware that the reality TV series they are taking part in is being rigged by a secret celebrity panel show to ensure his win.
Will & Ralf Should Know Better
Afro-Mic Productions for U&Dave
At a time where so many shows are exploring the crisis of modern masculinity, Will and Ralf’s close friendship took the duo on a learning experience that centres on internal reflection. While wanting to challenge stereotypes, the show remained true to U&Dave’s ethos of seeking to make people laugh. The series was ranked as the channel’s top premiere in 2024.
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