The executive producer of the provocative dating series “Naked Attraction”, speaks out on the polarizing reaction audiences had to it after its U.S. debut. The six seasons of the British dating show “Naked Attraction” that debuted in 2016 on Channel 4 were released last month on streaming service Max. The episodes follow a (clothed), single guest as they choose from six potential dates, revealing their naked bodies “bit by beautiful bit” starting from the bottom.
Guests can eliminate contestants who don’t fit their aesthetic standards. The “picker”, who is sent to a date fully dressed with the winner, then becomes a part of the show. The show embraces full-frontal nakedness, despite the disclaimer that it is only intended for mature audiences. Darrell Olsen, the executive producer of The Hollywood Reporter’s Monday interview, dismissed claims that the show is “pornographic”. He also denied accusations that its participants are objectified. Olsen explained that “what’s happening now in the States is
seven years ago.” Watch the trailer below for Max’s “Naked Attraction”.
He went on to note: “I think what will happen with you guys is, hopefully, what happened over here, where the ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe this is on TV’ turns into, ‘It’s a pretty good show.’ Also, the stories get better and we push more boundaries
.”[like how the U.K. reacted]Much of the discourse surrounding “Naked Attraction” has focused on whether a show that requires its participants to judge prospective partners on their physical traits can truly be body-positive. Olsen sees things differently. He says: “The irony is, having a bunch of people naked makes you feel good about yourself.”
Olsen also notes that the stories get better and we push more boundaries
Much of the discourse surrounding “Naked Attraction” has focused on whether a show which requires its participants to judge prospective partners based on their physical traits can truly be body-positive. “We’ve all got different genitals. All of us have different big toes. It’s amazing. So there’s no reason to feel bad about yourself, and it’s empowering to see we’re all different.”[in the latter seasons]Criticism aside, “Naked Attraction” is a certified smash. The show soared to Max’s number one spot in terms of viewers. The show was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. shortly after its debut on Sept. 20, 2010. Olsen has admitted that the popularity of “Naked Ambition,” in the U.S., has taken him “by surprise” and that of the rest of his creative team. However, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of developing an American version of the show or one that features celebrity participants – provided they are willing to appear au naturel
“We would not want to do an diluted version,” Olsen said. If
suggested that everyone wear underwear, but without tops, or something similar, it would not be honoring the show’s purpose. We’d love to do a show featuring U.S.-
, who are so energetic and have new stories to share.”