Format

Warner Bros. International Television Production is expanding the First Dates franchise with First Dates Beach Club, set to launch in the Netherlands through a partnership between Warner Bros. International Television Production Netherlands and BNNVARA. The Netherlands will become the first international territory to adapt the latest version of the dating format, following 16 seasons of the original Dutch First Dates. Production is scheduled to begin this autumn, with the series premiering on NPO Start in 2027.

Moving away from the franchise’s signature restaurant setting, First Dates Beach Club relocates the experience to a seaside venue featuring beachside scenery, cocktails and extended social interactions designed to encourage deeper romantic connections. The series will continue to feature familiar faces from the Dutch version, including host Denise Dest and bartender Jeremy.
The new format allows participants more time together through multiple dates and longer interactions, expanding the emotional storytelling element that has become central to the franchise.

Andrew Zein, EVP Creative Format Development and Sales at Warner Bros. International Television Production, said: “First Dates remains both a must-watch dating show and a much-loved fixture not only on Dutch television but with viewers around the world. We’ve enjoyed a fantastic partnership with BNNVARA over many years and are now incredibly excited that Warner Bros. International Television Production Netherlands will expand the franchise with First Dates Beach Club. This warm-hearted series will bring viewers a fresh and uplifting new take on the format that we believe will delight loyal fans while welcoming entirely new audiences into the brand.”