World Series Of Dating. Image shows from L to R: James Chetwyn-Talbot (Tom Price), Doyle McManus (Rob Riggle). Copyright: Lion Television
World Series Of Dating

World Series Of Dating

  • TV comedy
  • BBC Three
  • 2012
  • 8 episodes (1 series)

Comedy series that sees dating turned into an American-style competitive sport, with all of the overblown, loud conventions that go with it. Stars Tom Price, Rob Riggle, Thaila Zucchi and Bentley Kalu.

Key details

Genre
Comedy
Broadcast
2012
Channel
BBC Three
Episodes
8 (1 series)
Stars
Tom Price, Rob Riggle, Thaila Zucchi and Bentley Kalu
Writers
Andrew Dawson, Steve Dawson, Tim Inman, Jack Brough, Jamie Deeks, Dan Johnston, Ewen MacIntosh, Rob Riggle and more
Directors
Will Innes, Abi Kelly, Mat Marsters, Jon Murphy, Paul Mackay and Jon Richards
Producers
Mark Lucey, Will Innes, Abi Kelly, Mat Marsters, Jon Murphy, Joff Powell, Simon Welton and Alan Tyler
Company

World Series Of Dating sees dating turned into a competitive sport, American style, with all of the sporting conventions that go with it - overblown graphics, music and scripted comedy analysis.

The dates are real (real people on real first dates) and it all happens in 'The Date Zone'. Women cast especially for the role sit in 'The Date Zone' waiting for their first guy to appear. From the moment the single men walk into the zone the women can decide to buzz them out of the game for whatever reason they wish.

A referee then discusses the foul with the girl and decides whether the young man gets a warning or is sent packing (to be replaced by a rival). Also appearing throughout the show are two commentators who discuss and reflect on the action as it happens with super-slow mo replays and many other sporting conventions.

Rob Riggle (Saturday Night Live, The Hangover) plays the role of American correspondent Doyle MacManus, who is a legendary dater himself with many a story to tell.

UK correspondent James Chetwynd-Talbot (Tom Price) comments on the action; a nervous sports journalist he is unlucky with the ladies himself.

The touchline reporter, played by comedian Thaila Zucchi, is on hand to grill the boys when they get buzzed out of the Date Zone.

At the end of the series, one man will officially be crowned as Britain's Greatest Living Dater.

BBC Entertainment commissioner Alan Tyler said: "It's dating, it's sport, it's comedy and we are delighted to have such a 'prestigious' tournament showcased on BBC Three. It's a huge bonus to have Doyle MacManus and James Chetwynd Talbot on board to provide the kind of sensitive commentary that is a perfect companion to that tricky and unforgiving first date moment."

Executive producers Joff Powell and Simon Welton add: "Working with a contemporary comedy icon like Rob Riggle is an absolute pleasure and we wrote the role with him in mind. Using a cross-genre combination, we have been able to utilise our reality and comedy experience to create a unique entity. BBC Three is the perfect home to celebrate an awkward right of passage we all go through, with humour and fun."

Additional details

Production
Studio
Picture
Colour

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Monday 26th March 2012 at 10:30pm on BBC Three
Most recent repeats
  • Wednesday 9th May 2012 at 3:55am on BBC3 - Episode 7
  • Tuesday 1st May 2012 at 1:25am on BBC3 - Episode 6
  • Saturday 28th April 2012 at 4:30am on BBC3 - Episode 5

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