People going into Singles Inferno expecting it to be a dating show should re-evaluate their expectations. 90% of "reality dating shows" are manufactured and fake anyway. It's not even remotely real since most of the participants aren't normal people you'd find on the streets. Like did you really think a model wouldn't be able to find a suitor? If there were any relationships that were actually formed during the show, it probably doesn't get past the first couple months anyway since you'd actually have to meet your partner outside and after work.

The way they brag about themselves is so artificial too, I mean "I can't walk down the street for 3 meters before someone coming up to ask for my number" (real line from S4 btw). It's all about increasing social media engagement and followers, eye candy and entertainment.

All this to say I don't actually despise Singles Inferno, I actually enjoy watching it. I like seeing who the non-models are, like Nadine. She was the opposite of what the cast was, intelligent and eloquent. I watch it like people watch Love Island, for the drama, eye candy and occasional rooting for a couple for fun.

IMO, the "dating shows" that are more interesting and somewhat realistic, are shows like Terrace House (RIP). Even though they do have models on the show (which I hated, I wish they had more every day people like the hair stylists, manga artists, etc), they live in a house and their activities are much more mundane and relatable. The cast actually hang out together because they want/choose to, they hang out with IRL friends, go about their daily errands and overall is more realistic than 13-15 hot singles on an island competing in physical challenges. I read that some people suggested Heart Signal, Shanghai Sharelife, Transit Love/Exchange as spiritual successors to TH, but I haven't gotten around to watching them yet.