Millionaire Matchmaker

From LoveToKnow Reality-TV

Millionaire Matchmaker is a reality TV show on Bravo featuring professional matchmaker Patti Stanger. The program combines elements of both dating shows and makeover shows to create a unique look at the romantic struggles of the upper class.

Millionaire Matchmaker Format

Millionaire Matchmaker began in 2007. Each hour-long episode features two millionaires - who are almost always male - who are looking for love. The subjects are treated to a style makeover which can include everything from a haircut and new clothes to extensive counseling sessions.

Stanger meets with the men and tries to get to know them, learning what they're looking for in a mate. Often she finds that there may be easily pinpointed reasons as to why they've been unsuccessful in the dating game. She then attempts to change their outlooks.

After the makeovers and interviews Stanger sets out to find the perfect women for her clients. Sometimes these dates seem to have real chemistry, while other times they're just plain awkward.

About Patti Stanger

Matchmaking runs in Patti Stanger's family; she is the third generation to take up this career. She held the position of Director of Marketing for the dating service Great Expectations - which is the largest and oldest such organization in the country - for ten years. Stanger went on to open her own dating service, The Millionaire's Club, in 2000.

The idea behind The Millionaire's Club is to provide a safe and discreet service for wealthy men who are looking for a partner. The club is exclusive, and female members are carefully screened for not only their looks, but also their intelligence and social interactions.

The Millionaire's Club goes above and beyond most dating services by employing a large staff of psychologists and counselors, as well as a stable of makeover specialists. These include:

An image consultant
Personal trainers
Plastic surgeon
Dentists
Hairstylists

Stanger believes that in order for a man to find his perfect mate he needs to work on perfecting himself as well. She has written a book called Become Your Own Matchmaker: Eight Easy Steps for Attracting Your Perfect Mate, which was released in January 2009.

Millionaire Matchmaker Staff

Millionaire Matchmaker is based on Stanger's business so certain staff members are regulars on the show.

Destin Jude Pfaff

Destin got his initial job as office manager at the Millionaire's Club through an ad placed online on Craig's List. He quickly became indispensable and is now a matchmaker himself. His success at pairing up compatible people has made him one of the most successful matchmakers in the company.

His duties have expanded exponentially as the Millionaire Matchmaker series has unfolded, and he does a considerable amount of public relations, sales, and advertising as well. He now holds the title of CEO.

Rachel Federoff

Rachel Federoff is Destin Pfaff's girlfriend. She handles a number of different tasks for the company, including recruiting and referrals. She is heavily involved in the newest addition to the club: providing matchmaking services to wealthy gay men.

Chelsea Autumn

Chelsea Autumn began at the Millionaire's Club as Patti Stanger's personal assistant, and is now Vice President of Matching. Her duties include recruiting male clients as well as potential female matches. She also works with the makeover division of the company, called Pretty Pal, which offers ongoing personal grooming and style help for clients.

Female and Gay Clients

During the first season of Millionaire Matchmaker all of the clients were male. The second season of the series addressed this and welcomed its first gay millionaire client as well as several female clients.

Dealing with Ageism

Another issue tackled on the show is ageism. Many clients come in looking for much younger partners, and Stanger often struggles to sell the virtues of same-age companions while also catering to what her clients are truly looking for.