Netflix Reality TV Boss Discusses Challenges of Casting Men on Dating Shows

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:57:00 +0200

Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, shared insights on casting challenges and content strategy in an interview with WIRED. Since joining Netflix a decade ago, Riegg aimed to create reality shows that feel authentic, contrasting with traditional dating shows like ABC’s The Bachelor. 'Love Is Blind,' launched in 2020, has been a major success with over 215 million views and international adaptations. Despite the show's popularity, recent seasons have drawn criticism for featuring male contestants with conservative or controversial views, sparking questions about potential political bias. Riegg clarified that Netflix remains neutral, emphasizing that contestant selection is influenced by chance and location rather than ideology. He acknowledged the broader difficulty of finding 'quality men' both on television and in real life. Riegg also addressed concerns about exploitation in reality TV, noting that Netflix provides mental health support and maintai