The various suitors were able to describe their rivals in uncomplimentary ways, which made the show work well as a general devolution of dignity.
He Said, She Said focused not on setting up the date, but on comparing the couple's different impressions afterwards, and for their cooperation offering to fund a second date.
These resembled the reality shows that began to emerge at about the same time in the 1990s.
In shows involving couples, there is a substantial incentive to break up any of the existing relationships.
In shows involving singles, there is a mismatch of numbers ensuring constant competition.
The Newlywed Game, by contrast, another Barris show, had recently married couples competing to answer questions about each other's preferences.
