The Undateables


The Undateables is a British TV documentary series that follows a range of people on dates who have long term conditions, including: disabilities, developmental disorders, and learning difficulties. The series works in conjunction with the dating agency, Flame Introductions, and is broadcast on Channel 4.
There have been 53 episodes since the documentary first aired on 3 April 2012, split into eleven separate series and a few additional episodes. The documentary has been narrated by Sally Phillips throughout.

Transmissions

Episodes

Series 1

Series 2

Series 3

Series 4

Series 5

Series 6

Series 7

Series 8

Series 9

Series 10

Series 11

Additional episodes

Controversy

There was a lot of controversy surrounding this show when it was first introduced from newspaper companies such as The Mirror and The Guardian, due to the word 'undateable' being used in the title to describe people with mental and physical disabilities. However, Channel 4 claim the title of the series was based upon Society's preconceptions. The Undateables faced a lot of back lash from doctors who branded the show "offensive" and "exploitative". Dr Rachael Pickering said the series left her "disturbed at being part of a society that might seek to view disabled people as a source of comedy". She also spoke with the BMA, British Medical Association, annual representatives about the danger of patients being exploited by the TV documentary. In an interview with Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield on This Morning, two stars of the then-upcoming fifth series, Tammy and James, hit back at these assertions, with Tammy stating that “I find it quite insulting that I would be exploited in any way. Just because I’m disfigured, I’m not stupid."

Awards and nominations