Hulu’s new dating show Are You My First? brings virginity to center stage, with a familiar Reality TV touch and a hopeful twist. The program, produced by the same team behind Love Island, follows 21 virgins aged roughly 24 to 34 as they navigate dating and intimate milestones on a national platform.
Colton Underwood and Kaitlyn Bristowe, both veterans of The Bachelor franchise, co-host the series. Underwood says the project has already generated a lot of direct messages from people curious about the concept, and he suggests there could be even more interest if Season 2 arrives. “I’ve never had so many virgins sliding into my DMs,” he joked, while adding that if Season 2 happens, the cast would likely be a wider mix of virgins from across the country.
Bristowe, who starred as The Bachelorette in 2015, reflected on her own journey and the backlash she faced at the time for discussing sex openly. She said that experience has given her greater empathy for the contestants on Are You My First? and inspired her to approach the cast with warmth. She described the show as a “sweeter, softer version” of typical dating TV, where some participants even wait for a kiss until they feel ready and comfortable.
The hosts emphasize that many contestants come from religious backgrounds, with several identifying as Mormon. Underwood acknowledged that faith can shape dating decisions and that the show intends to highlight the diverse reasons people choose to delay or abstain from sex. He also touched on his own complicated history, noting that his public journey includes dating Cassie Randolph and later revealing his sexual orientation.
Viewers will see a range of personalities and firsts on screen, including moments of awkwardness and restraint. One contestant, Michael, a 26-year-old stand-up comedian from Austin, humorously reveals his celebrity crush is William Howard Taft, underscoring the light, approachable tone the show aims for amidst meaningful conversations about faith, intimacy, and personal boundaries.
The program premieres on August 18 and invites audiences to consider romance through a different lens—one that prioritizes personal choice, respect, and the evolving definitions of connection in modern dating.
Summary: Are You My First? presents 21 virgins navigating romance under the guidance of Colton Underwood and Kaitlyn Bristowe, blending candid discussions of faith, sexuality, and personal boundaries with the familiar energy of a dating competition. It seeks to offer viewers a thoughtful, gentler take on dating realities while exploring why people delay or abstain from sex, and how authentic connections can form in a modern era of televised romance.
Additional value and commentary:
– The show could spark broader conversations about sexuality, faith, and consent in reality dating formats, offering a rare look at how personal beliefs and life choices influence dating behavior.
– By foregrounding intentional courtship and emotional readiness, the series may appeal to viewers seeking something less sensational and more relational.
– If Season 2 is confirmed, casting a wider mix of backgrounds could further enrich the dialogue around diverse experiences and rationales for remaining virgins, potentially expanding audience interest beyond traditional reality-TV fans.
Overall, the premiere sets up a potentially thoughtful, conversation-starting addition to the dating-show landscape, with hosts who bring both empathy and franchise experience to the dialogue.