Athens Video Works' dating show, Hookup, promises a free meal, engaging company and the possibility of a relationship for those brave enough to bare their romantic endeavors on television.
Hookup follows two single Ohio University students on a blind date, followed by a tell-all gossip session in the studio.
Hookup is back for its second season with a new producer and a new format, expanded to include gay couples. Hookup's producer and OU senior Ed Smith said he hopes to tape at least one LGBT show a quarter.
OU sophomore Adam Salandra is Hookup's co-host for the second year. Salandra said that in the past most contestants were reluctant to divulge their honest answers to the show's crucial question: Will there be a second date?
This year the participants write their decisions on cards before the show's taping. The predetermined answers make it more like a reality show. They can't be worried about hurting the other person's feelings
Salandra said.
The verdict of this week's couple was a resounding no according to contestant Ryan Latham. The date, which consisted of dinner at The Oak Room, 14 Station St., and a game of pool, went so poorly that female contestant, OU senior Christina Serrano, did not attend the follow-up studio taping of Hookup.
I think she was all about me Latham stated on the show. But I was bored to tears.
Dating coordinator and OU senior Liz Highly said she tries to match participants with general criteria such as drinking and smoking preferences, majors, or age, but the deciding factor is usually availability.
Most dates consist of a dinner followed by some kind of activity. No funding is provided for the dates, but local businesses usually foot the bill, said Hookup director, Glenn Grayshaw. However, Smith funded this date.
Lantham said he found the date itself to be dull and typical. I went in with no expectations
he told the Hookup hosts. But it didn't help that she had nothing interesting to offer to the conversation.
Single Bobcats willing to be hooked up can apply by sending an e-mail to hookupshow@earthlink.net. Officials are unsure of when the show will premiere on WOUB 2, Channel 25.
17
Archives
Erin Griffith
200310081229midsize.jpg
Ohio University sophomore Travis Irvine, a telecommunications major, prepares his camera while producer Ed Smith goes over dialogue with Hookup co-hosts Rachel Durst and Adam Salandra yesterday evening. The show, in its second season, is taped in the Radi
