The story behind Muslim Matchmaker began with a simple Instagram message, as Smriti Mundhra, the executive producer of Indian Matchmaking, pitched the idea of a new matchmaking show focused on the Muslim American community. After years of development, the series found a home at ABC News Studios, and now streams on Disney+. Mundhra, who is also behind Netflix’s Jewish Matchmaking, is no stranger to the world of matchmaking, having gained firsthand experience as a client of Indian Matchmaking‘s Sima Taparia. Through these projects, she explores how different cultures approach matchmaking and marriage, offering valuable insights into the process.
Although not Muslim herself, Mundhra learned valuable lessons about Islam and the cultural significance of matchmaking. The process of finding a life partner, she says, reveals much about oneself, providing rich material for a series. This fascination with human relationships drives the show’s success, drawing in audiences with its voyeuristic appeal. Mundhra’s work on Indian Matchmaking earned her two Emmy nominations, and she’s been nominated for two Oscars for her documentary work.
The appeal of matchmaking shows is clear, according to industry experts. Adam Cohen-Aslatei, CEO of matchmaking company Three Day Rule, notes that these shows are more meaningful than typical reality dating series. They provide real people facing real challenges, which resonate with audiences. He also highlights how these shows delve into deeper relationship themes, offering lessons that can help viewers approach their own dating lives more constructively.
Meanwhile, some dating apps are evolving to address “swiping burnout.” Lox Club, a members-only matchmaking service for Jewish singles, entered the matchmaking space in 2024 and has quickly grown to have a waiting list of over 10,000 people. Sam Karshenboym, Lox Club’s COO, notes that their clients are eager for a more curated, personalized approach to finding love.
Cohen-Aslatei believes that today’s generation is more willing to invest in love than previous ones, which increases their chances of success. Mundhra, excited by this shift, is thrilled to see more people turning to matchmaking. She believes that the universal desire for a meaningful relationship, far beyond swipe culture, connects viewers across different communities, whether Indian, Jewish, Muslim, or otherwise.
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