Published on
updated on
Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical Psychologist)
Behind your screen, last night, you devoured the new episode of “L’amour est dans le pré”, like thousands of French people. But how can we explain such an addiction? What aspects of the show are (also) addictive? The answer, from our psychologist.
Every year it’s the same thing: the new season of “Love is in the meadow” unleashes passions. And if M6 viewers are having a field day on the networks – trying to dissect the elected or outgoing contender – a question deserves to be asked. Why such enthusiasm? What is it that appeals to the French so much in this show, which mixes romantic encounters and rural settings? To get to the bottom of it, we asked Amélie Boukhobza, clinical psychologist.
A “deeply human” story
The show L’amour est dans le pré quickly became iconic thanks to its simple yet effective concept: helping farmers find love. At the beginning of the year, the candidates’ profiles are broadcast; thus allowing interested people to write to them. Then, all that’s left for the farmers to do is to take the plunge into the dating world to try to meet their ideal partner.
A format that is very popular with French men and women… curious to see their peers frolic.
“The show “Love is in the meadow” captivates the French because it tells a deeply human story, which resonates with the collective imagination of the countryside and improbable romanticism. It is somewhat reminiscent of “Chasseur français”, where we already found these small dating ads in rural areas, a sort of modern precursor to the show ultimately. Here, we have men and women who are often isolated, living for generations in a separate universe, that of the land, far from the tumult of the cities. These men and women embody a sometimes harsh but authentic rurality, with simple and strong values”, says Amélie Boukhobza.
What is fascinating is this meeting between two worlds: city dwellers with aspirations sometimes opposed to those of farmers, the psychologist adds.
“The show immerses us in love stories where everything seems improbable, almost absurd. We see personalities who, without this show, would never have crossed paths. That’s what makes it all thrilling: seeing people from such distant worlds discover each other, tame each other, and sometimes even fall in love, it’s a dream. What it tells, in filigree, is the idea that love can blossom in unexpected places, that it transcends differences in culture and habits. We witness encounters that overturn expectations, that defy clichés, and it touches on something very intimate: this universal need to be loved, wherever we are, whoever we are,” she reports.
Love, a fantasy seen through the small screen
Is it necessary to specify it? When we do not dare to live the great adventure that is love – or when we are bored in our relationship – seeing others palpitate, ignite, warms the heart.
“Viewers recognize themselves, identify with or fantasize about the idea that, even in seemingly improbable situations, love is always possible. The show plays on this subtle thread between raw reality and modern fairy tale, where everyone can say that love, even in the most unexpected circumstances, could well knock on their door.“, emphasizes the psychologist.
Ultimately, “Love is in the Meadow” is the countryside version of a fairy tale, a sort of “Pretty Woman” in rubber boots.Which reinforces the impression that love, even in the most unexpected circumstances, could well knock on everyone’s door.”concludes the expert.
Slideshow: 10 signs you’re falling in love