The search for true love is coming to CTV, as the network announced today it has greenlit new unscripted dating series FARMING FOR LOVE. An adaptation of the hit international format THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE, FARMING FOR LOVE follows the journeys of five rural Canadian singles on their quest for romance. Produced by Lark Productions in collaboration with Fremantle and in association with CTV, the CTV Original series consists of 10, one-hour episodes with production taking place later this year in British Columbia.
The hit format is based on an original concept from British magazine Country Living licensed by Fremantle. The Canadian French-language version, L’AMOUR EST DANS LE PRÉ, is a long-running success on Noovo, currently in its tenth season. Since its premiere in 2013, L’AMOUR EST DANS LE PRÉ has led to more than 15 couples and 27 children.
In FARMING FOR LOVE, five Canadians searching for their soulmates open up their farms – and their hearts – to a select group of urban singles. As they live and work together, the daters must adjust to a new lifestyle, and immerse themselves in a series of challenges, group activities, and intimate one-on-one dates with the goal of finding their one true love. Casting for FARMING FOR LOVE is currently underway for single, BC-based farmers, growers, ranchers, producers, or vintners from all backgrounds who are hoping to find their life partner. For more information on FARMING FOR LOVE, and details on how to apply, click here. The application deadline is April 15, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. ET, but may be changed at any time.
“This format has built longstanding mass appeal both internationally and in Canada with Bell Media’s French-language adaptation, and we can’t wait to introduce this series, and the crop of singles hoping to find love, to CTV viewers,” said Justin Stockman, Vice-President, Content Development & Programming, Bell Media. “As this show has demonstrated, country and city can combine for lasting relationships, and together with our partners at Lark Productions and Fremantle we look forward to following the romantic journeys.”
“We are thrilled to partner with Bell Media and Fremantle on such an established and heartwarming format,” said Erin Haskett, President, Lark Productions. “Farming for Love promises to celebrate the diverse and wonderful world of Canadian farmers, and we look forward to bringing authentic connections into their lives through this exciting new series.”
“Authentic and heart-warming; we have seen the continuous success of this format across the globe, coming out on top as the #1 entertainment show in several territories as well as creating a record number of lasting love connections,” said Fremantle’s Michela Di Mondo, Executive Vice President, Distribution and Sales, Canada. “Wonderfully showcasing the many unique communities across the country, we are so pleased to be working with Bell Media and Lark to bring this one-of-a-kind series to CTV audiences.”
The host of FARMING FOR LOVE, and casting details for urban singles hoping to date the selected farmers, are set to be announced in the coming months.
Harvesting success over the last 18 years, THE FARMER WANTS A WIFE format has been produced locally in 32 territories around the world, and has been the #1 entertainment and/or reality dating series in Austria, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Australia, and more. Since its inception, the series has led to 191 weddings and 445 children.
