This Series Finally Got Dating >50 Right!

It Was Like Watching My Own Life (Kinda)

The Later Daters is a new Netflix series produced by Michelle Obama (of all people!)

Set in Atlanta, it follows an eclectic group of 50+ daters who work with a professional relationship coach and go out on blind dates with four randos.

At the end of the “adventure” (which often features commentary from their grown kids), the daters decide whether to hang out with one of the suitors or remain single.

I admit sometimes I needed to take a break from watching. I’ve encountered enough icky behavior in my own life that I don’t need to watch a stranger’s train wreck cocktail or coffee meet.

The photo in this article is from a scene that was truly painful to watch. A rock star’s widow chattered on nervously, while the serious dude got pissed that she didn’t ask him any questions about himself. (I’ve been on the other end of that date more than once and I admit that nerves can turn me into a yammerer at times.)

One of the things I love about the show is that wrinkles and physical flaws abound. Unlike the Golden Bachelor/ette contestants, these people are humans we can relate to! Many of the “characters” were divorced. Some had habits I found somewhat obnoxious (which were addressed honestly and openly through the coaching process). Even those people who wound up alone seemed to emerge wiser.

The other big difference between The Later Daters and the Hollywood version of dating after 50 is that the show takes place in one geography. If they ever shoot in Arizona, I’d love to sign up! The coach was very wise and helpful and pointed out flaws in daters’ assumptions that ultimately helped them make better choices.

Above all, it made ending up solo look just fine. Rather than zooming in on “jilted” suitors weeping in the back of an SUV, the show reinforced that being alone is not the same as being lonely.

No blathering about “feeling safe” or obnoxiously cute questions like, “Are you gonna kiss my grandma?” No helicopter dates or romantic beach walks in Bali.

Apparently, some reality in reality TV still exists!

(BTW…I’ve been reading a great book about the history and evolution of reality TV. If you like my “stuff,” please follow me on GoodReads to see what pages I’m turning!)