Top Chef star Kristen Kish may soon be adding dating show host to her already impressive resume. The renowned chef recently expressed interest in hosting a queer dating show, revealing she’s already in talks with producers. MTV and Netflix have both experimented with queer dating shows in the past. Season 8 of MTV’s Are You the One? featured an entirely queer cast, but the network quickly retreated on the idea, returning to their traditional cisgender, heterosexual format. Meanwhile, Netflix’s The Ultimatum: Queer Love turned out to be a disappointment, lasting only two seasons.
Could Kristen’s dating show be the one to finally take off? We certainly hope so. She spoke about her idea at Deadline’s Reality TV Summit. Here’s what you need to know.
Kristen Kish says she’s been approached by producers
Kristen spoke to Deadline about the lack of representation in the reality dating genre, advocating that queer people deserve a seat at the table.
“There’s so many dating shows. Come on the queers need love too,” she said. “In a way that is not made to be a spectacle of any sort, like true foundation of love and trying to find a person.”
“Wouldn’t that just be amazing?” she continued. “I think that I’m emotionally available. I’m in a very strong relationship with my wife. I feel like I am an active, great listener and can help people. I feel like, if I don’t have an official title, I’m somewhat of a therapist to myself and a lot of my friends.”
Kristen is far from the only one who feels as though queerness is missing from the reality dating space. Fans on Reddit took issue with Netflix’s decision to cancel The Ultimatum: Queer Love, accusing the network of prioritizing heterosexual love stories. Variety reported that Netflix’s decision was based on ratings.
Top Chef continues every Monday at 9/8c on Bravo. It is available to stream on Peacock.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK? WOULD YOU WATCH A QUEER DATING SHOW HOSTED BY KRISTEN?
