Bold new social experiment series fast-tracks love on a first date

TLC, the pay TV entertainment channel has commissioned UNDRESSED, an innovative and experimental dating show that sees two perfect strangers undress each other and climb into bed on a first date in an exciting new series that accelerates intimacy and explores the accepted rules of attraction.

In UNDRESSED (20x30), produced by Fizz (part of RDF Television) the singletons in search of their soulmate will spend 30 minutes alone together in the same bed, wearing nothing but their underwear. Inspired by social science surrounding the rules of intimacy, a supersized screen will pose probing questions and set tasks designed to rapidly foster relationships. When the time is up, the couples must make their decision – to stay in bed and continue the date or leave the room.

The series takes a new look at the psychology of dating when intimacy is accelerated based on the theory that mutual vulnerability fosters closeness. In an attempt to find true love some couples may click instantly while others might be surprised by their own unpredictable reaction to this courageous dating experiment. Each episode will tell the in-depth, fascinating and revelatory stories of a relatable cast ranging in sexuality, ethnicity, age, disability and background.

Clare Laycock, VP, Head of Channels, TLC & Investigation Discovery said: “I’m incredibly proud to bring UNDRESSED to TLC. It’s a brave and beautiful new dating format that explores whether it is possible to fall in love with a complete stranger. Behind the provocative headline, at its heart are funny, adorable and sometimes awkward connections. TLC’s mission is to give the nation a boost – this show promises to do just that.”

“A dark room. A bed. A screen. Singleton strangers that undress each other on a first date. It’s a gloriously simple format but an irresistibly watchable show,” said Mark Procter, Acting Head of Factual Entertainment, Discovery Networks International. “Created for our Italian networks, it’s been a big hit and I’m delighted to be producing this in the UK with Fizz on our first production together. They’ve assembled a top notch team of creatives and I can’t wait to see this dramatic new dating show on screen.”

Peter Usher, Executive Producer, Fizz said: “Devised by our colleagues at Magnolia Italy, UNDRESSED is a brilliant format that poses an intriguing question: by experiencing instant intimacy, can two strangers fall in love in a matter of moments? We can’t wait to share this adventure with the TLC audience.”

Grant Ross, Exec VP of Global Creative Development and Format Acquisition at Zodiak Media said, "We’re incredibly proud of Magnolia Italy for creating such an innovative format for the group. The show is already a standout hit on Nove and is consistently delivering huge uplifts across all demos. Creativity remains at the heart of what we do and UNDRESSED is testament to our continued investment in creativity which can travel".

UNDRESSED was ordered by Clare Laycock and commissioned by Mark Procter. Steve Jones is the Executive Producer for TLC. Peter Usher and Neale Simpson are the Executive Producers for Fizz. UNDRESSED is based on the Italian format of the same name broadcast on Discovery Networks’ Nove, produced and created by Zodiak Media’s Magnolia Italy. The series will air on TLC in the UK and Ireland this summer. Zodiak Media own worldwide rights to the format and Zodiak Rights distribute internationally.

TLC is available on Sky 125, Virgin 167, BT TV 323, Talk Talk 323.