Netflix UK Addresses Duty of Care Concerns for Live Reality Show 'Netflix, Will You Marry Me?'
Netflix UK's new unscripted chief, Syeda Irtizaali, has addressed concerns regarding the duty of care for her debut commission, Netflix, Will You Marry Me?. This upcoming 12-episode 'live reality' show will involve a man seeking a wife, with the audience voting on his dates and who advances in the process.
Given the potential psychological impact on participants, especially considering the mental health issues that have plagued other major British reality TV shows, there have been questions about Netflix's approach to duty of care.
At the Edinburgh Television Festival, Irtizaali clarified that duty of care is not a compliance issue but an integral part of the creative process. "We all want innovation, and we’re only going to get real emotion in any program if we are able to say people feel safe," she said.
The show is produced by Banijay UK's Initial and Workerbee, with veteran executives Katy Manley (Big Brother), Tamsin Dodgson, Michelle Chappell, and Rick Murray serving as executive producers. Netflix describes the show as an "epic game of Cupid."
Netflix, Will You Marry Me? is one of several new unscripted titles for Netflix UK, including another live production, Beat, starring world champion darts player Luke Littler.