Six years ago, Channel 4 struck gold with a dating show that finally placed women in the driver's seat. Now, fans are clamoring for its return. Amid the endless stream of Love is Blind, Married at First Sight, and Celebs Go Dating, one iconic title is conspicuously absent from the lineup: Five Guys A Week.
A Revolutionary Concept
Premiering in 2020, Five Guys A Week was one of the best dating shows ever produced, despite only lasting two seasons. Unlike The Bachelor, which debuted in 2002 and featured 25 women competing for one man, this show flipped the often gendered dynamic of heterosexual dating. Traditional shows like Take Me Out reinforced the unhealthy assumption that men hold the power in relationships. Even Love Island, which appears more balanced, still perpetuates male and female stereotypes.
How It Worked
The format was simple: one woman hosted five men in her home for a week. Each evening, she eliminated one contestant, similar to Come Dine With Me but with more sexual tension. For once, the power was truly in her hands. She could see how each man fared in a domestic setting before things got serious—no need to date for months only to discover deal-breakers like leaving the toilet seat up.
It was satisfying to watch men vie for the attention of deserving women. If they couldn't make a good impression, they were politely shown the door. This was female empowerment at its finest.
Flaws and Highlights
The show's only flaw stemmed from some male contestants who, lacking genuine connection, refused to accept defeat. Instead of allowing romance to blossom, they competed solely to 'win' the woman. However, viewers hope the women see through this facade, and some storylines may be exaggerated for effect.
Memorable episodes included five ginger men wooing Hope from Manchester, who denied having a type, and 68-year-old Susan from Yorkshire opening her home to five suitors. This was Channel 4 at its best—an experimental format showcasing diverse ages, regions, and personalities, breaking the mold of a sanitized genre.
A Call for Revival
Looking back at messages from 2020, the show ignited excitement among friends. It reminded us that we can control our own narratives in modern dating. The worst part? Not only did it end six years ago, but it's also unavailable on any streaming service. Fans say: 'Stuff the series that have been done to death.' While another season of dating shows full of wannabe influencers and toxic men is unappealing, a revival of this gem would be welcome.
