Netflix is unveiling yet another ambitious reality project, “Playing with Matches.”
Netflix’s continued investment in the reality format reflects a broader industry move to turn unscripted television into popular content.
Netflix’s Playing with Matches follows undercover couples trying to hide their relationships while exposing others
Netflix has been enjoying a purple patch with reality shows such as “Love Is Blind,” “Perfect Match,” “Too Hot to Handle” and “Temptation Island.” The latest project joins the league of dating and social strategy shows that are growing in popularity.
According to Netflix’s Tudum, the game is one of ultimate concealment. Here, couples enter the competition without disclosing their relationship. The challenge is to protect their secret while exposing other relationships.
Netflix describes the show as “the ultimate game of romantic deception.” Couples will have to conceal their connection and chemistry while trying to identify the other couples, all while living together in a Big Brother-style house. The goal is to remain in the game longer than rival couples while protecting their own secret.
The format combines elements of a dating show, a social experiment and a strategy competition. Unlike other dating shows, “Playing with Matches” does not begin with the allure of dating or finding love. Instead, the relationships are already established, and the challenge is to keep them hidden.
Netflix is continuing to expand its experimental social-strategy reality formats. In recent months, the streamer has announced several interesting unscripted shows. These include “Weight to Date,” “Monopoly” and the interactive dating series “Netflix, Will You Marry Me?”
The series is produced by Mettlemouse and executive produced by Sarah Tyekiff and Shaun Parry. According to Tudum, this upcoming series will join Netflix’s growing unscripted lineup, including “Temptation Island,” “Million Dollar Secret,” “Age of Attraction,” “Love Is Blind” and more.
For now, Playing with Matches poses a question to viewers and participants: Is it harder to conceal a relationship than to find love?
