Everyone deserves a shot at love, no matter what stage they’re at in life. The Later Daters explores the realities of the dating world beyond hookups and Tinder swipes, following a group of older people looking for companionship. They go on dates with other singles, hoping for a spark, and learning how best to navigate what they want from each other. Is there someone out there for everyone? Well, this show has a lot of fun exploring that question.
The daters are coached by behavioral scientist Logan Ury, who helps them figure out their choices and provides insights in color commentary-style asides. Sometimes she’s gentle, sometimes she’s tough, giving her clients what they need in order to help them grow. The singles are also helped along their journey by their adult children and grandchildren, who gently nudge them in the right direction and call out any misbehavior and faux pas in a way only family can. This addition takes The Later Daters from a standard reality show to a rather sweet one—and helps to balance out any questionable moments that require copious amounts of side-eye. Can these daters break out of their routines and preferences to explore something new? Will their life experiences help or hinder them?
The Later Daters is enjoyably kooky and surprisingly endearing, with enough strong opinions to turn any viewer into an armchair therapist. Especially when the snappy editing dials up any awkward moments and makes the happy moments of connection sing. The daters range in their approach to life and dating, which keeps things interesting and primes interactions for sparks—whether from chemistry or friction. If you’re looking for a light yet interesting reality series, give The Later Daters a whirl; you never know, you might find it’s a match.
