'Dating Around' Season 2 Helped One Couple Fall in Love

Amy Mackelden
·7 min read
Photo credit: ANNIE FLANAGAN/NETFLIX
Photo credit: ANNIE FLANAGAN/NETFLIX

From Harper's BAZAAR

Netflix has been expanding its reality TV offering in recent months, with Too Hot to Handle and Love Is Blind taking viewers by storm. But before those shows were on the scene, Dating Around delighted subscribers by sending six singletons on blind dates.

Each episode focuses on one individual who is sent on five separate dates. After they've met all five prospective partners, they must pick one to go out with again.

While Season 1 was set in New York, Season 2 moved the action to New Orleans, and featured an entirely new cast. Here's what Dating Around Season 2's cast members have been up to since the show finished.

Justin Bigting

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Closed!! — Every time I invest in another piece of real estate, I drag along with me a ton of anxiety, worries, and questions. Thank the lord for @adrienne_labauve and her knowledge and patience. 😂My realtor, advisor, and friend. Preciate ya!!! — #realestate #investing #investment #nola #neworleans #renovation #hgtv #lfg #closingtime

A post shared by Justin Bigting (@justinbigting) on Jun 19, 2020 at 2:26pm PDT

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Bigting revealed, "I'm still working in finance but started my own real estate investment group! I’m also working up the courage to get back on the open mic standup stage." Bigting also told the publication, "As far as dating goes, I actually met someone else after filming the show and we've been dating for a bit since!"

Deva Mahal

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How y’all doin out there? I’d love to hear from you. If there is a song you’d like to hear or just to connect, I’m here. It’s taken me a while to get back to feeling like myself and now that I am steadily on my way back to being fully recovered, I’d love to show my love and support in any way I am able. #wegonebealright #staysafe #quarantine #devalove #afrosarethebest #blackgirlmagic

A post shared by Deva Mahal (@devamahal) on May 3, 2020 at 7:04pm PDT

Mahal told Entertainment Weekly, "Still haven’t found the right person and I’m good doing me until I find my matching spark." Even though Mahal didn't find a love match on the show, the singer recently released new music.

Brandon Bordelon

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Stop caring so much about the destination and simply enjoy the journey. #datingaroundnetflix #foundloveinahopelessplace

A post shared by Brandon Bordelon (@bbofnola) on Jun 12, 2020 at 8:02am PDT

Appearing in Dating Around Season 2 led to some important revelations for Bordelon. He told Entertainment Weekly, "After filming the show I knew exactly the type of love I finally wanted to experience... I am now in Houston, Texas with my soulmate. It took me 34 years to finally experience what love feels like and I never want to let him go."

Ben Samuel

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Despite the world's best efforts to teach me, I have no idea how Instagram works. I guess you can't just write text? You need to include a picture and then you write a caption? And you're not allowed to use your computer? You have to use your phone? And this is like, the most popular thing in the world and everyone loves it? Okay... If you say so. Anyway! Hello, world! Here's a picture of me with quarantine hair. After watching other people's posts for so long, I'm finally throwing my hat in the Instagram ring too! My understanding is that this is called *quality content* baby! Expect plenty more where this came from! Also, uh, in addition to the momentousness of my first post, for historical record purposes, we're three months into a global pandemic and courageous people are protesting throughout all 50 states for social justice. I couldn't be more proud of everyone doing what they need to survive, and for those who are fighting to make the world a better place. There's a lot going on!

A post shared by Benjamin Samuel (@progresspian) on Jun 4, 2020 at 7:44pm PDT

The Assistant Professor of Computer Science at the University of New Orleans didn't find love on the show, but he recently joined Instagram and is putting himself out there. He revealed to Entertainment Weekly, "I’m happily single at the moment, but I’ve never felt more comfortable and confident with future dating prospects. And—don't tell anyone—but I also harbor a secret crush on basically every person I’ve ever known."

Heather Salvaggio

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🍑just a smerlin merlin in peach🍑 Also, YOU GUYS! Thank you all so SOO much for all the kindness and sweet messages !the amount of flattered could never be properly expressed ! What a bunch of peaches you all are ! More to come kind hearts. Stay tuned 🦋🦋🦋🦋! #alltoberevealedfriday

A post shared by Heather Rose (@hsalvaggio) on Jun 14, 2020 at 6:04pm PDT

The professional makeup artist is still dating Ernesto after meeting him on the show. She recently shared an adorable update about their relationship on Instagram. As she revealed to Entertainment Weekly, "from the moment I met my blind date Ernesto we both were hit right in the feels with an immediate, undeniable connection. We've been inseparable since and made it official in February. How I love this man!"

Demi Diaz

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I’ll be honest with you, it’s been hard finding something to post since my episode on #datingaroundnetflix has come out. I would have never imagined I’d be receiving all this love cause y’all... imposter syndrome is real. I didn’t think so many of you’d want to follow me and for the first time, this Digital Marketing “pro” is at a loss for words. These past couple of months have been overwhelming due to the mental and emotional effects from the pandemic and the injustices this country has continued to experience. In the meantime, while I find better words, I’ll introduce or re-introduce myself to my new followers: 💥 I’m 26 years young — with an old(er) soul, or so I’ve been told. A Leo baby! 💥 Dominican-American 🇩🇴 born in the Bronx, raised in Uptown Manhattan also known as Washington Heights or ‘Little Dominican Republic.’ 💥 ...middle child (I have an older sister and a younger brother!) “First is the worst, second is the best 💁🏽♀️, third is the one with the hairy chest.” 💥 Graduated with a Bachelors from #fordhamuniversity and currently work in Advertising, along with being the SheEO of my very own branding and consulting agency. 💥 My favorite thing to do is create memories with the people I love — my family and close friends (who are family) mean the world to me! 💥 I moved to New Orleans on December 31st, 2017. 💥 Met my boyfriend January of last year, reconnected after filming the show in October and have been together ever since. 💥 We have an American Bulldog named Love, my baby @abullynamedlove 💥 I often use social media as a form of therapy to open communication with my followers. This is a safe space and no hate will be tolerated! 💥 I spend most of my days overwhelming myself with business ideas. I’m very passionate about entrepreneurship and finding ways to work less and make more. Once I make it, we’re all going to make it! 💥 Lastly, I love connecting with people. I have a good feeling we’re all going to end up friends in real life (if we aren’t already!) I’m attracted to good energy and people who are their genuine self ✨ Sending a virtual hug to ALL of you!

A post shared by Demi ⚡️🔌 (@demdiaz) on Jun 20, 2020 at 5:13pm PDT

Diaz didn't meet her true love on Dating Around. Instead, she reconnected with an ex after filming on the show ended, and they "have been together ever since," she revealed on Instagram. She explained to Entertainment Weekly, "This show taught me a lot of being open to opportunities and trusting that everything happens for a reason. I took a leap of faith with my current partner and it’s been the greatest love I’ve ever experienced."

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