Awkward Dates is a South African YouTube dating show created and hosted by Lasizwe, and produced by his production company TD Media. The show follows Lasizwe going on blind dates with various celebrities.[1]
| Awkward Dates | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Dating show |
| Created by | Lasizwe |
| Presented by | Lasizwe Dambuza |
| Country of origin | South Africa |
| Original language | English |
| No. of episodes | 76 |
| Production | |
| Production company | TD Media |
| Original release | |
| Network | YouTube |
| Release | 4 August 2023 – present |
The first YouTube video was posted in August 2023, and as of October 2024, 76 episodes have been released.
The show has been nominated at the 2024 South African Film and Television Awards, in the Best Online Content category.[2]
Background
editAwkward Dates involves Lasizwe meeting celebrity guests at local restaurants for a date, where they engage in casual, awkward, and sometimes hilarious conversations.[3]
The first season of Awkward Dates showed viewers all the awkwardness that happens on first dates. This included not being able to use some utensils correctly, as well as some uncomfortable small talk. Lasizwe's sister Khanyi Mbau, brother Lungile, friend Mihlali Ndamase, including musicians Kamo Mphela, Toss and politician Mmusi Maimane, were the first celebrities featured on season 1.[4][5]
List of episodes
edit| No. | Date of Episode | Guest | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 August 2023 | Mmusi Maimane | |
| 2 | 11 August 2023 | Toss | |
| 3 | 18 August 2023 | Kamo Mphela | |
| 4 | 25 August 2023 | Mihlali Ndamase | |
| 5 | 1 September 2023 | Lungile (Lasizwe's brother) | |
| 6 | 8 September 2023 | Khanyi Mbau | |
| 7 | 15 September 2023 | Kwenzo Ngcobo | |
| 8 | 22 September 2023 | Ntando Duma | |
| 9 | 29 September 2023 | Seemah | |
| 10 | 6 October 2023 | Minnie Dlamini | [6] |
| 11 | 13 October 2023 | Cyan Boujee | |
| 12 | 22 October 2023 | Faith Nketsi | |
| 13 | 29 October 2023 | Vusi Nova | |
| 14 | 5 November 2023 | Londie London | |
| 15 | 12 November 2023 | Bontle Modiselle | |
| 16 | 19 November 2023 | Dawn Thandeka King | |
| 17 | 26 November 2023 | DJ Sbu | |
| 18 | 3 December 2023 | Anele Zondo | |
| 19 | 7 December 2023 | Nadia Nakai | |
| 20 | 2 February 2024 | Its Thandooo | |
| 21 | 9 February 2024 | Clement Maosa | |
| 22 | 16 February 2024 | Zola Nombona | |
| 23 | 23 February 2024 | Primo (Primo9teen) Baloyi | |
| 24 | 1 March 2024 | Unathi Nkayi | |
| 25 | 8 March 2024 | Libho Geza | |
| 26 | 15 March 2024 | Rami Chuene | |
| 27 | 22 March 2024 | Maps Maponyane | |
| 28 | 28 March 2024 | Just Daddy G (Gontse) | |
| 29 | 4 April 2024 | Junior De Rocka | |
| 30 | 11 April 2024 | Sandile Mahlangu | |
| 31 | 18 April 2024 | Thando Thabethe | |
| 32 | 25 April 2024 | Zillewizzy | |
| 33 | 9 May 2024 | Tshepo Koke | |
| 34 | 16 May 2024 | Yanda Woods | |
| 35 | 23 May 2024 | Manaka Ranaka | |
| 36 | 30 May 2024 | Ghost Hlubi | |
| 37 | 4 June 2024 | Moghelingz | |
| 38 | 6 June 2024 | Jesse Suntele | |
| 39 | 11 June 2024 | Mologadi (Titus) & Lungile | |
| 40 | 13 June 2024 | JosephDary | |
| 41 | 18 June 2024 | Dominic Zaca & Lungile | |
| 42 | 20 June 2024 | The Funny Chef | |
| 43 | 25 June 2024 | Khaya Dlala & Lungile | |
| 44 | 27 June 2024 | BU (Luthando) | |
| 45 | 2 July 2024 | Ntokozo Mahlinza & Lungile | |
| 46 | 4 July 2024 | Linda Mtoba | [7] |
| 47 | 9 July 2024 | Nomsa Buthelezi & Lungile | |
| 48 | 19 July 2024 | Sean (Rockets Owner) | |
| 49 | 23 July 2024 | Pearl Thusi & Lungile | |
| 50 | 11 August 2024 | Elaine | |
| 51 | 18 August 2024 | Zee Nxumalo | |
| 52 | 20 August 2024 | Mpho Pops | |
| 53 | 27 August 2024 | Liema Pantsi | |
| 54 | 3 September 2024 | Khosi Thwala | |
| 55 | 10 September 2024 | DBN Gogo | |
| 56 | 17 September 2024 | Christall Kay | |
| 57 | 19 September 2024 | Zintle Mofokeng & Ntokozo Mahlinza | |
| 58 | 24 September 2024 | Sphokhule N | |
| 59 | 27 September 2024 | Siyamthanda | |
| 60 | 2 October 2024 | Mapaseka Pasi Koetle | |
| 61 | 4 October 2024 | Nobantu Vilakazi & Ntokozo Mahlinza | |
| 62 | 9 October 2024 | Tsitsi Chiumy | |
| 63 | 11 October 2024 | Letroy Mashigo | |
| 64 | 16 October 2024 | Nonku Williams |
Accolades
edit| Year | Award | Category | Nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | South African Film and Television Awards | Best online content | Awkward Dates | Nominated | [8] |
References
edit- ^ "We sit down with SAFTA nominee Lasizwe to discuss his show 'Awkward Dates". Drum Magazine. Retrieved 2024-02-12.
- ^ "Lasizwe Gushes Over His Show Bagging A SAFTA Nomination". youthvillage.co.za. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "Lasizwe reveals how dark times inspired Awkward Dates". bona.co.za. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "Lasizwe Dambuza Launches Another Interesting Dating Show". youthvillage.co.za. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "Lasizwe reflects on all-star cast for 'Awkward Dates'". iol.co.za. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "WATCH: Minnie Dlamini goes on an awkward date with Lasizwe". citizen.co.za. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "Linda Mtoba goes on a Awkward Date with Lasizwe". bona.co.za. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ^ "2024's SAFTA nominations announced: See all the dominators and new categories at this year's event". news24.com. 5 September 2024. Retrieved 20 October 2024.