A wildly popular Instagram account, which purports to share rediscovered tapes from a 1980s dating service, has captivated the internet, racking up a staggering over 100 million views in the last 12 months. The account, known as 'VHS Dates', posts cringeworthy and hilarious clips of individuals from a bygone era detailing their ideal partners and often delusional self-assessments.
The Hilarious and Cringe-Worthy World of VHS Dates
In the videos, participants sporting big perms and shoulder pads list their desires and quirks. One woman named Tina, in a clip viewed over nine million times, states her best quality is her 'unwavering allegiance to myself'. Another, a divorcee named Gwen, describes her perfect date as dinner at Benihana, boasts about a timeshare, and complains about her ex-husband, adding: 'I blew out my knee jazzercising so I don't want a guy who's too active.' A particularly popular character is Ronnie, a Mary Kay beauty consultant who is a 'terrible cook' but 'great at being a guest at a restaurant'.
The Actors Behind the Vintage Personas
While the videos are eerily convincing as authentic relics from a pre-Tinder world, they are meticulously staged and scripted performances. Online investigators have identified the professional actors involved, many of whom are part of the famed Los Angeles comedy group, The Groundlings. 'Gwen' is portrayed by actress Annie Sertich, while 'Tina' is played by Allison Dunbar, recognised for her role in The Sopranos. The beloved character 'Ronnie' is brought to life by Maddie Ballard, a queer musician and sketch comic from the Bay Area.
Audience Reaction and the Telltale Signs
Despite the revelation that the tapes are clever fakes, thousands of viewers were completely taken in. Many expressed genuine concern for the participants' present-day wellbeing, with comments like: 'It should be illegal to post these videos without a "where are they now?" at the end!' and 'I hope she's doing well today, I really do.'
However, other sharp-eyed fans pointed out subtle anachronisms that gave the game away. Key giveaways noted on platforms like Reddit included:
- Exceptionally white teeth, which were less common in the 80s and 90s.
- The presence of modern cosmetic procedures like Botox or fillers.
- The use of contemporary vocal patterns, such as vocal fry, in one character's speech.
The account's creators have successfully tapped into nostalgia and humour, proving that a clever concept and skilled performance can create a viral sensation, even when the premise is entirely fabricated. The Daily Mail has contacted VHS Dates for further comment on the phenomenon.
