ABC Family has ordered 13 episodes of "Perfect Match," a one-hour reality dating show based on the hit British series of the same name.
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"It's always entertaining to follow the matchmaking attempts of friends and family as they try to find a suitable partner for their loved one," said Shapiro. "The show will reveal the dynamics of real relationships in a surprisingly candid way, which makes for reality television that is both completely involving and great fun."
Based on the critically acclaimed hit British series, this innovative matchmaking show will help one lucky guy or girl finally find Mr. or Ms. Right. Each week on PERFECT MATCH, a three-person team comprised of a friend, a relative and a professional matchmaker will attempt to find the perfect match for a single man or woman desperate to find a life partner. The panel narrows a pool of 30-50 eligible singles to three finalists. The panel further investigates each finalist by conducting interviews, sharing meals, rummaging through closets - anything that will give clues into their suitability as a romantic partner. The individual chosen by the panel as the most suitable then moves into the real home of the single man or woman who is looking for a partner. The two live together for up to a month to determine if they are, in fact, a perfect match.
"When it comes to reality series, this is about as real as it gets," said Lambert. "You never know when true love will strike, but after an intense month of living together with someone that your friends and family picked for you, anything can happen. In the UK, many of our characters have found lasting love through being on the show."
"PERFECT MATCH is one of the most inspiring and surprising programs that I have seen in this genre," said Michael Davies, executive producer. "I am delighted to have helped set it up at ABC Family, and I am looking forward to working with the ultra-talented team at RDF Media on thirteen episodes of high quality east-coast based reality television."
Produced by RDF Media, production of the series is currently underway in New York City. Lambert, who created the critically acclaimed UK series on which PERFECT MATCH is based, will executive produce the new series along with ABC television-executive-turned-producer, Davies, who is known for adapting British television programs for American audiences, including the smash hit "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?." PERFECT MATCH was packaged by United Talent Agency, which represents RDF Media and Michael Davies' Diplomatic Productions. RDF Media and Diplomatic Productions were also represented in the deal by their attorneys at Colden & McKuin.
Distributed in over 85 million homes, ABC Family offers diverse programming that reflects and resonates with today's families. The channel features original series and movies, major theatrical releases, and repurposed programming from the ABC Television Network. Since the acquisition by The Walt Disney Company, ABC Family has continued to show double-digit prime time growth in households, total viewers and across key demographics.
RDF Media, established in 1993, is the U.K.'s fastest-growing independent producer of drama, reality and format television programming. The second series of PERFECT MATCH recently aired on Britain's Channel 4 to large audiences and critical praise - this year the show won the prestigious Silver Rose for best variety show at the international Montreux Festival. In the U.S., RDF Media produces JUNKYARD WARS, FULL METAL CHALLENGE and the upcoming FAKING IT (recent winner of an International Emmy for best Popular Arts program).