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Singled Out

Singled Out is an American dating game show created for MTV that premiered on June 5, 1995, and aired until 1998, featuring contestants who selected dates from a large pool of 50 potential matches through a series of humorous elimination rounds.^[1] The show's format divided each episode into two segments: in the first, a female contestant chose from 50 men, and in the second, a male contestant selected from 50 women, with eliminations based on answers to quirky, often superficial questions about preferences, habits, and physical traits.^[2]^[1] Eliminated contestants were humorously required to wear a toilet seat around their neck as they exited, while a "golden ticket" gimmick allowed the picker to save one eliminated participant from further rounds.^[2]^[1] Successful matches resulted in a date, sometimes enhanced with prizes such as trips or cash, emphasizing the program's lighthearted and irreverent tone.^[1] Co-hosted by comedian Chris Hardwick, who served as the "snarky ringmaster," and initially by Jenny McCarthy from 1995 to 1997, the show transitioned to Carmen Electra as McCarthy's replacement for the final season, contributing to its energetic and playful dynamic.^[3]^[1] At its height, Singled Out aired four times daily on MTV, becoming a cultural staple of 1990s youth television and MTV's inaugural entry into the dating reality genre.^[1]^[2] The series left a lasting impact, inspiring parodies on shows like Boy Meets World and Saturday Night Live, and paving the way for future MTV dating programs such as Next and Room Raiders.^[1] Revival efforts included a seven-episode YouTube series in 2018 hosted by Justina Valentine and Conceited, and a short-form version planned for Quibi in 2020 that was ultimately short-lived due to the platform's failure.^[1]^[4]

Premise

Core Concept

Singled Out is an American dating game show created by Burt Wheeler and Sharon Sussman in 1995 as an original MTV production.^[5] The series premiered on June 5, 1995, and ran until 1998, airing over five seasons on the network.^[6] It featured a fast-paced elimination format designed to entertain young audiences with its bold, comedic approach to matchmaking. In the core setup, a central contestant—known as the "Picker"—alternated genders across each episode's two halves, first a woman selecting from 50 men and then a man from 50 women, all concealed behind partitions visible only via a large mirror to the Picker.^[6] The process relied on playful, often risqué questions posed to the group, alongside physical comedy elements like silly challenges, to progressively eliminate options and reveal personalities in a lighthearted, irreverent tone.^[5] The ultimate prize for the chosen pair was an elaborate date package, typically a day trip to destinations such as Catalina Island, along with spending money and merchandise prizes like clothing or equipment, emphasizing fun and adventure over romance alone.^[5] This fundamental concept of rapid eliminations from a large pool influenced later revivals on digital platforms.

Basic Gameplay Structure

Singled Out employs a structured three-round elimination format common to both its original MTV run and later revivals, where a central contestant, referred to as the picker, selects a date from an initial pool of 50 eligible singles of the opposite sex. The picker sits in a throne-like chair positioned in front of a large mirror that conceals the contestants hidden behind it, ensuring the selections occur without visual bias during early stages. Co-hosts and announcers facilitate the process by presenting options, reading responses, and coordinating eliminations, creating a fast-paced, humorous atmosphere. This setup emphasizes progressive narrowing based on compatibility cues, from broad preferences to specific interactions.^[1]^[5] In Round 1, the picker verbally eliminates the majority of contestants—typically around 40 out of 50—through quirky, themed categories or questions that probe preferences in areas like physical attributes, habits, or lifestyle choices. The picker selects from a grid or list of options, such as height ranges or facial hair styles, and contestants who do not align with the chosen criteria are dismissed, often with theatrical exits to maintain energy. The picker can use a "golden ticket" to save one eliminated contestant from further dismissal. This verbal screening rapidly filters the pool to a smaller group of 5 to 10 survivors, focusing on initial deal-breakers without direct interaction.^[1]^[5] Round 2 builds on the initial cuts by introducing more personal evaluations, where the remaining contestants share stats, use props, or perform light demonstrations related to traits like unusual habits or flirtation styles, such as reciting pickup lines. The picker observes these indirect or anonymized inputs, often relayed by announcers, and eliminates further based on compatibility or entertainment value, reducing the field to three finalists. This stage shifts from broad eliminations to targeted assessments, incorporating elements of surprise and humor to engage the picker.^[1] The third and final round intensifies the selection with interactive elements, such as a competition where finalists guess the picker's preferences or answer rapid "this or that" questions among the last contestants, allowing the picker to make a decisive choice. The mirror is removed to reveal the finalists' positions, and the picker selects one based on the accumulated insights, culminating in the matchup. Each 30-minute episode accommodates two complete games in this format—one featuring a female picker choosing from 50 men, followed by a male picker selecting from 50 women—ensuring a balanced structure across both original and revival iterations, though later versions occasionally integrated social media for preliminary contestant sourcing.^[1]^[5]^[7]

Original Series (1995–1998)

Hosts and Announcers

The original MTV series of Singled Out was hosted by Chris Hardwick from its premiere in 1995 through its conclusion in 1998, where he managed the game's progression, provided witty banter, and maintained a steady, relatable presence amid the show's chaotic energy.^[7] Hardwick's role as the primary host emphasized structured gameplay while allowing room for humor, drawing from his prior MTV experience on shows like Trashed.^[5] Co-hosting duties began with Jenny McCarthy from 1995 to early 1997, during which she brought flirtatious, improvisational comedy to the segments, often wrangling contestants with bold and engaging interactions that contrasted Hardwick's more grounded style.^[5] McCarthy departed in February 1997 to pursue her acting career, including starring in the NBC sitcom Jenny, which premiered later that year; her exit occurred midway through the show's run, prompting MTV to seek a replacement to sustain the dynamic co-host energy.^[8]^[1] Carmen Electra stepped in as co-host from 1997 to 1998, maintaining the flirtatious and comedic flair by interacting directly with contestants and enhancing the show's party-like atmosphere alongside Hardwick.^[9] Announcing for the series was handled by Royale Watkins, who provided voice-over narration and segment introductions during the original run.^[10] The host dynamics overall featured Hardwick as the straight-man anchor guiding the format, complemented by the co-hosts' vibrant, seductive humor that amplified the dating show's playful chaos.^[5]

Gameplay Rounds

The gameplay of the original Singled Out series (1995–1998) revolved around three progressive rounds that eliminated contestants from an initial pool of 50 through a mix of multiple-choice categories, interactive challenges, and performance tasks, capturing the playful, irreverent spirit of 1990s MTV programming with its emphasis on flirtation, physicality, and pop culture nods. Round 1 focused on rapid eliminations via category-based questions, where the picker chose from a pre-set list of traits or preferences, and contestants self-eliminated by standing or sitting based on whether they matched the majority response. Examples included physical attributes like "over 6-foot-2," "under 5-foot-9," "muscles," "bust size," or the innuendo-laden "package" (likened to a "Kentucky Derby horse or jockey"), as well as preferences such as facial hair, wealth indicators, or leg length. Starting in the third season, a "Golden Ticket" allowed the picker to save one eliminated contestant from further elimination.^[5]^[1] These shallow, often cheeky categories reflected the era's dating show tropes, quickly reducing the group to about 5–8 while eliciting laughs from mismatched revelations. Round 2 shifted to interactive demonstrations of personality and skills, with surviving contestants performing stunts or responding to prompts to further narrow the field. Specific challenges included hula-hooping contests, imitating the revving sound of an "excited" car, persuading a staff member in a roach costume to check into a "roach motel," trimming fake hair from an oversized prop nose, or using a crystal ball to predict a dream date scenario.^[5]^[1] Raunchy pun-based questions and absurd tasks, such as mimicking a cow giving birth, infused the round with 1990s-style humor, emphasizing physical comedy and quick-witted banter, typically reducing to three finalists. Round 3 involved the three finalists answering two-choice questions to match the picker's preferences, advancing along a walkway with each correct match; the first to reach the picker's victory circle was selected as the winner. This phase used verbal responses to determine compatibility.^[1] Humor permeated all rounds via slapstick elements, including buzzer sound effects for eliminations, exaggerated contestant exits (like filing out in mock defeat), and boisterous audience reactions that amplified the rowdy, party-like atmosphere.^[5] The format's chaotic energy, rooted in unscripted responses to scripted prompts, often led to spontaneous comedic moments that underscored the show's lighthearted take on dating. Episode variations adapted the rounds for themed installments, such as Spring Break specials filmed on location in Panama City, Florida, which incorporated beach-appropriate categories like swimwear preferences and water-based stunts.^[5] Holiday episodes, including a Valentine's Day edition, tailored questions to romantic or seasonal motifs, like couple-oriented preferences, while maintaining the core elimination structure.^[11]

Reveal and Prizes

Following Round 3, the winner was revealed to the picker, who was positioned behind a screen; the pair then met face-to-face as partitions opened to show the remaining contestants. The two segments' matches were revealed sequentially or together at the episode's end, allowing the contestants to briefly interact on set.^[5] Rejected finalists received consolation prizes, such as branded T-shirts from the show.^[12] The winning pair was awarded a chaperoned day date package, typically consisting of a trip to a local attraction like California's Catalina Island via fast ferry or a visit to San Diego, along with additional perks including side prizes such as Airwalk shoes, snowboards, skateboards, or bicycles obtained through trade-outs.^[5] These outings were limited to daytime activities to avoid the need for overnight chaperoning by network staff.^[1] In later seasons, variations included occasional celebrity dates, such as an episode featuring Jennifer Love Hewitt as a potential match, and special prizes tailored to themed episodes.^[13] The segment concluded with a teaser of the couple's upcoming date, emphasizing the excitement of their off-set interaction.^[5]

Recurring Characters

The original Singled Out series featured a supporting ensemble of recurring characters who contributed to the show's high-energy, comedic atmosphere through visual gags, musical cues, and interactive bits during the elimination rounds. Central to this was Cupid Bob, portrayed by Tom Dorfmeister, a scruffy, cigar-chomping cupid mascot who appeared in multiple episodes to punctuate romantic segments with exaggerated, satirical flair, often delivering deadpan commentary on the contestants' choices.^[12]^[14] The show's announcers, including Tami Heide and Royale Watkins, also served recurring roles by voicing over-the-top introductions and sound effects that heightened the absurdity of the dating pool eliminations, engaging the audience with playful asides and hype-building narration.^[15]^[12] Complementing the hosts, Jon Ernst as the Pianoboy provided live musical interludes on a baby grand piano, often improvising quirky tunes to underscore sight gags during contestant reveals and providing rhythmic transitions that amplified the humor of failed pickups. Quirky pool contestants, such as the recurring "Wild Hair Guy" with his unkempt, werewolf-like appearance, became fan-favorite staples, repeatedly appearing in the lineup of 50 despite consistent eliminations, embodying self-deprecating comedy through their over-the-top 90s personas.^[16] These characters parodied era-specific stereotypes, including grunge rockers in flannel, valley girls with exaggerated slang, and preppy jocks, reflecting the show's satirical take on MTV's youth culture.^[16]^[4] The ensemble's style evolved with co-host transitions; during Jenny McCarthy's tenure (1995–1997), the characters leaned into raw, improvisational chaos, while Carmen Electra's arrival in 1997 introduced a glossier, more glamorous vibe, with Cupid Bob and the announcers incorporating flirtatious, vaudeville-inspired antics to match her persona.^[1] Behind the scenes, much of the humor stemmed from cast improvisation, as Dorfmeister and Ernst often ad-libbed reactions based on live contestant energy, adding unpredictable spontaneity to taped episodes at Empire Studios in Burbank.^[12]

Revival Series (2018–2020)

2018 YouTube Version

In 2018, MTV Studios revived Singled Out as a digital series titled S1NGLED OUT, premiering exclusively on the network's YouTube channel on November 19. The short-lived experiment consisted of seven episodes, airing weekly through December 24, with each installment running 10 to 15 minutes to suit the platform's fast-paced, mobile-first audience. Produced specifically for YouTube, the revival aimed to capture viral potential through bite-sized content focused on humorous, shareable dating mishaps and reveals.^[17]^[1] Hosted by rapper and Wild 'n Out cast member Justina Valentine as the lead, alongside comedian Conceited as co-host, the series infused the proceedings with hip-hop-inspired banter and urban contemporary flair, drawing from the hosts' comedic backgrounds. Their dynamic exchanges added a modern, irreverent tone, emphasizing quick-witted roasts and pop culture references during contestant eliminations.^[18] The contestant pool totaled 50 singles per episode—reduced in scope from the original series but adapted for digital production—with 25 appearing in-person (dubbed "IRLs") and 25 submitting via video profiles ("URLs"), mirroring the rise of app-based dating. This hybrid setup allowed for remote participation, broadening accessibility while incorporating Tinder-like swiping mechanics for the chooser to eliminate options based on profiles and quick challenges. Social media integration encouraged viewer voting and comments to influence segments, enhancing interactivity on YouTube.^[18]^[19]

2020 Quibi Version

The 2020 Quibi version of Singled Out premiered on April 6, 2020, as a short-form reboot of the 1990s MTV dating game show, produced by MTV Studios.^[20] Hosted by actress and singer Keke Palmer alongside comedian Joel Kim Booster, the series emphasized diversity and LGBTQ+ representation, with Booster's openly gay perspective adding a layer of inclusivity to the proceedings.^[21] Palmer noted that the revival aimed to "represent the world and everybody's love life," featuring contestants of all genders and sexual orientations in a format open to queer daters, such as a black bisexual woman selecting from both male and female suitors or a drag queen as a lead in one episode.^[22] Adapted for Quibi's mobile-first platform, each of the 20 episodes ran 6 to 8 minutes, incorporating quick-cut editing and fast-paced eliminations to suit vertical phone viewing and short attention spans.^[23] The core gameplay involved one lead dater choosing from 30 suitors through three rounds—"Dealbreakers," "Slide into the Dater’s DMs," and "Get Physical"—with tweaks like pre-existing connections among contestants (e.g., exes or coworkers) and challenges that highlighted personality over superficial traits.^[22] Questions were modernized to address contemporary social issues and dating trends, blending nostalgia with current cultural relevance.^[22] All 20 episodes were produced and released on Quibi prior to the platform's shutdown announcement on October 21, 2020, amid financial struggles and the COVID-19 pandemic. The content was later acquired by The Roku Channel, becoming available for free streaming starting in January 2021.^[24] Despite the platform's abrupt conclusion after six months, the revival was praised for its bingeable format and progressive updates.^[23]

Format Differences

The revival versions of Singled Out introduced several modifications to the original format to align with contemporary viewing habits and cultural shifts. The 2018 YouTube version retained the contestant pool of 50, while the 2020 Quibi version reduced it to 30 participants for quicker pacing and elimination rounds.^[25] This adjustment streamlined the gameplay structure, which retained the core elimination process across three rounds but emphasized faster decision-making to suit shorter episode lengths.^[23] Thematically, the revivals shifted from the 1990s pop culture aesthetic of the original to a hip-hop and urban contemporary vibe, incorporating social media elements such as Tinder-style motifs and Instagram polls to reflect modern dating dynamics.^[25] This integration allowed for interactive rounds where contestants responded to digitally influenced prompts, contrasting the original's reliance on in-person, pop-infused humor.^[23] In terms of inclusivity, the revivals expanded participation to include LGBTQ+ individuals and gender-neutral "pickers," moving away from the original's strict male-female alternation and limited diversity in contestant representation.^[23]^[26] This update promoted broader appeal by featuring diverse races, sexual orientations, and lifestyles, such as bisexual women and drag queens, in the contestant pools.^[23] Production elements were modernized for digital platforms, with episodes shortened to 6–8 minutes in the Quibi version for mobile consumption via vertical video formatting, while the 2018 YouTube iteration adopted a similar concise structure of 10–15 minutes without the original's recurring comedic characters like the "Wise Guys."^[23] These changes prioritized high-energy, on-the-go viewing over the longer, studio-audience-driven broadcasts of the 1990s.^[21] Questions in the revivals evolved from the original's risqué, 1990s-style humor focused on quirky personal habits to contemporary topics like dating app experiences, social media dealbreakers, and physical challenges tied to modern lifestyles, such as runway skills or unconventional preferences.^[23] This progression maintained the elimination focus but adapted content to resonate with current audiences, incorporating elements like sex life inquiries and app-based pick-up lines for relevance.^[23]

Production History

Development and Original Production

The concept for Singled Out was pitched to MTV in 1994 by producers Burt Wheeler and Sharon Sussman, who proposed a fast-paced dating format focused on quick eliminations to serve as a high-energy alternative to slower, more traditional dating shows targeted at the network's young demographic.^[27]^[5] The idea, initially titled "Skin Deep," was approved over the phone by MTV development executive Lisa Berger and refined with contributions from producer Gary Auerbach to better align with MTV's irreverent style, emphasizing humorous and embarrassing challenges over actual dates.^[27]^[5] Executive producers Wheeler and Sussman oversaw the production, which was filmed at studios in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, including Glendale Studios.^[5] To maintain a low budget, the team employed simple sets featuring elements like a paper-framed elimination board, while adhering to an efficient daily taping schedule that produced two episodes per live audience initially and up to five per day in later seasons.^[5] Casting was handled through open calls and on-location recruitment by a team of eight contestant coordinators and three field coordinators, targeting diverse singles aged 18-24 who appeared fun, energetic, and appropriately dressed for a date.^[27] Efforts included scouting at clubs and using a branded van at Venice Beach, with casting director Lynne Spillman assembling groups of 50 men and 50 women per episode; potential pickers were separately screened for outgoing personalities to inject humor into the proceedings.^[27]^[5] The original run comprised five seasons from 1995 to 1998, totaling nearly 200 episodes.^[5]

Cancellation and Revival Efforts

The original Singled Out concluded its run on MTV in 1998 following a broader programming shift at the network, which moved away from scripted and game show formats toward an increased emphasis on reality programming.^[4] Co-host Jenny McCarthy had departed in early 1997 to focus on her acting career, including starring in the NBC sitcom Jenny, prompting MTV to replace her with Carmen Electra for the final season and a half; host Chris Hardwick remained until the end but soon transitioned to stand-up comedy and other projects around that time.^[4]^[28] Revival interest persisted into the digital era, with MTV Studios launching a short-form reboot titled S1NGLED OUT on the network's YouTube channel starting November 19, 2018, aimed at capturing a younger, online-savvy audience through social media integration and episodes hosted by Justina Valentine and Conceited.^[29] The series produced only seven episodes before ending, reflecting challenges in adapting the format for streaming.^[30] In June 2019, MTV Studios announced a partnership with the mobile streaming service Quibi to revive Singled Out as a quick-bite series, which premiered on April 6, 2020, with Keke Palmer and Joel Kim Booster as hosts.^[21]^[31] The launch coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely hampered Quibi's mobile-only, on-the-go viewing model as lockdowns kept users at home and shifted consumption to longer-form content on larger screens; the platform struggled with low adoption and shut down in October 2020 after less than seven months, effectively ending the revival.^[32]^[33] As of November 2025, no additional revival efforts for Singled Out have been announced or produced.

Reception and Legacy

Ratings and Critical Response

The original run of Singled Out on MTV from 1995 to 1998 was a significant ratings success, often described as a "ratings monster" that drew strong viewership among its target demographic of teens and young adults.^[4] Seasons two and three under showrunner Mark Cronin achieved the program's highest ratings, contributing to five total seasons and approximately 200 episodes overall.^[5] The show's energetic, chaotic format resonated with MTV's core audience, though it was not the network's overall top-rated program, trailing behind staples like The Real World and Beavis and Butt-Head.^[34] Critically, Singled Out received mixed responses, praised for its high-energy entertainment and silly, interactive appeal that captured the playful spirit of 1990s youth culture, but often critiqued for its superficial focus on physical attributes and elimination-style matchmaking.^[5] The program had no major awards or nominations, though it served as a breakout role for co-host Jenny McCarthy, propelling her from Playboy model to mainstream television personality.^[4] Later media coverage has highlighted its nostalgic value, with retrospectives emphasizing its role in MTV's golden era of dating shows. The 2018 YouTube revival, hosted by Justina Valentine and Conceited, consisted of seven episodes that collectively garnered nearly 2 million views, averaging around 280,000 per episode based on playlist totals.^[35] This digital iteration maintained the original's fast-paced energy but struggled to replicate the broadcast-era buzz, fading quickly without significant critical attention.^[1] The 2020 Quibi version, hosted by Keke Palmer and Joel Kim Booster, earned a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from a small sample of reviews, with praise for its adaptation to short-form episodes (6-8 minutes each) that made it bingeable and inclusive of diverse contestants, including LGBTQ+ representation.^[36] Collider lauded the reboot as a "delight" for its superficial yet enjoyable escapism, fitting Quibi's mobile-first model, though its reception was mixed overall due to the platform's brief six-month run and limited audience reach before Quibi's shutdown.^[23] Like the original, it targeted young adults but benefited from 1990s nostalgia in promotional coverage.^[4]

Cultural Impact and Nostalgia

Singled Out featured a rapid-elimination format in dating television, featuring one contestant selecting a date from a pool of 50 potential matches through quick questionnaire-based eliminations and stunt challenges, which emphasized entertainment and competition over traditional courtship.^[37] This structure helped transform dating into a high-energy, audience-driven spectacle, with elements like large group selections and progressive narrowing-down appearing in later programs such as The Bachelor, which debuted in 2002 and expanded on the competitive partner-choice dynamic while shifting focus toward potential long-term relationships.^[37] The series significantly boosted the careers of its hosts, positioning Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra as rising stars in entertainment during the mid-1990s. McCarthy's energetic role as co-host from 1995 to 1997 helped launch her into mainstream fame, leading to further television opportunities and modeling work, while Electra took over in 1997, leveraging the exposure to solidify her status as a pop culture icon through subsequent acting and media appearances.^[1] For Chris Hardwick, the show's host throughout its original run, Singled Out marked an early breakthrough in his career, providing a platform that honed his comedic timing and eventually paved the way for his success in podcasting, including founding the Nerdist Podcast Network in 2010, which grew into a major hub for geek culture discussions.^[38] By 2025, marking the show's 30th anniversary, Singled Out had solidified its status as a cultural touchstone, with retrospectives highlighting its enduring appeal and homages in modern media underscoring its lasting influence on pop culture.^[1] Fans continue to reminisce about its chaotic energy through online communities, evoking nostalgia for the unfiltered exuberance of 1990s youth television.^[1] The original series reflected the casual hookup culture of the 1990s, where contestants often displayed overt flirtation and physicality in a competitive environment that mirrored the era's relaxed attitudes toward dating and sexual expression, including "embarrassingly horny" interactions and grabby behaviors that were emblematic of less scrutinized social norms at the time.^[39] Later revivals, such as the 2020 Quibi version, addressed modern inclusivity by incorporating diverse contestants, including a Black bisexual woman selecting from both male and female suitors and a drag queen as a lead, thereby updating the format to better represent contemporary relationship dynamics and broader identities.^[22] Singled Out permeated broader media through parodies and crossovers, notably inspiring a 1996 episode of Boy Meets World titled "Singled Out," where character Eric Matthews appeared on a fictionalized version of the show to pursue college girls, blending the sitcom's humor with the dating game's absurdity.^[1] It was also spoofed on Saturday Night Live, with sketches like Molly Shannon's "Ozark Mountain Singled Out" exaggerating the format's rural twist, further cementing its role as a satirical staple of 1990s television.^[1]

Merchandise

Books

The official tie-in book associated with the original MTV series Singled Out is MTV's Singled Out Guide to Dating, published in 1996 by MTV Books, an imprint of Pocket Books.^[40] Authored by Lynn Harris and J.D. Heyman, it targets young adults with a lighthearted approach to modern dating.^[41]^[42] The 160-page paperback provides humorous advice on relationships from both male and female viewpoints, structured as a two-in-one volume: one side offers guidance for men (with Chris Hardwick featured on the cover), while flipping the book reveals content for women (featuring Jenny McCarthy).^[43] It incorporates behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the show, practical dating tips, and illustrations using photographs from Singled Out episodes to contextualize the recommendations.^[40] Aimed at the series' core audience of teens and young adults navigating romance, the book emphasizes fun, relatable scenarios over serious self-help, reflecting the program's playful tone.^[43] Now out of print, copies are available primarily through secondary markets and are considered collectible items among fans of 1990s MTV programming.^[44] No official tie-in books were released for the 2020 Quibi revival of Singled Out.

Home Media Releases

The home media releases for Singled Out have been limited, with the original MTV series receiving only a single VHS compilation during its run. In 1996, MTV Home Video issued Singled Out: The Dirt on the Dates!, a highlight reel featuring behind-the-scenes footage of selected contestants from the show embarking on their first dates after being matched, along with clips capturing the post-selection excitement and interactions.^[45] This VHS, which included appearances by hosts Chris Hardwick and Jenny McCarthy, focused on the "dirt" or candid moments from these real-life follow-ups rather than full episodes, and it received limited distribution through retail channels at the time.^[46] Today, original copies are rare collectibles, primarily traded on secondary markets where they command collector prices due to scarcity.^[47] No official DVD or Blu-ray releases have ever been produced for the 1995–1998 original series, the 2018 YouTube revival, or the 2020 Quibi iteration, leaving fans without a comprehensive physical video collection.^[48] Instead, access to audiovisual content relies on digital uploads and archives. Full episodes from the original run are not officially distributed but circulate via fan-recorded and uploaded videos on YouTube, often in low-resolution captures from VHS tapes or TV broadcasts, with availability fluctuating due to copyright claims.^[49] The 2018 revival, rebranded as S1NGLED OUT and consisting of seven episodes streamed exclusively on MTV's YouTube channel with hosts Justina Valentine and Conceited, remains accessible as official uploads in a dedicated playlist, providing the only authorized online archive of revival-era content.^[35] In contrast, the Quibi version's 20 bite-sized episodes, hosted by Keke Palmer and Joel Kim Booster, were rendered largely inaccessible after Quibi's abrupt shutdown on December 1, 2020, with no subsequent relicensing or redistribution announced.^[50] As of November 2025, no version of Singled Out holds active streaming rights on major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Paramount+, and the lack of home video options underscores the show's reliance on nostalgic online preservation efforts rather than formal releases.^[48]

Other Merchandise

During its original run, Singled Out produced limited promotional merchandise, including t-shirts featuring show branding and hosts, which are now available as vintage collectibles on secondary markets.^[51]

International Adaptations

European Versions

The United Kingdom adaptation of Singled Out aired on Channel 5 from 1998 to 2001, featuring hosts Richard Blackwood and Sarah Cawood in the early seasons, with Tess Daly later joining as a co-host.^[52] The format closely mirrored the original American version, with one contestant selecting a date from a pool of 50 potential matches through three elimination rounds involving humorous and revealing questions, emphasizing the show's playful energy and audience interaction.^[53] Episodes typically ran in prime time, attracting a young adult audience with its lighthearted take on dating dynamics.^[54] In Germany, the show was adapted as Sommer sucht Sprosse and broadcast on Sat.1 starting in 1996, hosted by Sebastian Radke and Nadine Krüger.^[55] This version maintained fidelity to the core structure, including the selection from 50 singles via progressive eliminations in three rounds, but incorporated local humor and seasonal themes tied to summer dating scenarios to resonate with viewers.^[56] It aired during evening slots, contributing to its appeal as accessible entertainment for the late 1990s demographic.^[57] Italy's iteration, titled Kiss & Tell, premiered on MTV Italia in 2003 and aired through 2004, with Camila Raznovich serving as the sole host.^[58]^[59] The program preserved the original's three-round elimination process from a group of 50 contestants, focusing on candid revelations and flirtatious banter, though episodes were often shorter to fit the network's youthful, music-oriented programming.^[60] Broadcast in prime time, it highlighted cultural nuances in Italian dating etiquette while staying true to the show's elimination-based format.^[61] Across these European adaptations, the core elements of Singled Out—such as the trio of rounds for narrowing down 50 contestants and prime-time scheduling—were consistently retained to capture the original's fast-paced, comedic essence, with local hosts adding region-specific charm without major structural changes.^[6]

Versions in Other Regions

In Brazil, an adaptation of Singled Out titled Se Rolar, Rolou premiered on SBT in September 1996 as part of the Programa Silvio Santos, hosted by Silvio Santos himself. The show retained the core format of the original, featuring 100 single participants—50 men and 50 women—on a stage designed to resemble a discotheque, where contestants eliminated options through trivia and physical challenges to find a date. It was produced in Portuguese and incorporated local cultural elements, such as vibrant, party-like presentations to appeal to Brazilian audiences, airing initially in the late afternoon slot to compete directly with programming on Rede Globo.^[62] The program proved popular enough for expansion and rebranding, evolving into Xaveco-Se Rolar...Rolou with comedian Celso Portiolli as host from late 1996 through 2001, followed by brief returns in 2003–2004 and a short revival in 2019. Prizes were adapted to local contexts, often including domestic travel or consumer goods suited to Brazilian tastes, though the show's run was limited by shifting viewer preferences for more interactive reality formats in the early 2000s.^[62] These versions generally ran for one to three seasons before fading due to challenges in aligning the bold, elimination-style gameplay with regional social norms around romance and privacy. As of November 2025, no revivals of the format have occurred outside the United States, with international interest limited to occasional nostalgic references in media discussions.^[62]

References

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'Singled Out' at 30: A Look Back With Jenny McCarthy and Her Costars
Jun 7, 2025 · On the 30th anniversary of 'Singled Out,' Jenny McCarthy, Carmen Electra and Chris Hardwick share memories of the outrageous MTV dating ...
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MTV Is Rebooting Punk'd and Singled Out - People.com
Jun 4, 2019 · The dating game show Singled Out originally ran on MTV from 1995-1998. It was hosted by Chris Hardwick and Jenny McCarthy until Carmen ...
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It was the hit MTV dating game show known as Singled Out, which premiered 30 years ago today, on June 5, 1995.Missing: winners prizes
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Sharon Sussman. producer. 65 episodes • 1995. Burt Wheeler · Burt Wheeler ... Dating shows. created 4 years ago • 25 titles. Jerry Springer in Baggage (2010) · TV ...Missing: creators | Show results with:creators
[11]
Singled Out | Game Shows Wiki - Fandom
The MTV (later YouTube & Quibi respectively) dating game show where one guy & one gal try to find a date from a group of 50 single men & women.Format (Original Version) · Format (YouTube Revival) · Merchandise
[12]
Singled Out (TV Series 1995–2019) - Episode list - IMDb
Singled Out ; S4.E1 ∙ Episode #4.1. 1997 ; MTV's True Romance Week: Valentine's Day Episode. Fri, Feb 14, 1997 ; Mel Torme. Mon, Jul 7, 1997.Missing: revival | Show results with:revival
[13]
JENNIFER LOVE HEWITT on MTV "Singled Out" 2.14.96 ... - YouTube
Aug 17, 2012 · Day. "Singled Out" was a show where an ordinary person could win a date with a celebrity. This episode had mysteriously and totally vanished ...Missing: later | Show results with:later<|separator|>
[14]
Singled Out | MTV Wiki - Fandom
The MTV dating game show where one guy & one gal try to find a date from ... Inventors. Burt Wheeler & Sharon Sussman. YouTube Videos. Clips of the first ...Missing: creators | Show results with:creators
[15]
Tami Heide - The Will Morgan Group
She was the announcer for MTV's Singled Out for 3 of the show's 5 seasons. Before joining The WAVE air force in 2017, Tami was at JACK FM in Los Angeles.
[16]
10 Reasons MTV's "Singled Out" Was the Most Stylish Show ...
Feb 25, 2014 · ... recurring character Cupid (it's a dating show, duh). Wild Hair Guy. This repeat contestant (shockingly always denied) reminded us to be ...
[17]
Episode list - Singled Out (TV Series 1995–2019) - IMDb
S1.E1 ∙ Episode #1.1. Mon, Jun 5, 1995. Add a plot. Rate. Singled Out (1995). S1.E2 ∙ Episode #1.2 · Add a plot. Singled Out (1995). S1.E3 ∙ Episode #1.3.
[18]
Justina Valentine & Conceited Put Their Spin On 'Singled Out'
Nov 17, 2018 · Justina Valentine and Conceited host the revival of MTV's "Singled Out” with an updated twist: 25 single people in real life (the IRLs) and ...
[19]
Keke Palmer Will Host the Revival of 'Singled Out'— Is She Single?
In 2018, the show was rebooted by MTV for its YouTube channel. It included more online dating references as well as LGBTQ contestants. Singled Out will be ...
[20]
MTV Studios and Quibi to Remake 'Punk'd,' 'Singled Out' - Variety
Jun 4, 2019 · Both remakes, which will be available on the Jeffrey Katzenberg-created video streaming platform, will consist of 20 new episodes ... no matter ...
[21]
Quibi's 'Singled Out' Sets Keke Palmer And Joel Kim Booster As Hosts
Dec 13, 2019 · Quibi sets reimagining of MTV's 'Singled Out' with Keke Palmer and Joel Kim Booster as hosts.
[22]
Keke Palmer on Hosting 'Singled Out,' Quibi's Mobile Strategy - Variety
Apr 8, 2020 · Keke Palmer explains why she signed on for a reboot of the '90s MTV dating show "Singled Out" on Quibi.
[23]
Singled Out Review: 90s Dating Show Format Is a Good Match for ...
Apr 6, 2020 · MTV's Singled Out revamp for Quibi is a delight! Similar to the 90s show, this new version involves three rounds of elimination.
[24]
Quibi officially announces it's shutting down - CNBC
Oct 21, 2020 · Quibi, the short-form entertainment service for mobile devices, announced on Wednesday that it will shut down, just over six months after its service launched.
[25]
Who are Keke Palmer & Joel Kim Booster From Quibi's Singled Out?
Apr 6, 2020 · In a revamped iteration of Singled Out in 2018, there were 25 IRL (in real life) contestants and 25 URL contestants. The URLs were only ...
[26]
Here's Every Show Coming to Quibi When It Launches in April
Mar 6, 2020 · Singled Out. Hosted by Keke Palmer and Joel Kim Booster, “Singled Out” will hook up a new generation of singles, of all genders and sexual ...
[27]
Living single - Daily Bruin
relationship show for the '90s for MTV." "Burt Wheeler and Sharon Sussman, the creators of the show, simply pitched the idea to me over the phone and I said ...
[28]
Chris Hardwick: King of the Nerds - Rolling Stone
Apr 8, 2014 · I had done a little stand-up in college but it wasn't after Singled Out that I just decided to go for it. Around 1998, I was working on a show ...
[29]
Singled Out Reboot Trailer Revives MTV Classic on Quibi - MovieWeb
Mar 25, 2020 · In 2018, MTV brought the show back as a web-series for its YouTube channel, featuring rappers Justina Valentine and Conceited as the hosts.
[30]
Jenny McCarthy, Carmen Electra and Chris Hardwick Remember ...
which debuted June 5, 1995 — 50 guys and 50 girls ...
[31]
11 reasons why Quibi crashed and burned in less than a year
Oct 22, 2020 · Then the United States joined the rest of the world in shutting down due to the COVID-19 pandemic just a few weeks before Quibi launched. Quibi ...
[32]
Quibi launches in a world paralyzed by coronavirus - Fortune
Apr 6, 2020 · For Quibi, COVID-19 concerns led it to cancel a glitzy Los Angeles launch party scheduled for yesterday. The red-carpet event—naturally ...Missing: announced | Show results with:announced
[33]
Fact or Fiction: Was Singled Out MTV's Top Show in 1995? - YouTube
Jun 3, 2025 · Fact or fiction: Singled Out was MTV's highest-rated show in 1995 ... ratings. But Singled Out was still a hit… and even had a secret ...Missing: original viewership 1990s
[34]
Singled Out | MTV - YouTube
Justina Valentine & Conceited's BEST 'Singled Out' Moments (Compilation) | Singled Out | MTV ... This Unexpected Makeout Sesh Made Everyone's Jaws Drop | ...
[35]
Singled Out: Season 1 - Rotten Tomatoes
Rating 75% (12) Yes, Singled Out is still superficial, mostly mindless content, but it's enjoyable, and in the Quibi format, it's highly binge-able.
[36]
Lights, Camera, Love - Racked
Feb 9, 2016 · From 'The Dating Game' to 'The Bachelor,' TV dating shows have reflected, and even influenced, how we date in real life.
[37]
Chris Hardwick's Epic Journey to Nerdist: 'I Was Becoming a Drunk ...
Mar 5, 2014 · Chris Hardwick's television career started with what was probably ... “Singled Out” ran on MTV for just three years, from 1995 to 1998 ...
[38]
Singled Out: A Problematic Fave - 80s Baby
Aug 16, 2019 · The format of Singled Out was an expanded version of The Dating Game. 50 single men would be gathered onstage, and a blindfolded single woman would be led out ...
[39]
MTV Singled Outs Guide to Dating - Heiman, J.D. - AbeBooks
Free delivery 30-day returnsMTV's Singled Out's Guide to Dating. MTV Editorial Staff. Published by MTV Books, 1996 ... Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or ...
[40]
Books - Lynn Harris
MTV's “Singled Out” Guide to Dating. J.D. Heyman and I totally wrote this. LOL. Buy the book. Anthologies. My essays also appear in a ton of anthologies ...
[41]
Mtv's Singled Out's Guide to Dating - Amazon.ca
Rating 1.0 (1) Lynn Harris and 2 more. Lynn Harris. Author · J. D. Heiman. Author · Mtv Networks. Author. Mtv's Singled Out's Guide to Dating. 1.0 1.0 out of 5 stars (1).
[42]
MTV Singled Outs Guide to Dating by J.D. Heiman | Goodreads
Rating 3.3 (3) Offers a humorous look at relationships from both perspectives. 160 pages, Paperback. First published October 1, 1996. Book details & editions ...
[43]
MTV's Singled Out's Guide to Dating by MTV Editorial Staff (1996 ...
MTV's Singled Out's Guide to Dating by MTV Editorial Staff (1996, Trade Paperback) ... Accepted within 30 days. Buyer pays return shipping. If you use an eBay ...
[44]
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145567421789
[45]
MTV's Singled Out: Dirt on the Dates (Video 1996) - IMDb
Rating 6.4/10 (23) Release date · March 19, 1996 (United States) · Country of origin. United States · Language. English · Filming locations · Burbank, California, USA · See more ...
[46]
MTV Singled Out: Dirt on the Dates (1996 VHS)
Video, Creation date. 1, FBI Warning Screen, June 19, 1992. 2, Sony Music Entertainment logo, January 1, 1991. 3, MTV Home Video logo, February 14, 1995.Missing: details | Show results with:details
[47]
MTV Singled Out: The Dirt On The Dates! VHS 74644981230 - eBay
In stockThis is MTV's Singled Out: The Dirt On The Dates!Missing: streaming | Show results with:streaming
[48]
Singled Out - watch tv show streaming online - JustWatch
Rating 88% (67) Jul 15, 2021 · Singled Out is unavailable to stream in United States today. It was last available on The Roku Channel until September 2023.<|control11|><|separator|>
[49]
Singled Out (MTV 1996) - YouTube
Jul 12, 2023 · An episode of Single Out.
[50]
Quibi Will Cease Service Dec. 1, Content May Be ... - Variety
Oct 22, 2020 · Quibi expects to shut off the mobile service around Dec. 1 but doesn't know whether any of its content will be available elsewhere.
[51]
Singled Out (TV Series 1998– ) - IMDb
Rating 7.8/10 (8) Singled Out: With Richard Blackwood, Sarah Cawood, Danny Erskine, Edward Sellek. Dating game show.
[52]
Singled Out | UK Gameshows Wiki - Fandom
Singled Out was a dating game show based on the American format of the same name. Channel 5: 5 September 1998 – c. 2001 Sarah Cawood and Richard Blackwood ...
[53]
Game Show Memories – Singled Out.
Jun 23, 2024 · Singled Out is among a small group of game shows where the original American version has also been shown in this country. This was in the late-90s, and on BBC2.
[54]
Sommer sucht Sprosse (TV Series 1996– ) - IMDb
'Sommer sucht Sprosse' is the German variant of the dating game show 'Singled Out'. Stars. Nadine Krüger · Sebastian Radke.
[55]
TV Classic Reboot - Sat.1 Sommer sucht Sprosse - YouTube
Mar 28, 2022 · Danke an Björn für das Zusenden. Deutsche Erstausstrahlung27.07.1996 Sat.1 Je 50 männliche und weibliche Singles spielen um die Teilnahme am ...Missing: dating | Show results with:dating
[56]
Sommer sucht Sprosse Sebastian Radke u. Nadine Krüger 06 96 sn ...
Sommer sucht Sprosse (SAT.1) Sebastian Radke u. Nadine Krüger 06 96 sn Show TV Fernsehen Moderation blond leger quer ganz sitzend Kandidaten Logo Studio ...
[57]
Kiss & Tell - Film.it
Dopo le lezioni di sesso di "Loveline", Camila Raznovich cerca di bissare il successo con un nuovo show, "Kiss & Tell", in onda su Mtv il ...
[58]
Camila Raznovich: ultime notizie, chi è, età, biografia | DiLei
Jan 15, 2021 · Conduce Hanging Out, Amour, Dial MTV, MTV Select, Hitlist Italia, Kiss & Tell, MTV On the beach. Sul finire degli anni '90 presenta alcuni ...
[59]
KISS & TELL – MTV - SiKi
Kiss & Tell ??un game show prodotto e trasmesso da Mtv Italia nel 2004 in cui i concorrenti cercano di conquistare un concorrente di sesso opposto ...
[60]
Camila Raznovich, biografia - Biografieonline
Nello stesso anno (2004) accetta la sfida di "Kiss & Tell", piccantissimo programma di MTV per trovare l'anima gemella, e dell'innovativo "Sformat", un ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[61]
Em 1996, 'avô' do Xaveco era comandado por Silvio Santos e ...
Mar 31, 2019 · Na época, Silvio Santos estava mexendo na grade do SBT para confrontar a Globo. O Se Rolar, Rolou estreou às 18h, logo após o Domingo Legal.