UpDating Creators Brandon Berman and Harrison Forman Announce 2026 Live Tour – 21-City Run Brings Viral Comedy Dating Phenomenon to Theaters and Clubs

Move over, swipe culture. The raw, unfiltered comedy dating show UpDating is taking its unique brand of blindfolded romance on the road once again, with creators Brandon Berman and Harrison Forman unveiling a massive 21-city tour for 2026. Dubbed “the most raw comedy dating show in existence,” the live experience promises 90 minutes of laugh-out-loud moments, audience participation, and real-time reactions to modern love—all unfolding as two strangers meet for the first time, literally blindfolded, in front of a live audience.

Berman and Forman, who produce every aspect of the show from casting to final edit, have turned UpDating into a viral juggernaut, amassing over five billion total views and 6.3 million followers across social media platforms. The duo’s new tour—a mix of intimate clubs and larger theaters—follows a staggering 2025 that saw them perform in front of more than 30,000 fans across 82 shows, with over 50 additional headlining dates already logged in 2026. They’ve recently sold out sets at the Moontower and Netflix Is a Joke comedy festivals and are set to headline Just For Laughs Montreal later this year.

The Concept That Went Viral: Blindfolds, Banter, and Bare-All Romance

At its core, UpDating strips away the curated profiles and carefully crafted bios that dominate dating apps. Two singles are brought onstage, blindfolded, and guided through a first date directed by the audience. The result? Unscripted chemistry, awkward silences, surprising connections, and plenty of comedic gold. “It’s dating without the safety net,” Forman has said in interviews. “We let the crowd decide the questions, the dares, and the energy.”

That raw, unfiltered format has resonated particularly with younger audiences who are increasingly disillusioned with online dating. According to recent surveys, Gen Z and millennials are pulling back from apps like Tinder and Hinge, craving real-world connections and live, shared experiences. UpDating taps directly into that cultural shift, offering a theatrical alternative where vulnerability becomes entertainment and spontaneity is the star.

The 2026 Tour: A 21-City Extravaganza

The newly announced 2026 live tour will span a mix of comedy clubs and mid-sized theaters across the United States, with Berman and Forman personally curating each venue to maximize intimacy and interaction. The full list of dates and cities is available on the show’s official website, with tickets now on sale. Given the duo’s track record—over 140 cities played worldwide—fans can expect a high-energy show that blends stand-up, improv, and the unpredictable thrill of watching a real blind date unfold in real time.

• Each show runs approximately 90 minutes, no intermission.
• Audience members volunteer to be part of the dating process.
• Past shows have featured surprise guest cameos and live proposals.

For those who can’t make it in person, new episodes of UpDating continue to drop weekly on YouTube, keeping the viral momentum alive between tour stops.

From Social Media Sensation to Global Stage: The Business of Live Dating

The rise of UpDating is part of a larger trend in live entertainment: audiences are flocking to events that offer genuine, unscripted moments. Comedy-variety shows, murder mysteries, and interactive theater have all seen surges in ticket sales as people seek out communal experiences over solitary scrolling. Berman and Forman have capitalized on this by building a direct-to-consumer brand that thrives on word-of-mouth and social sharing—their clips regularly rack up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram.

The duo’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed by Hollywood. Recently, they partnered with ITV on a non-scripted streaming adaptation of UpDating, a deal that was won in a competitive bidding situation. While details remain under wraps, the collaboration signals traditional studios’ hunger for formats that already have built-in audiences and proven viral hooks. Additionally, Berman and Forman are shopping a romantic comedy spec script set in the world of an UpDating show, further expanding their IP beyond the live stage and digital shorts.

What This Means for the Future of Dating Entertainment

Berman and Forman are represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners, WME, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes—a roster that underscores the commercial viability of their concept. As the 2026 tour approaches, industry insiders are watching closely to see whether UpDating can sustain its momentum or if it will evolve into a full-fledged media franchise. Given the show’s ability to capture the zeitgeist—blending the escapism of live comedy with the relatable chaos of modern dating—the answer likely lies in the very audience it delights: a generation hungry for authenticity, laughter, and a little bit of love, served unscripted and unfiltered.

With 21 new dates, a TV adaptation in the works, and a rom-com on the horizon, Berman and Forman are proving that when it comes to dating, sometimes the best connection is the one you never see coming.

Disclaimer - All celebrity-related content, information, and images on this website are based on publicly available online sources and AI-generated insights/data. Information such as biography, age, career, personal details, and images may change without notice over time. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of any information or imagery displayed on this website. This content is provided for general informational purposes only.