Better Date Than Never

Television ABC
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Coming to ABC in 2023

Better Date than Never is a character-led, multi-part docuseries following a diverse group of single love seekers as they take a huge step in anyone’s life – into the dating world. Each participant has a unique story, and a different reason for a later start to their dating journey. But they all share a common goal – to step out on their first date. With a little help from the producers, they launch into a world they’ve always wanted to explore, on a journey that takes them on the sometimes rocky road to finding love. Refreshingly real, honest and diverse, Better Date than Never is a warm-hearted series exploring the world of dating and relationships, from the creators of Love on the Spectrum.

A Northern Pictures production for the ABC. Principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Associate Producers, Antonia Osili, Rachel O’Rourke, Melanie Sauer. Executive Producers Karina Holden and Cian O’Clery. ABC Manager, Documentaries Stephen Oliver

From Screen Australia

Screen Australia and the ABC are thrilled to announce Better Date Than Never, the warm-hearted six-part docuseries exploring the world of dating and relationships; from the creators of Love on the Spectrum, Northern Pictures.

The refreshingly real and honest series follows a diverse group of single love-seekers as they take a huge step in anyone’s life – into the dating world. Each participant has a unique story, and a different reason for a later start to their dating journey. But they all share a common goal – to step out on their first date.

Alex West, Head of Documentary at Screen Australia says, “This powerful series will provide a platform for underrepresented voices to find their place on Australia screens. In the capable hands of Northern Pictures this heart-warming observational documentary will captivate viewers and spark positive conversations with its authentic representation of dating and modern relationships.”

Richard Huddleston, ABC Acting Head of Factual and Culture says, “We are proud to continue our successful relationship with Northern Pictures to bring audiences this beautifully observed, intimate and personal series. Australia fell in love with the award-winning Love on the Spectrum and thanks to its wonderful cast and love’s universal themes they’ll do so again with Better Date Than Never.”

Karina Holden and Cian O’Clery, Northern Pictures says, “Better Date Than Never comes from a desire to broaden on-screen representation in the dating space. It’s the antidote to the fakery and frippery we see in other relationship shows, and as a result, it’s real, relatable, and heart-warming television. As our characters fall in love, we know audiences will too”.

Production Credit: A Northern Pictures production for the ABC. Principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Associate Producers, Antonia Osili, Rachel O’Rourke, Melanie Sauer. Executive Producers Karina Holden and Cian O’Clery. ABC Manager of Factual Stephen Oliver.

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Better Date Than Never

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From Tuesday 24 January 8.00pm

From the creators of Love on the Spectrum, this refreshingly real and honest six-part docuseries follows a diverse group of single love seekers as they take their first step into the dating world.

From the creators of the award-winning Love on the Spectrum comes Better Date than Never, the refreshingly real and honest six-part docuseries following a diverse group of single love seekers as they take a huge step in anyone’s life – into the dating world.

Each of the five participants, Olivia, Charles, Nirvali, Dianne and Liv, have a unique story, and a different reason for a later start to their dating journey. But they all share a common goal – to step out on their first date.

With a little help from the producers, the participants launch themselves into a world they’ve always wanted to explore. They are matched with a potential suitor, and ready themselves to meet them on a blind date. We are with them as they experience the most important moment of their dating lives: the beginning.

Participants stories are interwoven across the series as they set out on the at times, rocky road to finding love. As their stories develop - connections will be made, hearts will break, love will blossom.

Production credit: A Northern Pictures production for the ABC. Principal production funding from Screen Australia in association with the ABC. Associate Producers, Antonia Osili, Rachel O’Rourke, Melanie Sauer. Executive Producers Karina Holden and Cian O’Clery. ABC Manager of Factual Stephen Oliver.

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Season 2

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Following the endearing and popular first series, Better Date Than Never returns with more stories of a diverse group of single love seekers as they take a huge step in anyone’s life – into the dating world. Looking for love this season will be some returning characters who are continuing their search for that special someone, as well as some new singles ready to step into the dating world. As their stories develop - connections will be made, hearts will break, love will blossom.

PRODUCTION CREDITS

A Northern Pictures production for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Series Director Mariel Thomas. Supervising Producer Jenni Wilks. Executive Producers Karina Holden and Cian O’Clery. ABC Commissioning Editor Stephen Oliver. ABC Head of Factual Susie Jones. International sales: NH Media Sales

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Season 2 First Look

20 February 8:30pm

Following the endearing and popular first series, BETTER DATE THAN NEVER returns with more stories of a diverse group of single love seekers as they take their first step into the dating world.

Looking for love this season will be some returning characters who are continuing their search for that special someone, as well as some new singles ready to step into the dating world for the very first time.

Kento (25) is an I.T. worker and self-confessed geek, who hasn’t had much opportunity to meet women IRL (In Real Life). Seventh Day Adventist, Asher (22), is navigating the rulebooks of her religion and culture to find a pathway to her first ever date. Jack (21) has held back pursuing romance as he believes his Cerebral Palsy may be perceived as a burden. While Allycia (28) has never dated but desperately wants the full fairy-tale.

Particularly if it’s with Chris Hemsworth! These new daters join returning characters Charles (28) Chinese International student, Dianne (68) transgender farmer and loved up couple Liv and Ben, who found love in Series One.

With a little help from the producers, the participants launch themselves into a world they’ve always found daunting but wanted to explore. They are matched with a potential suitor, and ready themselves to meet them on a blind date. We are with them as they experience the most important moment of their dating lives: the beginning.

From the whirlwind of speed dating, to romantic candlelight dinners and playful theme park dates, we follow our participants on the sometimes-rocky road to finding love. As their stories develop – connections will be made, hearts will break, love will blossom.

Refreshingly real, honest and diverse, BETTER DATE THAN NEVER is a warm-hearted series exploring the world of dating and relationships, from the creators of LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM

Watch weekly on ABC TV at 8.30pm + stream all episodes on ABC iview

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Episode 2

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Tuesday 27 February 8.30pm

Kento struggles with interesting topics to engage his date with; Di’s long-awaited date finally happens; Liv & Ben discuss how they’ll cope with a temporary separation; & we meet Jack, who goes on his first date.
Tonight, the dating journey continues for our participants.

Kento struggles with interesting topics to engage his date with as he navigates the awkward silences. The specifics of his Hot Wheels car collection could be a deal breaker for Madeleine.

We meet Jack, a humorous 21-year-old from Perth. He’s craving a genuine connection with someone special and has never dated before. He has Cerebral Palsy and describes himself as resembling a “praying mantis cowboy man”. His belief that any romantic interests would see him as a burden has held him back and he has never been on a date. It’s now time to take on those fears headfirst as he steps out on a blind date.

Di’s long-awaited date finally happens. She is enthralled as she meets Alida, who regales her with stories of her adventurous life, far from the quiet world of Di’s farm.

Liv survived her ‘meet the parents and the neighbours’ moment and has relaxed into her special date with Ben at a local Greek restaurant. Now the young couple need to consider how they will cope with a temporary separation.

And Asher has put aside her textbooks and bible momentarily to take some time to focus on another part of her life. She is well on track with goals for her mind and soul but it’s time for another chapter – her heart. Bolstered with encouragement from her Papuan sisters who are at her side to help with makeup and wardrobe, Asher is ready to set foot into the completely new and novel world of dating.

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Episode 3

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Tuesday 5 March 8.30pm

Jack and his date navigate awkwardness and turn their anxiety into a game. Allycia is seeing a romantic fairytale of her own, just like her best friend Olivia. Fan favourite Charles returns on his quest for love.

Charles is a 28-year-old student from China who came to Sydney looking for more than an education. A nature lover, gaming nerd and keen home cook, the proudly gay Charles is researching how algae might combat climate change.

Since embarking on his first ever date in Series 1, Charles has completed his master’s degree and embarked on a PhD, marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of World Pride, and invested in a new hotpot. Love has continued to allude him, but he’s considering new approaches. He’s always found dating one on one intimidating so the idea of several dates in one location at a speed dating event has him reaching for his cologne and his best collared shirt.

Jack and his first date Phoebe have a lot in common, including a tummy full of butterflies. They agree small talk is difficult and awkward, so they cleverly turn their anxiety into a game where neither of them ends up feeling a winner.

Allycia is a high energy, fun-loving 28-year-old from Brisbane who wants a romantic fairy-tale of her very own. She has a condition known as Chromosome 18 – a deletion of the 18th Chromosome which she explains means “her brain works a bit differently to other peoples”. Though dealt this card she remains a true-life enthusiast. Allycia is best friends with Series 1 participant, Olivia. Olivia comes over for a visit, and they talk about Allycia finding her True Love Prince. She wants to experience romance and love, just as her best friend Olivia has. Particularly if it’s with Chris Hemsworth!

Kento is not dissuaded after his first ever date ended with an offer of friendship. He is open and ready to try again.

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Episode 4

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Tuesday 12 March 8.30pm

Allycia gets ready for her first ever date, hoping to meet True Love’s Prince. Kento is thrilled to make a connection with someone new. Charles maximises his chances of finding love by attending a speed dating event.

Allycia gets ready for her first ever date. She picks an outfit and glittering makeup to match her exuberance. The date kicks off well. Her dream has always been to go on a date at a theme park and while this part comes true, her wish that her first date would be her True Love’s Prince will soon be revealed.

Kento heads out on a second date with someone new. He is surprised she finds him funny and is quickly smitten with the like-minded Rebecca. Though just meeting for the first time they chat and laugh and exchange gifts like a pair of great old friends. Could there be more? After saying goodbye, Kento is left hopeful it won’t be the last time he sees Rebecca.

Charles’s big day has arrived. Having never been to a Speed Dating event before, he looks for some support and advice from his friend Jimmy who encourages him just to be himself, plus 10%. This encouragement sets Charles off with an open attitude and as the rounds of dates kick off, he is clearly enjoying meeting so many new possible beaus.

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It happened during one of Taylor’s concerts at the MCG last weekend.

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Episode 5

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Tuesday 19 March 8.30pm

Allycia’s dreams seem to be coming true on an action-packed day at a theme park. Charles navigates the whirlwind of speed dating. Asher goes on her first date ever, whilst Jack becomes smitten when he meets someone new.

Allycia’s theme park date with Cameron is action packed fun. As in all true romance stories, he even wins a giant plush toy and presents it to her. After the date wraps up, Allycia’s devoted Mum has some emotional expectations and tears to manage.

Charles has been in a whirlwind of bell ringing and personal information sharing at his first Speed Dating event. Forms need to be filled and boxes need to be ticked before Charles will know if he has made any matches from the evening.

Asher is about to meet her first date. Her mind is whirring with thoughts of what and what not to talk about with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The setting is romantic, her date Matt is handsome and he arrives with beautiful flowers. There are a lot of things going right and Asher feels safe enough within the positive vibe to steer the conversation into the danger zone of politics and religion.

Jack goes on a second date, this time with Claire. He claims he can tell within 10 minutes if he is interested in someone. On this date however, he appears smitten at first sight, and unsure what to do with the emotions he’s feeling.

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Episode 6

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Tuesday 26 March 8.30pm

Sparks fly between Jack and Claire. Asher and Matt have a surprising end to their date. Kento builds up the courage to ask Rebecca out. Charles discovers his matches from Speed Dating with some unexpected outcomes.

Tonight, Asher finds the wind up to her date with Matt a bit of a surprise. She feels positive that it was a good first date experience and she hopes to take what she learnt into her next one. Larry is different to Matt and this time it seems it might be more her heart than her head that’s leaning into the potential of a relationship.
Jack and Claire wrap up their date as the sun sets over the ocean. They agree it’s been a great date, and the sparks between them are flying.

Charles has been waiting for the news about matches from the Speed Dating event he attended. The long-awaited call comes through with some unexpected outcomes.

Kento knows that if he doesn’t find the courage to follow up with Rebecca his chances of finding a partner will be zero. He is aware she loves Cosplay and decides to message her with an invitation to go with him to an upcoming Cosplay Ball.

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Episode 7 Final

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Tuesday 2 April 8.30pm

In the season finale, hearts are on the line. Kento and Rebecca attend the Cosplay Ball together. Jack hopes his feelings for Claire will be reciprocated. Di and Alida meet for another date and love is in the air.

During tonight season finale, Kento goes all out with his costume for the Cosplay Ball. He is thrilled Rebecca accepted his invitation to go with him. They dance the night away and at the end talk about their feelings for each other and what the next steps might be.

Di and Alida meet again for another date. Is love in the air!?

Jack and Claire settle into a dreamy gondola ride on the Swan River. Their connection is obviously strong, and Jack is hopeful it might be the beginning of something special.

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