TV dating shows told 'It's over'

'Blind Date' production stopped, 'ElimiDate' not renewed

LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- The magic is gone for two formerly high-rated syndicated dating shows.

Production has stopped on NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution's "Blind Date," while Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution's "ElimiDate" hasn't been renewed for 2006-07, sources said.

"Blind Date," which films a couple on a blind date and then adds humorous pop-ups and graphics, has been renewed in more than 90 percent of the country for next season, but what viewers will be seeing are repeat episodes, sources said. There are believed to be more than 1,300 produced episodes from the show's seven seasons on the air.

"ElimiDate," which features a bachelor or bachelorette dating four suitors at once and whittling them down to one, premiered in syndication in 2001.

Both Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution and NBC's distribution unit declined comment Thursday.

"Blind Date" and "ElimiDate" represent the last two relationship shows left in syndication. The past few years have marked the demise of such other dating shows as "The 5th Wheel" and "Extreme Dating."

"Blind Date" averaged a 1.1 household rating for the week ending July 30, the most recent period for which numbers are available, while "ElimiDate" averaged a 1.0, according to Nielsen Media Research.