While most reality dating shows thrive on drama and instant attraction, Single’s Inferno takes a different approach. This South Korean series captivates audiences with its slow-burn romance and here is why this should be on your watchlist.
What Is Single’s Inferno All About?
Single’s Inferno is a South Korean dating reality television series on Netflix. It first premiered in 2021 with hosts actress Lee Da-hee, singer Kyuhyun, model Hong Jin-kyung, and rapper Hanhae. After Season 2 in 2022, cast member and YouTuber Dex joined them. The third season followed at the end of 2023 and now, in 2025, the fourth season has premiered.
In this dating show, attractive singles are stranded on a remote island. In this place they are not allowed to know each other’s age or occupations. On this island, called Inferno, they try to find love and form connections. The only way to learn more about the person they are interested in is by winning challenges. The winners are then granted the advantage of choosing who they go to Paradise with. Paradise is a luxurious escape where couples spend one night together, freely discussing personal details while enjoying lavish dates.
A Refreshing Take on Reality Dating Drama
The show has found great success in Western countries. Mostly due to its dramatic love triangles, unexpected twists, and the subtle build-up of tension. Many Western reality dating shows, rely on excessive drama, explosive fights, and hyper sexualised moments. Single’s Inferno on the other hand stands out with its more restrained and wholesome approach. This contrast has made it a refreshing alternative for viewers who appreciate a slower, more emotionally driven narrative—or for those who are just tired of make-out sounds left and right on their TV screens.
The Appeal of Slow-Burn Romance
The participants on Single’s Inferno are typically shy and less expressive when it comes to their feelings. They are reserved and hesitant, making small gestures—like holding hands or leaning their heads on someone’s shoulder—stand out as significant and heart-warming moments. This slow-burning romance adds to the charm of the show, creating a level of anticipation and emotional depth that many viewers find endearing.
Since the cast tends to remain private after the show, audiences rarely get closure on whether couples stay together. Given that they only have ten days to meet and fall in love, some viewers—especially on TikTok and Reddit—have accused contestants of clout-chasing and joining the show solely for fame rather than genuine romantic connections. Many argued that the first season felt the most authentic, which makes sense, as it was the first time and contestants didn’t know how the show would be received or if it would even succeed at this level.
Now, Western viewers demand answers and closure, often stalking participants’ social media for clues—whether it’s a glimpse of a shared object, a picture, or any sign that the couples who made it out of the island are still together. Which, honestly, is understandable. Who wouldn’t want to see if their favourite people actually lasted in the real world? But one could argue this is simply a result of how accustomed we are to very public breakups, makeups, and the para social relationships we form with reality TV stars. Western reality stars tend to be very open—sometimes shamelessly so—about their romantic lives, always providing receipts and fuelling fan debates over who’s right and wrong.
Attraction Without Hyper-sexualization
Single’s Inferno reflects South Korean dating culture, where public displays of affection are more reserved compared to Western norms, especially among public figures like idols and entertainers.
The show avoids hyper sexualization, focusing on emotional connections and subtle romantic gestures, almost like a lovey-dovey K-drama. There’s no kissing after meeting once, no dramatic fights, and no overly intimate moments—just a more subtle approach to dating. The show highlights different ways to connect that don’t rely on sexual tension or make-out sessions before knowing someone’s last name. If you’re looking for soft, subtle romantic tension, this show is for you!
For Western audiences, when the show first premiered on Netflix, it felt like a major shift from the norm. I imagine people saying, “A dating show where they don’t kiss? Or even sleep in the same bed? The world must’ve gone haywire!”
It feels like a softer, more refined version of reality TV, and honestly, I’m all here for it.
Could Western Dating Shows Learn from Single’s Inferno?
Western reality TV has mastered the art of entertainment, often by encouraging its participants to create chaos for the sake of ratings. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it makes for great television. However, shows like Single’s Inferno prove that romance-focused reality TV doesn’t need constant drama, shouting matches, or excessive physicality to be engaging.
The participants on Single’s Inferno seem more conscious of the image they are portraying to the world. In contrast, Western reality stars often forget that cameras are rolling, giving too much of themselves in ways that sometimes feel excessive or even regrettable. While their approach makes for addictive television, it also raises questions about the lengths people will go to for entertainment.
I’ve watched a lot of reality dating shows, and I’ve seen things I never imagined people would do on national—let alone international—television. While there’s value in both styles of dating shows, it’s refreshing to see an alternative that prioritizes emotional depth over spectacle. Maybe, just maybe, Western dating shows could take a few notes from Single’s Inferno and offer a little more balance between romance and reality TV chaos.
I recommend this reality show one thousand percent! If you’re tired of shows that portray hookup culture as the defining feature of modern dating, give Single’s Inferno a try and see for yourself. Season 4 is out now, and the final two episodes drop this week—enjoy!
