21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
5 sex and relationship shows like Virgin Island, from Naked Attraction to Sex Box
We haven't stopped talking about Virgin Island since it started on Monday 12th April.
The show sees 12 adult virgins embark on an experience of a lifetime, learning all there is to know about sex from leading sex therapists and sex surrogates.
Over the course of the social experiment, the participants take part in workshops in order confront their sexual fears and insecurities.
Following the first episode, viewers ran to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts, with some labelling it "excruciating" and "creepy".
The show has been praised, however, for encouraging conversations about sex and intimacy.
But Virgin Island isn't the only dating show pushing the limits of love, sex, and modern relationships.
From full-frontal nudity to emotionally charged temptations, there's been a wave of reality TV shows over the years that are challenging traditional norms and redefining what it means to find connection on screen.
Here's some of the boldest, most boundary-breaking dating shows out there.
What channel was it on? Channel 4
Channel 4 is known for their thought-provoking programming, and Naked Attraction is the first that comes to mind when I think of some of the most bold dating shows out there. The show sees people choosing a date based solely on physical appearance, with full-frontal nudity being revealed gradually.
The last episodes aired on Channel 4 in March, but you can view previous seasons on Channel 4's video on demand service.
What channel is it on? VH1/ Paramount+ via Sky (UK)
This one literally does what it says on the tin: participants go on dates fully nude on a tropical island.
All I keep thinking about is getting sand in all the wrong places, but the show has worked for some couples. Lauren Beschi and Billy Field met on the show and they're still very much loved up, regularly sharing pictures on their social media.
What channel was it on? Channel 4
Another Channel 4 show, The Sex Education Show was presented by Anna Richardson and Dr. Radha Modgil. It was designed to speak openly and honestly to teenagers about sex - answering their real questions about everything from puberty and sexual intercourse to relationships, body image, and how to navigate it all without shame, with real-life people stripping down for particular segments of the show.
The series originally aired in 2008, and was rebooted in 2023 with Richardson at the helm.
Unfortunately, you can't watch previous seasons on Channel 4's VoD service, but there's lots of clips floating around YouTube if you feel like an educational session.
What streaming site is it on? Apple TV+
Like the title suggests, the dating show sees strangers meeting and getting undressed. They then get to jump in bed together just moments after meeting - cosy!
They're asked to remove their clothes to cut out all the distractions and from there, they're free to get to know one another.
There are currently two seasons of the UK version available to stream on Apple TV+ if you fancy giving it a watch.
What channel was it on? Channel 4
Sex Box was released in 2013 as part of Channel 4's "Campaign for Real Sex", which the channel described as "a series of programmes that aim to reclaim sex from porn.
The idea was that couples would be more comfortable talking about sex after doing the deed, so they were given the opportunity to do just that. Couples would be escorted to a sound proof, private box on stage where they'd have sex. They would then speak to the experts.
A second season aired in 2016, but the show was cancelled after this.
The episodes aren't available to stream on Channel 4's VoD service, but again, there are lots of clips on YouTube.
Virgin Island airs on Channel 4 on Mondays and Tuesdays.
