NBC has given an eight-episode order to dating-reality show “First Dates” from Ellen DeGeneres’ production banner and Shed Media.
The series is based on a U.K. format that airs on Channel 4. “First Dates” follows a group of couples as they embark on first dates at the same restaurant. A variety of production techniques are used to probe the questions of whether the two are clicking and whether there will be a second date.
Pam Healey and John Hesling are exec producers for Shed Media, part of the alternative division at Warner Bros. TV Group. DeGeneres and Jeff Kleeman of A Very Good Production banner are also exec producing with Tim Carter and Anthony Dominici.
Production is to begin in July in Chicago. There’s no word yet on a premiere date.
