Anexis Matos

Another audio description by International Digital Center. After watching Harry and Meghan, I admit I had high expectations when the end credits of the first episode ran, despite my issues. Besides my enjoyment of trash TV, I excitedly continued the show specifically for the audio description.

For those unaware, audio description is a separate audio track added to visual media that describes visual aspects. This is mainly intended for blind and visually impaired audiences, but can benefit and be enjoyed by anyone.

Series Premise

This is another dating show similar to Too Hot to Handle, Dated and Related, and Love Is Blind. In this experiment, single men and women enter a house for a chance to find love. Every night, contestants are given a chance to match with people, but anyone alone by the end of the night leaves the house. Contestants are also given compatibility challenges and the couple that wins is considered the most compatible one. The most compatible couple is then allowed to match members of the least compatible couples on dates with new singles. Perfect Match differs from other Netflix dating shows because the contestants are from other Netflix reality shows. Also, only one couple in the end is voted to be the perfect match.

Series Information

Genre: Reality TV
Category: Adult
Explicit violence: No
Explicit sex: No
Content warnings I noticed: None, but, if there are other seasons, it’ll depend

Review

The writing is good. The language fits the target audience and the type of show it is. It’s similar to reality shows and documentaries.

The descriptions are okay. It’s a minimal style, but with a little more detail here and there. Because of this, I have mixed feelings.

There are moments when physical features are described, but, most of the time, they’re not. The first episode set an expectation for me, but didn’t continue it. I would have loved more descriptions regarding people. It’s not always possible to describe every person’s physical features, but, if space permits, I think more detail should be added. Of course, there’s a balance to keep. It’s important to allow viewers to appreciate music and silence while also providing as much detail as possible.

The description assumes that viewers know who the contestants are. While this may be true, I think it’s important to take into account that there will be those who don’t know. Telling the viewer what reality show contestants are from is helpful. However, there are some contestants whose reality shows don’t get announced. Also, some reality shows are not very well known, so it’s only somewhat helpful.

The describer’s vocal performance is good. They have a very pleasant voice and are engaging while not being distracting. The describer also does not interrupt dialogue or any commentary and allows viewers to appreciate music and silence.

My main critique is familiar, especially if you’ve read my previous critiques. Netflix offers Perfect Match in several languages, but audio description is only offered in English. Netflix has no excuse not to offer audio description in all the languages it offers a series. By not doing so, they exclude viewers who do not speak English.

Conclusion

Overall, this is an okay audio description. I had some high expectations since I watched Harry and Meghan, but this is also a reality show. I don’t expect that much from them. I rated it two stars.