Netflix subscribers are currently divided over a recently added dating reality series that prominently features the famous ex-partner of a Selling Sunset star. The show, titled Love Undercover, was uploaded to the streaming platform just a few days ago, although it originally aired in 2024 on the American network Peacock.
Premise and Concept of the Controversial Series
The central premise of Love Undercover revolves around a select group of British, European, and South American footballers who are relocated to a shared house in the United States with the explicit goal of discovering genuine romantic connections. The official synopsis elaborates: "Professional athletes seemingly have everything: immense wealth, devoted fans, and opulent lifestyles. However, fame and fortune often come at the significant cost of authentic love.
For these individuals, finding a partner who values them for their true character, rather than their material possessions and status, proves more challenging than achieving professional success in sports. Consequently, the footballers decide to temporarily abandon their glamorous lives and travel to the one location on Earth that purportedly prioritizes inner qualities: Los Angeles. This modern-day fairy tale blended with a buddy comedy follows five international soccer stars as they journey to America, hoping to find true love with women who are completely unaware of their athletic fame and substantial wealth.
Cast Members and Their Backgrounds
While the footballers are intended to remain anonymous within the United States for the show's duration, several cast members are likely recognizable to audiences, particularly in the UK. The lineup includes Mexican football icon Marco Fabian, an Olympic gold medalist from the London 2012 Games, who, at 36 years old, now competes in indoor soccer in the US.
Also featured is fellow Mexican Sebastián Fassi, a goalkeeper currently playing in the third division of Spanish football. The cast is rounded out by defender Lloyd Jones from Championship club Charlton Athletic, former Premier League midfielder turned radio pundit Jamie O'Hara, and ex-Liverpool star and Dutch international Ryan Babel, who retired from professional football in November 2024 after a stint in Turkey.
Early in the series, during discussions about past relationships, Ryan Babel discloses that he was previously involved with Selling Sunset reality television personality Amanza Smith. This revelation has added an extra layer of celebrity intrigue to the show's narrative.
Mixed Viewer Reactions and Critical Reception
Audience responses to Love Undercover have been decidedly mixed, with viewers expressing starkly contrasting opinions about the show's quality and entertainment value. Although comprehensive online reviews are currently limited, several social media comments highlight the polarizing nature of the series.
One Netflix viewer who recently discovered the title posted: "Just stumbled upon Love Undercover on Netflix, and it is undoubtedly the most cringe-worthy and awkward television program I have ever encountered. I typically enjoy a good trashy TV show, but this is an absolute car crash from start to finish!"
This sentiment was echoed by others who criticized the casting decisions, noting the apparent contradiction in a show premise centered on women dating international footballers when only two of the five participants are currently active professional players.
Positive Feedback and Defenders of the Series
Conversely, some viewers have enthusiastically recommended giving the series a chance. One supporter claimed: "If reality dating shows are your preferred genre, Love Undercover offers a fun and surprisingly humorous twist on conventional formats."
Another viewer admitted this was the first reality series they had ever watched, adding: "The concept seemed intriguing, so I decided to try it and ended up completely captivated. I couldn't stop watching. The genuine authenticity displayed by some of the male and female participants was truly delightful to observe. The show served as a refreshing reminder of my own dating misadventures, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, sincerely hoping for a second season."
A further comment analyzed the casting strategy: "The show is genuinely interesting to watch. I believe the producers made excellent choices with their player selections. They included a couple of lower-tier 'face' men primarily for visual appeal, alongside three players with notable acclaim for American soccer fans who have followed the sport for a decade or more. Selecting more famous athletes would have made them far too recognizable in the Los Angeles setting."
Love Undercover is currently available for streaming exclusively on Netflix, inviting viewers to form their own opinions about this divisive addition to the reality television landscape.
