Johnnie Ingram and Stephen Warren never expected to create a whole new genre of television when they conceptualized Swiping America. However, they were determined to avoid the typical gamified and overly dramatic portrayal of the search for love that is often seen in other dating reality shows. Describing the show as a “rom-doc in eight parts,” Swiping America combines the elements of romantic comedy and documentary to create a relatable and heartwarming series that feels more authentic than its counterparts.
Prior to creating Swiping America, Ingram and Warren had already found success as partners and Emmy-winning producers. Ingram comes from a marketing and advertising background, while Warren is a top Hollywood talent lawyer. Together, they previously worked on the HBO series We’re Here. The idea for Swiping America emerged during the filming of We’re Here, as they observed the cast and crew using dating apps while on location. This sparked the idea to explore the concept of finding love in unexpected places across the United States.
Swiping America premiered on Max in June and follows the journey of four New Yorkers named Ash, Kesun, Kris, and Reagan. These individuals were thriving professionally but had been unlucky in their search for love. The show takes them on an eight-stop journey throughout the country to discover if their perfect match might be waiting for them in an unexpected location. Unlike other popular dating reality series, Swiping America does not rely on pre-planned dramatic twists or unrealistic gimmicks. Instead, it offers viewers something fresh and unique.
However, there is one catch in the show’s format. In each city visited by the cast, the producers conducted the “swiping” for them. The production team collaborated with The House that Casting Built, a company that found and pre-vetted singles from various dating and social apps. The leads were then provided with their matches via text message to simulate the modern dating experience as closely as possible. They would go on a “date zero” with the matches they were interested in, which sometimes led to subsequent dates. Some of the leads even chose to invite love interests they connected with in one city to meet again in another city.
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The goal of Swiping America is to create a show centered around love and human connection. Ingram emphasizes that although there is inherent drama in the search for love, it’s not manufactured or overproduced. The show aims to capture the unexpected twists and turns that often occur in real life when looking for love. From missed FaceTime calls to unexpected obstacles like COVID-19, Swiping America portrays the dating experience in a way that feels genuine and relatable.
When asked about the response to Swiping America, both Ingram and Warren expressed their excitement. They’ve received positive feedback from people across the country who were not expecting a show with so much heart and humor. Viewers have formed connections with the characters and are genuinely rooting for their success, unlike the typical tropes found in dating shows. Swiping America stands out by offering a more authentic approach to dating, combining real-life experiences with a touch of romantic comedy.
The idea for Swiping America emerged from Ingram and Warren’s observation of their We’re Here cast and crew using dating apps. Seeing people find connections while filming in small towns led them to wonder if the same could happen for their New York-based characters in other cities. They wanted to explore the fantasy of finding love in unexpected places, whether it be a wonderful doctor in Wichita, Kansas, or a dream musician in Miami.
Ingram highlights the concept of experiencing a place through a person, as well as the personal growth that can come from meeting new people on a journey. Swiping America aims to capture not only the search for love but also the individual growth and self-discovery that can occur along the way. Even if the leads don’t find their perfect match by the end of the show, they will have gained a better understanding of themselves and their own love lives.
On the business side, the idea for Swiping America was born during a conversation between Warren and HBO CEO Casey Bloys. Bloys had an idea for a dating show, but Warren pitched the concept of Swiping America instead. Warren described the show they envisioned, which included moments of the cast sitting on a bed after their dates, discussing their experiences and forming connections. Bloys loved the idea, as it aligned with his desire for a show that focused on genuine connections.
When it came to casting the leads for Swiping America, Ingram and Warren wanted to find individuals who embodied the experience of many New Yorkers. They sought people who had achieved success in their professional lives but were still searching for their other half. The goal was to create a show that felt authentic to the dating experience and featured characters that viewers would find relatable. The casting process aimed to find vulnerable individuals who were willing to trust the producers with their personal journeys.
Overall, Swiping America has been a success, resonating with viewers across the country. Ingram and Warren have created a show that offers a refreshing take on the search for love, free from the manufactured drama and competitive elements of other dating shows. Swiping America celebrates the real steps of finding love and focuses on the genuine connections formed between individuals. With its heartwarming and relatable approach to dating, Swiping America has undoubtedly carved a unique space within the world of reality television.
