Love is Blind UK review: A breath of fresh air for a stale premise

The Love is Blind Television Universe expansion continues. In August, Netflix released the first season of Love is Blind UK, hosted by Emma and Matt Willis, with new episodes dropping each Wednesday (Aug. 7, 14, and 21).

Our friends at Netflix were kind enough to share a look at Love is Blind UK season 1 before it premiered. Having watched the first four episodes, I have to admit it's so nice and refreshing to see people who genuinely seem interested in finding a connection try to make it happen on Love is Blind.

The first season of Love is Blind US felt like that, too! Watching Love is Blind UK, it seems like two things are true: none of the contestants have seen the US or other versions of this show AND they all believe this experiment is actually, like, a way genuine way to find love. That's so refreshing!

By season 2, Love is Blind US was already swarmed with contestants who I just felt were crashing the party to get a little bit famous. Of course, not every contestant felt or feels like that, but even as recently as season 6, there were clearly people who were on the show just to get their 10 minutes of fame or whatever.

There are a few people on Love is Blind UK who might be doing this for "the wrong reasons," but of the 12 people who end up in couples, at least 80% sure seem like they are here to get married and start a life with a virtual stranger. It feels pure in a way that the later seasons of Love is Blind US do not.

The same can be said for the other international versions of Love is Blind. Love is Blind Mexico is airing now, as well, and it feels a lot like the UK version. Genuine people trying to find a genuine partner, genuinely. It's a more wholesome addition to the franchise, and it arrived at the perfect time, in my opinion.

Why you should watch Love is Blind UK

Look, Love is Blind UK is not going to be a show for everyone. I know that you; you know that. We all know that. But, if you're a fan of Love is Blind as a series, you're going to love this new series set in the UK. You'll probably enjoy all the other seasons of this show set in other countries, too. Die-hard fans should tune in for Love is Blind!

On top of that, there's something really special about Love is Blind UK, especially for an American audience. There are so many cultural differences that it feels so different than the US version, and that's awesome as a viewer. The premise is so interesting, and it's such a weird way to bring out drama. It's so addicting, and I'm definitely hooked on this season.

If that sounds like a fun time to you, I highly recommend tuning in for Love is Blind UK.

I really do think everyone should give Love is Blind UK a try. It just has a different vibe than other Netflix reality shows. It's a bit classier, in my opinion, although it looks like it's going to get a little bit messy down the homestretch.

There are seven more episodes to go in Love is Blind UK season 1! The remaining episodes are split into two parts. Five episodes are coming on Aug. 14 followed by the final two episodes on Aug. 21.

Oh, and don't worry! Love is Blind season 7 (the US version) returns this fall!