The cast of The Undateables

An upcoming television show in the UK has sparked outrage because it appears to brand disabled people as “undateable”. The show will see case studies – including a guy with Down’s syndrome and a skateboarder with a facial disfigurement – paired with able-bodied people. Other interviewees include a stand-up comedian with Tourette’s, a trapeze artist with brittle bones, a guy suffering from Asperger’s syndrome, and an amateur poet with a learning disability.

Outrage spread across social networks over the past couple of days, after promos for the show began airing on Channel 4. Some have even compared it to a “Victorian freak show.”

But the creators have defended the title – saying it is merely a reflection of society’s own perceptions:

The title is a reflection of society’s own perceptions and intended to challenge stereotypes and encourage debate. The Undateables is an uplifting and moving three-part series which is about the universal quest for love and people will judge for themselves when they see it.

Here is the trailer for The Undateables, scheduled to start airing on 4 April:

Below are also some stills released by the production company, of the show’s participants:

[Source: Daily Mail]