Sexy Beasts

Sexy Beasts is a bold, refreshing, and intriguing dating show from Netflix that premiered in 2021. Originating from a concept created by Lion TV and produced by more than a few parties, this program is far removed from traditional dating shows in terms of structure and execution, making it a unique specimen of unscripted television.

At the most basic level, Sexy Beasts can be described as a dating show that removes the element of physical attraction from the equation. However, the series goes about this in a way that can only be classified as highly unorthodox. To shift the focus from physical appearances, its introducing costume artistry and prosthetics into the mix. Participants wear elaborately designed prosthetic makeup, transforming them into various non-human entities such as aliens, demons, animals, mythical creatures, and more. The detailed and uncanny designs make it practically impossible to decipher what the person underneath looks like, forcing connections to be made based on personality, compatibility, and other non-physical factors.

Episodic by nature, each episode features a primary beast who goes on three blind dates. These suitors are also disguised behind quirky masks, leveling the playing field and maintaining the emphasis on personality over physical aesthetics. The beast must then choose one person to get to know better. In the climax of the episode, all individuals reveal their true identity. This structure is repeated with new participants in each episode, adding an element of intrigue that enthuses audience speculation.

Many compare Sexy Beasts to other dating shows like Love Is Blind, due to the gimmick of physical appearance being shrouded until a relationship has been established. The major difference, other than the quirky aesthetic, comes down to the fact that in Sexy Beasts, all contestants meet face-to-face (or mask-to-mask) and interact directly, providing genuine instant chemistry.

The series is, above all, a game-changer for reality dating shows. From its concept of judging people purely based on their personality to its excellent execution, it offers an engaging exploration of human connection without the often shallow judgment based purely on physical appearances. It forces the participants, and by extension the audience, to question stereotypes and biases tied to physical attraction in a fun, engaging, and visually inventive manner that is both confident and completely self-aware.

It's not all high concept, though. Sexy Beasts also revels in the lighter, more humorous aspects of dating when you're dressed as a beaver, a demon or, an alien. Though the initial concept may seem jarring to those unacquainted with this type of show, viewers quickly realize how light-hearted and appealing the series can be. The extraordinary makeup coupled with the normalcy of getting-to-know-you questions crafts an absurdity that is as amusing as it is thought-provoking.

Sexy Beasts doesn't pretend to be a profound social experiment, but it successfully finds a sweet spot that accommodates both thoughtfulness and absurdity. This is not a run-of-the-mill dating show, and that only adds to its watchability. The nice thing about a show like Sexy Beasts is that it doesn't overstay its welcome, and episodes can be easily binged in one sitting.

While Sexy Beasts may not be for everyone, it certainly strikes a chord with viewers who appreciate original, semi-ridiculous, and intriguing reality shows. It's absurdist television at its finest and while there's a lot of eclecticism going on, it's an experience that keeps viewers on their toes, sparks conversation and will leave many eagerly awaiting another season.

In conclusion, Netflix's Sexy Beasts is a stand-out show that dares to challenge conventional dating practices by throwing physical attraction out the window and encouraging individuals to bond over shared interests, mannerisms, and personality traits instead. It's fun, entertaining, light-hearted, and at times, completely surreal – a unique dating show experience that resides in a league of its own.