The Undateables

This show promised so much from the previews - It genuinely looked like a documentary into the struggle those with disabilities have in finding love, more so than us more able bodied people. Unfortunately, due to it being from Channel 4 - they have put their own twist on it.

Firstly, this show isn't in the same league of demeaning, lowest common denominator programming that is typical for Channel 4 (See such wonderful programmes such as: Dogging Tales, Benefits Streets, What Happens In Sunny Beach And Kavos). But that doesn't mean it is completely innocent.

The show features different individuals with different disorders each episode, with 'catch up' episodes at the end of the series (and part way through the 3rd series) so we can see how things are going.

The individuals on the show are genuinely lovely, and get some positive results with securing dates, so the show really does help these people.

However, I find that there is a tone of "these people are not wanted" from the way they are spoken about, which maybe is aimed to tug at the heart strings, or is done to add to the desperation they face.

It does however highlight some of the disabilities that we forget people struggle with, and may help people with these ailments to be better understood in society.

Channel 4 has obviously got bored with promoting underage sex and general noncery (mini pops, teen big brother, skins...the list goes on) so they've gone for an old classic - the freak show.

Anyone at all duped by the claim that this is educational should consider the amused sounding narrator, the focus on their failures and the general sniggering tone. You're not watching it because you feel sorry for them or are genuinely interested, you're watching it to see a guy with a head shaped like a Nik Nak.

Awful show, Channel 4 should stick with their more popular and dignified shows, like that one where a woman divides up a fat girls crap with a plastic spoon and then gives out some diet advice.

It's a topic in itself, but a lot of "factual" and "reality", not to mention "comedy" programmes often consist of what would be an excellent 10 minute YouTube video dragged out for one hour. Maybe attention spans are shorter than they were two decades ago, but The Undateables for me is incredibly slow moving with a recap after every long ad break.

The cynic in me says this is yet another attempt to peer in at the window of humanity and sneer at people who are different. Sadly, all mainstream TV channels are guilty of this. The fact clips of this show have become memes and appeared on "try not to laugh" compilations on YouTube says it all; as does the title.

To sum up, a 10 minute programme dragged out for 45+ minutes is not my idea of a good time. Sally Phillips easy-going, warm voice can't save it for me. Ignoring the offensive factor, it's just tedious.

I write this review in response to the negatives ones on this site.

Personally I find the 'undateables' to be the most engrossing program to come from Channel 4 in years. Every single episode we're introduced to some of the most interesting, lovely and downright earnest people to be put on TV. A much needed break for viewers constantly bombarded with endlessly vapid 'reality' and 'celebrities try ( insert potentially mass market hobby here)' shows.

We're shown real people overcome troubles, torments and victories in regards to finding love, and I must say it is one hell of a ride. With each hurdle the viewer will find themselves genuinely feeling sad and frustrated, being shown directly the sheer complexity of these peoples problems.

However it isn't to say the emotion comes solely from these peoples disabilities, quite the opposite. With each awkward pause, each poorly delivered line we see people on REAL first dates, coming to terms with the challenge and overcoming it.

Which in turn brings us to the shows true highlights. We see our 'undateables' overcome their nerves, disabilities, and general lack of practice in the pursuit of something extremely important to them, which ALWAYS leaves me cheering, punching the air with absolute delight at the fact that the 'undatables' are very much dateable.

For those who believe this is a 'freak show' and berate the show for it, I find it most annoying. It would seem funny these same people who can't see what the show has to offer simply file it under something so pessimistically and hypocritically idiotic as 'freak show'.

The show is trying to show us the importance of love, and in showing us how difficult it is for some to find, we might be shown how important it truly is to love and be loved.

Sally Phillips is fantastic as the narrator too, keeping a calm yet engaged tone to her voice, enhancing each up and down accordingly. To say she is intentionally making fun of the 'undatables' is just idiocy. There are awesome laughs to be had watching the show, but they are certainly without malice.

Awesome, engaging, emotional show with some of the most interesting people to be on TV in years.

I personally found this documentary rather uncomfortable to watch. The whole idea of them being 'undateable' already labels the people involved negatively, and watching the programme only a gave a narrow viewpoint of these people. The whole set-up of the programme was awkward, with parts in which you didn't know whether or not to feel sorry for the people involved. Yes, it pinpoints a rather niche subject and brings attention nationally to these people, in an attempt, to show the world that they are just like everyone else, but the show does not portray this well, or in fact, at all. To add, the narrator's tone of voice combined with the whole idea of the show is almost comedic and this is hardly acceptable for such a programme. I'd also like to point out that the narrator, Sally Phillips, is an actress famous for her roles in comedy films/programmes - hardly appropriate for a programme like this. As someone who has experienced autism and other high-severity disorders many times, I find it almost offensive how the people are portrayed. Overall, another poorly-constructed and badly thought-through Channel 4 documentary; Channel 4 at its worst. I strongly do NOT recommend watching this.