Channel 4.0’s new show, Don’t Get Catfished, from Bakers Dozen Studios and After Party Studios, has been recommissioned ahead of its first series – which premieres on the YouTube channel later today.
In each episode, one creator is looking for a real connection and will blind date five potential matches. However, two fellow stars are pulling a prank on them, using voice scrambling tech to disguise and persuade their friend they’re the perfect match. The three other contestants are real singles flirting their way into the creator’s heart.
The first series kicks off with YouTuber Deji who is looking for someone who understands the life of a creator, but Fran (really Harry Pinero) and Abby (Darkest Man) have other ideas, and make it their mission to ensure they win Deji’s heart. Meanwhile, the real daters fight to prove they’re the one. Others looking to link up in this series includes Nella Rose, Konan, Zeze Millz, Romell Henry and Scousemali.
Channel 4.0’s Evie Buckley commented: “This is a hilarious and instantly moreish social experiment with all the familiar appeal of a dating format that really reflects the approach we’re taking with Channel 4.0 to cut through all the noise on YouTube. We know Don’t Get Catfished will quickly captivate our audience, so we wanted to ensure we quickly follow up on the first series with more chaos next year.”
Marvyn Benoit co-founder of Bakers Dozen Studios said: “For Channel 4.0 to recommission Don’t Get Catfished on the day series one lands is the biggest compliment we and the team at After Party Studios could receive. It underlines what we set out to achieve with this format – taking risks, embracing innovation and creating content that excites both creators and audiences all whilst championing diverse talent.”
Jamie McDonald, head of originals at After Party Studios added: “Don’t Get Catfished is the kind of bold, mischievous and digitally native content After Party Studios loves to make. Teaming up with Bakers Dozen has been a creative collaboration and we’re thrilled to keep the partnership rolling to deliver even more catfishing chaos.”
Stemming from an idea first pitched by Benoit in 2023, Don’t Get Catfished series two (6×20’) was commissioned for C4.0 by Evie Buckley, with Catriona White, digital commissioning executive and Sacha Khari, head of digital commissioning. Executive producers are Marvyn Benoit from Bakers Dozen Studios, and Jamie MacDonald and Sam Ewen from After Party Studios. The series is produced by Trent William-Jones.
