A Kinder Kind of Dating Show: Inside Love on the Spectrum and Better Date Than Never with Co-Creator Cian O'Clery
In a television landscape long dominated by high drama and heightened romance, Love on the Spectrum has carved out space for something quieter, warmer and altogether more human.
But the series didn’t emerge in isolation. Between its early seasons came Better Date Than Never, arriving on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on 21 April. The series, which was co-created by Karina Holden and Cian O'Clery and produced by Northern Pictures (Love on the Spectrum, Austin), shares that same instinct to slow things down, broaden who gets to be seen, and quietly rethink what a dating show can be.
Together, they point to a broader shift in the genre: one that favours empathy over spectacle, and real connection over reality TV tropes.
We spoke to director and co-creator, Cian O'Clery about where these shows came from and where the genre is going.
What first drew you to make Better Date Than Never? Was there a specific moment or person that made you feel this was a story worth telling?
I have always been interested in the dating space in television, and for a long time as a viewer I’ve been keen to see shows that feature a more diverse group of love-seekers. A lot of the shows out there are populated by a certain type of person, and I was keen to see less Instagram models on islands!
I wanted to find a way to represent a broader range of people, still within the space of a positive show that wants the best for its cast, and wasn’t driven by competitions
After making multiple seasons of “Love On The Spectrum”, I wanted to find a way to represent a broader range of people, still within the space of a positive show that wants the best for its cast, and wasn’t driven by competitions or eliminations. The idea of people going on their first ever date felt like a strong premise for a series, and also felt like a very clear differentiator from most other dating shows out there.
We pitched it to the Australian public broadcaster, and were lucky enough to make two seasons so far.
Both Better Date Than Never and Love on the Spectrum sit slightly outside the traditional dating format. How conscious are you of the responsibility that comes with portraying neurodivergent people and others who are underrepresented on screen?
Yes, for me both Love on the Spectrum and Better Date Than Never sit in a space of character-led storytelling, and the narrative drive of the series comes from the audience being invested in their individual journeys.
It all comes down to honest, truthful portrayals...we are never looking to dial up any sort of negativity or conflict
In terms of the responsibility that comes with telling under-represented stories, for us as a team it all comes down to honest, truthful portrayals. We do ask ourselves regularly, would the cast member themselves be happy with how their story is being told. They are our most important critics.
We are never looking to dial up any sort of negativity or conflict, we care about our cast and want the best for them.
Is there a moment or participant in Better Date Than Never that has stayed with you long after filming wrapped?
Whenever people meet and find a connection, those moments are always special. We can’t play favourites now can we!
Everyone was genuinely so lovely - we like to cast kind, nice people, and that’s what we got with our Better Date Than Never cast. I would say though, when Charles asked his date if he loves crocodiles, that was a moment I remember well.
With “Better Date Than Never”, what happened after filming ended for the participants? Did you stay in touch? How did taking part in the series affect their lives beyond the show?
Yes, we stay in touch with many of the cast. In fact, I was recently the ring bearer for Charles’ wedding! I was so honoured to be asked, as Charles said, I helped him start his dating journey.
Olivia is doing great, we stay in touch and try to catch up when we’re in the same city. Nirvali moved out of home and is doing really well. Dianne is of course doing great, she’s such a wonderful lady.
It has been a positive thing for the cast to get started on their dating journeys, the show helped them get that first date happening, and like many things once you’ve started something you’re on your way!
Having seen the global response to your series, where do you see this kind of storytelling going next? Are there other perspectives or communities you’d like to explore?
Absolutely, and the beauty of Better Date Than Never is that it can explore a wide range of different communities and perspectives, all centred around the common experience of being new to dating.
We’d love to continue to tell more stories in the same style and tone, there’s so many out there ready to be told.
Better Date Than Never arrives on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer from 21 April.
