Banijay Factory Develops Sign Language Dating Show

The Banijay Nordic label Banijay Factory has developed Sexy Hands, a new dating show in sign language, for SVT1.

Produced by Delta Studios, Sexy Hands is a dating format in which deaf singletons and their hearing allies can’t see each other physically, apart from their hands. Over a series of rounds, they use sign language to determine whether or not there is a romantic connection.

In the series, three potential suitors sign to compete to win the affection of a singleton. As they can’t see one another apart from their hands, they must rely on signing to chat, flirt and make a first impression in rounds that are designed to get the potential couples better acquainted. Round after round the singleton eliminates the candidates until one suitor remains.

Robert Andersson, senior format developer at Banijay Factory and creator of Sexy Hands, said: “We’re proud to be playing a small part in making pop culture more inclusive and diverse. Sexy Hands is a fast-paced, visually captivating, fun and literally loud blind-dating format where both deaf and hearing, sign-language savvy singles come looking for love. It is a new spin on the popular dating genre, but also the first of its kind to place sign language in equal footing with the spoken word.”

James Townley, global head of content development at Banijay, said: “Communication in dating and relationships is key, and Sexy Hands represents a large community who get to know one another through sign language. This inclusive and refreshing format will enrich the dating genre, giving unique insight into the linguistic identity of people who are deaf and those that use sign language, and we’re extremely pleased to have a new format in the catalog that reiterates our commitment to diversity both on and offscreen.”