Match & Marry is a marriage program that brings together people wishing to marry while providing psychological and legal support to those participating. Hundreds of people apply to the show, but only the select few are brought to the studio live for live broadcast.
The participant answers the presenter's questions, telling all of Turkey about themselves and the kind of partner they are looking for. They then wait for their suitors. Anyone interested in the participant calls the studio, and if both parties agree, the suitor is invited to the studio.
The participant and suitor meet face to face in the studio. The would-be couple find out about each other's lives, likes and dislikes. If the meeting goes favorably, then a date is arranged by Esra Erol. The couples now have an opportunity to get to know each other better. The couples meet outside the show and are able to plan their relationship. Whenever the couples feel they are ready, they inform Esra Erol and can come to the studio for the marriage ceremony. Participants who are not pleased with their suitors can either pull out or wait for other suitors.
Participants without suitors can wait for their calls while they watch other participants, or couples that have chosen to marry. They are also able to comment on whether they think couples that have just met are suited to each other. The waiting period can be anything from 1-2 days to several months.
The entire road to marriage is very carefully considered and planned and all expenses from accommodation to travel, wedding expenses and shopping trips are covered by the show itself.
Match & Marry manages to break down all taboos in a country like Turkey where marriage is sacred. Many people – from those forced into marriage by their families to those living alone who have been unable to find a partner previously – have been helped by the show. They are able to see that they really can have their own families. Many people who would be unable to express the fact that they are looking for a spouse in any other way have found the opportunity to open up on screen. They have found that the partners they meet on the show are safer, and the chance of happiness and a healthy marriage are far greater than meeting outside the show.
A lot of men and women have overcome their problems on the show and regained their self-confidence. Participants can better understand what they are looking for and meet their ideal partner. A widow who was too afraid of being judged in finding a new husband participated on the show, found a new husband and now has a happy marriage. A 65 year old widower who had recently lost his wife of 40 years participated and found a woman in similar circumstances – they married shortly after.
Thanks to Match & Marry 25 couples have become engaged and 23 have married so far. With more than 30,000 applicants and 2500 participants, the show's creator Esra Erol and the public have had the opportunity to watch hundreds of relationships blossom. Esra Erol herself got married on her own show, live on television.
A match-making show that breaks all records, a phenomenon, and the most watched show on day-time TV: Marry & Marry.