VIRGIN MEDIA TELEVISION COMMISSIONS A+E NETWORKS’ “GENERATION DATING”

A+E Networks International today announced that  Virgin Media Television in Ireland has acquired "Generation Dating" for a full season commission. “We are grateful that Virgin Media Television and the BAI have been so supportive of Generation Dating, despite production struggles due to the pandemic,”  Senior Vice President and Head of Sales for Americas and Formats Ellen Lovejoy.  

The premium dating format initially aired in Q1 of 2020 through the funds it was given by Broadcast Authority of Ireland (BAI), and the production received high ratings and success. The news of its expansion to Ireland was announced by Lovejoy. "'Generation Dating' is truly a heartwarming series exposing the generational differences in dating in a fun and engaging way and we are confident it will resonate with viewers as audiences are craving feel-good programming," she said.

The format boasted the best performance in the slot year to date, growing double digits versus the prior four weeks viewing, and quadrupled its year-over-year time slot across key demos. Additionally, the show was nominated for the Rose D'Or award by the European Broadcasting Union TV Committee, in the category of Reality and Factual Entertainment.

The show is known for serving as a matchmaker, establishing an encounter between two strangers, one younger and one older. Each episode of "Generation Dating" features a couple who plan a unique dating experience. The show intends to help the audience gain a new perspective. “Generation Dating is a unique and uplifting show that really strikes a chord with young and old alike," Bill Malone, Director of Content, Virgin Media Television said. "As an authentic, cross-generational format, it has really resonated with audiences and we are delighted to bring this to full series commission."