Indian Matchmaking creator on such shows’ voyeuristic appeal, and why they feel ‘real’

TV dating shows are not only captivating, but instructive for viewers seeking life partners, say a producer and a professional matchmaker

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Muslim Matchmaker, is a new reality TV series from the creator of Indian Matchmaking that takes audience inside the world of dating in American Muslim communities. Photo: ABC News Studio

Published: 4:15pm, 1 Mar 2025Updated: 8:44am, 2 Mar 2025

The story of Muslim Matchmaker began as many modern tales of romance do: with an unsolicited direct message.

Smriti Mundhra, the executive producer of the Netflix show Indian Matchmaking, has spearheaded another series about the art of matchmaking, this time focusing on the Muslim American community.

After pitching the idea to the show’s eventual stars, matchmakers Hoda Abrahim and Yasmin Elhady, on Instagram several years ago, Mundhra began the long process of developing the series, eventually finding a home for it at ABC News Studios.

As the creator of Indian Matchmaking and a one-time client of the series’ star, Sima Taparia, Mundhra is intimately acquainted with the world of matchmaking. She was also an executive producer of 2023’s Jewish Matchmaking on Netflix before leading the charge on Muslim Matchmaker, which is now streaming on Disney+.

Muslim Matchmaker producers Smriti Mundhra (left) and Senain Kheshgi. Photo: TNS

Mundhra thinks audiences are interested in shows that highlight religious or ethnic groups because there’s “so much wisdom to gain from seeing how different cultures and different communities approach the idea of matchmaking and marriage”.