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MTV's "The Hook Up": Edgy New Dating Show

Ashley Riegle |
October 17, 2013 | 1:52 p.m. PDT

Associate Arts & Culture Editor

 

MTV debuted an all-new half-hour dating series this week, entitled "The Hook Up". The show is hosted by Andrew Schulz, a familiar character on MTV and MTV2. You'll know him from MTV2’s “Guy Code” and MTV’s “Girl Code”.

"The Hook Up" takes dating shows to a whole new (read: modern) level. 

 Holly Stein/MTV)
Holly Stein/MTV)

Host, Schulz, is known for his New York attitude and swag, and blunt (sometimes crude) observations about dating and relationships. But more on Schulz later.

The show is not a reality show, in that it is set in a studio. But it does have reality-based elements.

For anyone who remembers the glory of MTV in the 90's this show is styled somewhat like "Singled Out", in that it's filmed before a studio audience and a little wild. For youngsters out there, "Singled Out" was a highly successful show for MTV, with Jenny McCarthy as host. Hopefully the somewhat similar model will bode well for "The Hook Up".

What IS reality show-esque about "The Hook Up" is that through each round, contestants learn more about their potential dates based on social media. Singles are shown Tweets, Facebook statuses and updates, etc. This element makes this show unique and prone to humor. It also makes it relevant to a young and constantly connected generation of singles.

The Competition

A single contestant, with the help of a friend, introduces herself to the audience. Next, she gets introduced to four available singles to pick from. The guys, hidden behind screens, introduce themselves by describing some of their hobbies and interests. Only their silhouettes are visible. The single and her friend choose one guy to eliminate. He emerges from behind the screen, they hug, say goodbye and the pool is down to three bachelors.

In this second round, the single and her friend sift through the prospects' social media profiles. This part is coached on by Schulz who identifies potential character traits of each of the dudes, like which one likes posting shirtless pics and "Edward Forty Hands" enthusiasts. By the end of this round, another suitor is eliminated.  

Ultimately, two finalists go head-to-head as their often embarrassing and always personal secrets are exposed. In this round, secrets are revealed about the guys. For example, "loves to wear jorts", "has never" had a girlfriend". This round is revealing, and leads to another elimination. Editorial note: if you post something on social media, it's not a secret! This is the era of information, babes. 

The secrets revealed are funny- so much so that you'll probably laugh outloud.

Knowing these pieces of information, the female contestant is now given the opportunity to ask each guy a couple of questions. She also gets advice from her friend, who shares her opinion on who to pick. And one guy is eliminated.

With one remaining suitor remaining, the tables are turned, and some funny traits about the competing single female are shared (think Facebook statuses and YouTube videos). After seeing them, the remaining guy is allowed to go out with the single lady or opt for a snowboard instead. Ha! 

The final winning couple (assuming there is one) wins a VIP date in Hollywood, CA. Ow ow!

The set on "The Hook Up" is bright, colorful and media-splashed. Flat screens are obviously in order when perusing someone's social media profiles. Obviously. Right? In this vain, "The Hook Up" is doing something very smart- tapping into what millenials already do behind closed doors with their friends. 

 Holly Stein/MTV)
Holly Stein/MTV)

The Host

Schulz is a native New Yorker known for his edgy, street-smart, and unapologetic comedy. His youthful energy makes him irresistible to the audience.

I first met Schulz at Comedy Cellar in NYC a few years ago, where he gave a hilarious set comprised of his typically sex-infused jokes. We chatted after his show and would go on to bump into one another ocassionally at mutual friends' comedy sets. Having met him socially, I can say first-hand, he is both as hilarious and adorable as he appears on screen. This should be an ideal role for him.

Schulz has performed alongside the country’s top acts such as Dave Chappelle, Dave Attell, Louis CK, Damon Wayans, Tracy Morgan, Bill Burr, Judah Friedlander and more. He's got swagger, clearly. He can also currently been seen on MTV2's “Guy Code” and MTV's “Girl Code.” 

Stay tuned for an interview with Andrew Schulz coming soon on Neon Tommy!

"The Hook Up" is a new era of dating show geared directly at our millenial generation. It's innovative, colorful and relatively civilized, all considered. This isn't "Next", and thank god, because that show got real trashy.

"The Hook Up" airs weekdays at 6:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Make sure to check it out and see what you think. 

You can watch a full episode and clips online here.

Check out the trailer for "The Hook Up" here.

Reach Associate Arts & Culture Editor Ashley Riegle here. Follow her on Twitter here



 

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