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At NATPE Budapest (June 23-26, 2025), Barry Walsh, Editor-in-Chief and Content Director at Realscreen, hosted a moving and thought-provoking panel titled Format Futures: Making it Work (Locally). The session didn’t just explore the evolving dating show landscape—it became a testament to how entertainment can provide comfort, inclusion, and even healing during times of profound social upheaval.

Love in a Time of War: The Bachelor Ukraine
One of the most powerful testimonies came from Anna Kalyna, Head of Production at Starlight Media, who shared her unique and emotional experience of producing The Bachelor in Ukraine amid the ongoing war.
Kalyna explained that when the conflict escalated, The Bachelor was immediately paused. "It was impossible to imagine producing a show about love while people were hiding in shelters under attack," she said. For two years, the production remained frozen. Yet, something unexpected began to happen: viewers started asking for it to return.
"They told us they wanted to dress up again, they were ready to fall in love again, they wanted to spend their Friday nights with The Bachelor," Kalyna recalled. This viewer-driven demand became the spark that led the team to reconsider the show—not as a superficial escape, but as a reflection of Ukrainian resilience, hope, and the need for connection. When it came time to select the new Bachelor, Kalyna emphasized that the war had changed everything. The traditional image of a rich, handsome, powerful man no longer resonated. What women valued most now was safety, strength, and emotional depth. The man they ultimately chose was a war veteran who had lost both legs in combat, a symbol of courage, recovery, and the enduring human spirit. "It was no longer about wealth or appearance—it was about someone who could protect, who understood life’s true values," Kalyna explained. The show became a heartfelt tribute to the modern Ukrainian experience, proving that even amidst war, people still seek love, joy, and the power of human connection.

The Dating Game Reboot: A Modern Answer to Digital Loneliness
Following this, Ewa Latkowska, President of the Board at ZPR Media S.A., and Marta Raczek, Head of Entertainment Development at ZPR Media, shared their experience with the reboot of the classic dating show The Dating Game in Poland. Marta Raczek described how the revival of this iconic format—known in Poland as Randka w Ciemno ("Blind Date")—was not just about nostalgia but about addressing a growing social need. In a world dominated by dating apps plagued by ghosting and catfishing, the team saw an opportunity to offer something refreshingly real: face-to-face conversation. "In Poland, 20% of the population is single. Many are searching for meaningful relationships but feel lost in today’s fast, digital dating culture," Raczek said. "We wanted to remind people that love starts with conversation." The rebooted Dating Game is inclusive across generations. Contestants range from 21 to nearly 70 years old, with a growing focus on older people—reflecting a broader trend in Poland where many of the most successful reality shows now feature silver-aged participants seeking love and companionship. The show’s simplicity and authenticity make it appealing to a broad audience. "We don't cast influencers or actors. Our participants are everyday people who are sincerely looking for love," Raczek emphasized. “It’s a family-friendly format where the youngest and oldest viewers can watch together.”
Interestingly, even younger contestants were eager to participate despite the show’s vintage roots. "Many said, ‘I know this is an old format, but I want to try it because I really want to find love,’" Latkowska shared.

Formats That Connect, Heal, and Inspire
The panel closed with an important reflection: broadcasters and buyers are still looking for formats with proven international success, strong track records, and reasonable pricing—but they are also open to emotionally resonant stories that speak to today’s viewers. What The Bachelor in Ukraine and The Dating Game in Poland both demonstrate is that dating formats are no longer just about lighthearted entertainment. They can deliver powerful messages about hope, human connection, and resilience, especially in times of crisis. These stories underline an essential truth: television is not just a mirror of our society—it can also be a force for inclusion, empathy, and social healing.