It’s Showtime introduced a new segment, Expecially For You, on Monday, December 4, featuring former couples trying their luck to find new love, though this one has an unexpected twist. However, viewers can’t help but notice its similarities with the now-defunct noontime show Tropang LOL’s reality dating game segment, H.O.P.E. So, what do these two segments have in common? Read on to explore.
It’s Showtime Introduced Its New Segment, Expecially For You
It’s Showtime officially started Expecially For Your on its Monday episode, introducing the former couple, Ecca and CJ. So, why is a former couple both there, you asked? Here’s the twist.
Compared to other dating games in which only one person is involved, the show also invites the former lover to help choose their ex’s potential love interest. Sounds interesting, right?
Here, Ecca was the one who was looking for her next possible lover, while her former boyfriend, CJ, would judge who among the three searchers would pass as her potential date.
Though many question why an ex has a say in a former lover’s future love life, this segment excites many viewers. However, some can’t help to see its similarities with Tropang LOL’s dating game H.O.P.E.
It’s Showtime’s Expecially For You and Tropang LOL’s H.O.P.E. Similarities and Differences
Coincidentally, Tropang LOL also had a dating segment, H.O.P.E., similar to It’s Showtime’s Expecially For You when it was still airing. So, what are the similarities and differences between the two?
Similarities
- They’re both reality dating games for former couples
- Let the former couples talk about their past romances, admit their mistakes, and have closures
Differences
Tropang LOL’s H.O.P.E.
- The former couples have letters for each other that they will read aloud
- They will ask each other seven answers of hope
- At the end of the segment, the couple will decide if there will be a chance to rekindle their romance or not
It’s Showtime’s Expecially For You
- The ex will choose their former love’s potential love interest
- There are three searchers that the ex could choose from
Netizens React to It’s Showtime’s New Segment, Expecially For You
As soon as It’s Showtime started Expecially For You¸ netizens shared their reaction to this new segment online.
With its uncanny similarities with Tropang LOL’s H.O.P.E., X (formerly Twitter) user @Serweiss_ claimed it had the LOL vibe.
However, one viewer found it awkward that the ex had to be there to help his former lover find new love. And though it was entertaining for some, others found it painful to see an ex-couple talking about their past and remembering everything they had been through.
True enough, It’s Showtime’s Expecially For You has uncanny similarities with Tropang LOL’s H.O.P.E., but there are also big differences between the two. Dating games on noontime shows aren’t new at all, with Eat Bulaga also having the same segment before, especially when the love month is near. That said, there’s no proof that It’s Showtime copied Tropang LOL’s H.O.P.E. Though they both have the same vibes, the former ensures to give it a few twists that make it original.