The upcoming Hulu dating series, Are You My First?, has generated significant excitement even before its August 18, 2023 premiere. The show, which explores the journeys of 21 virgins aged between 24 and 34, is already receiving a flood of applications for a potential second season. Co-host Colton Underwood, known for his role on The Bachelor, shared his surprise at the level of interest, stating, “I have never had so many virgins sliding into my DMs.”
The series, produced by the team behind Love Island, provides a unique platform for its participants, many of whom express a desire to lose their virginity in a safe, supportive environment. Underwood noted the variety of applicants, indicating that friends have also been nominating potential contestants. “I definitely have a list of screenshots and saves for Season 2 for casting,” he added, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the show.
Hosts Reflect on the Unique Experience
Underwood’s co-host, Kaitlyn Bristowe, who gained fame as the first leading lady on The Bachelorette in 2015, empathizes with the virgins’ experiences. She faced backlash for openly discussing her own sexual history on reality television, which has shaped her understanding of those who choose to wait. Bristowe stated, “It gave me a bit more empathy for people who chose not to have sex because I was like, ‘Well, who am I to judge those people seeing how badly I got judged?’”
During filming, Bristowe remarked on the reserved nature of the contestants, particularly noting one participant, Katya, a 28-year-old theatre artist from Manhattan. Katya insisted that the man she was interested in would need to “earn” her kiss. Bristowe compared this to her own experiences on The Bachelorette, saying, “I was thinking of my night one as ‘The Bachelorette.’ And that was like child’s play to me.”
Bristowe appreciated the intentional approach to dating exhibited by the contestants. “We are so used to the craziness that we see on usual reality TV shows… this is like a sweeter, softer version,” she explained. The show is expected to showcase genuine moments, including the experience of having a first kiss on camera.
Understanding the Contestants’ Stories
Underwood, who was a virgin during his time on The Bachelor, underscored the complexities surrounding the decision to remain abstinent. He noted that several contestants have backgrounds rooted in their religious beliefs, with many identifying as Mormon. “As a Christian man, it is easy to hide behind your faith… when you have other insecurities and other traumatic things that you’re trying to work through,” he said.
Despite the diverse backgrounds of the contestants—ranging from a cocktail waitress to an NFL cheerleader—Underwood and Bristowe expressed that their stories resonated more deeply than expected. “You spend a minute around them and you’re like, ‘Oh, I get it now,’” Underwood remarked.
Throughout the filming, the hosts encountered lighthearted moments, including awkward conversations. One contestant, Michael, a 26-year-old stand-up comedian from Austin, Texas, humorously revealed his celebrity crush was the late President William Howard Taft. Underwood admitted, “I didn’t even know who that is,” illustrating the show’s blend of humor and vulnerability. Bristowe added that the uncomfortable silences during conversations were particularly striking, saying, “Everything in me wants to step in and be like, ‘Somebody say something!’”
With its unique premise, Are You My First? aims to redefine dating reality television by focusing on genuine connections and the diverse reasons individuals choose to wait. As anticipation builds for the premiere, the show’s potential for a second season appears bright, reflecting a cultural shift in how virginity and intimacy are discussed in the public sphere.
