The New Wave of Pop Culture: The Return of the "Virgin Era" and Its Background - Love and Television in the Virgin Era: How Do We Talk About "Firsts"?

"Turning 'First Times' into Entertainment: Hulu's 'Are You My First?' Reflects the Light and Shadow of the Virgin Era"

"Can romantic reality shows no longer be told without stories of 'first times'?" In the summer of 2025, Hulu's new series 'Are You My First?' presents a bold format that places the label of 'virgin (inexperienced)' at its center. Twenty-one men and women meet at a tropical resort, exploring love, intimacy, and 'boundaries.' The show is hosted by Colton Underwood, known as the 'Virgin Bachelor,' and Kaitlyn Bristowe, who has stirred controversy with her candid discussions about sex. The production is by ITV America, known for 'Love Island USA.' The basic premise of the show is as reported by various review and entertainment news outlets (the first episode was released on August 18). EW.com People.com

From 'Purity' to 'Choice': Updating the Image of Virgins

In recent years, societal trends have pointed out a slight decline in sexual experience rates among young people, and 'volcel' (voluntary celibacy) as a form of self-determination has garnered cultural interest. The paths leading to 'inexperience' are multifaceted, including medical reasons (e.g., vaginismus), religious backgrounds, value mismatches, and recovery from physical or psychological trauma. The show weaves these 'diverse reasons' into the profiles and conversations of the cast, offering a glimpse into a different horizon from the traditional purity myth, as discussed by a tech and culture magazine. WIRED

However, the show's position is not simple. The Cut describes the pace as 'more relaxed than existing romantic reality shows, with the first few episodes enjoying the humor and texture surrounding the "V card",' and receives this 'looseness' favorably. The Cut

On the other hand, Relevant Magazine and Collider criticize the 'branding of virginity' and the perspective that may reinforce conservative and patriarchal ideologies. Questions are raised about whether the production's gaze overly characterizes the participants and whether awkwardness (awareness) is intentionally used as fuel for the show. RELEVANT

The Buzz on Social Media: Empathy, Confusion, and the Power to 'Keep Watching'

The initial reactions on social media are not polarized. On Reddit viewing threads, comments like "less appearance-focused than existing romantic reality shows, and the sincerity of self-elimination (leaving if it doesn't fit) is refreshing" and "the dignity of depicting a kiss as an 'event' is nice" reflect a 'favorable realism.' Reddit

Meanwhile, on platforms like X and Facebook, ethical concerns arise, such as "are we consuming the awkwardness of amateurs?" and "is 'first time' becoming a spectacle for ratings?" Articles reporting 'overwhelming applications' even before the show started went viral, further intensifying the spin of the buzz. New York Post

Some review media confess to the addictive nature of the show, saying "despite its issues, you can't help but keep watching." Despite the slow progression and the wavering intent of the project, viewers find themselves "playing the next episode." CinemaBlend analyzes that the reason lies in the soft humor among the cast and the budding relationships where failures can be laughed off. Cinemablend

Discussions Sparked by Specific 'Stories'

For example, Michael & Rachel, a pairing popular among fans, is used here as a representative example. The process of Michael returning after temporarily leaving due to family matters and closing the distance, and Rachel's confession and dialogue about her vaginismus, show the potential for the show to handle the 'reality of the body' not sensationally but as a topic for dialogue. After viewing, voices sharing similar experiences and anxieties emerged on social media, opening circuits of empathy and learning. However, the uncertainty of their current relationship and the 'tracking' on social media becoming a semi-gamified moment also reveals the desires of the viewers. Marie Claire

Dismantling the Equation of 'Experience = Maturity'

The core of 'Are You My First?' is whether it can dismantle the implicit equation that 'the presence or absence of experience determines maturity or value.' The show is described as aiming for a 'design of respect' that does not make experience itself the goal, but the pressure to dramatize inherent in the production system—highlighting shame, failure, and tension—is always close at hand. Defector's commentary questions the delicate balance of how reality shows handle the material of 'inexperience.' defector.com

Implementing Ethics: Boundaries and Intimacy Coordination

Today's romantic reality shows require the design of 'safety devices' to stage intimacy. For example, clear consent protocols, multifaceted mental care, aftercare post-filming, harassment countermeasures on social media, and consultation services considering medical, religious, and gender diversity. It is difficult to see from the outside to what extent 'Are You My First?' implements this, but the comfort/discomfort of the viewing experience is greatly influenced by such 'invisible infrastructure.' The concentration of criticism on 'concerns about branding' may also be a sign that the reassurance design that production should present is not sufficiently communicated. RELEVANT

Language that Embraces 'First Times'

Finally, there is homework for the viewers as well. 'First times' are processes rooted in individual life histories before they are subjects of laughter. Comments on Reddit like "it's nice that there's no excessive dramatization" and "the decisiveness to leave if it doesn't feel right is admirable" indicate a new viewing attitude that seeks a balance between entertainment and respect. Whether the show will be supported in the long term depends not only on the ethical design of the production but also on how we can accept, talk about, and share 'first times' with our words. Reddit

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