Reality TV’s Next Topic? Not Food or Modeling. Now It’s Arranged Marriages

Wanted: Singles — divorced or not — willing to wed a total stranger and have first year of marriage filmed and dissected by millions of television viewers.

Sound like fun? Then “Arranged Marriage,” a new reality show from the producers of “Top Chef” and “Project Runway,” could be your ticket out of the dating slow lane. The documentary-style show seeks four singles willing to let their families and close friends choose their life mate. If that sounds familiar, there’s a reason. Nick Gilhool, casting director for Los Angeles-based Magical Elves Productions, says the show owes its inspiration to the Twin Cities’ Elizabeth and Dave Weinlick, both 38, whose arranged marriage at the Mall of America a decade ago was an international media event.

“Ten years and three kids later, (ages 7, 6 and 2) they’re happier than so many couples I know,” said Gilhool. “They’re good friends of the show. The four candidates and their mates, to be selected by fall, will be filmed around the clock for one year, with obvious boundaries,” Gilhool said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Go to www.arrangedmarriagetv.com, e-mail casting@arrangedmarriage.com, or call 213-630-6530.

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