Skip to Content

In assessing, reviewing or describing FOX’s new reality series I Wanna Marry Harry, all one really needs to do is read the network’s own press release:

Summer love is in the air as 12 American women travel to England for a chance of a lifetime with a man whom they think is Britain’s most eligible bachelor.

Join this diverse group of ladies, from a preschool teacher to a pre-med student, in their journey across the pond, to meet their “royal” Mister Right.

On the first night at the enchanting estate, Matthew (or “Sir” as the ladies call him) throws a lavish masquerade ball where he reveals himself for the first time.

When the masks come off, will sparks fly or will the spell be broken?

LOL. Matthew, of course, is Matthew Hicks, a British environmental consultant and not Prince Harry as the women are led to believe, but never outright told.

Likely for legal reasons, Hicks never technically claims to be Prince Harry, skillfully dodging all questions that would ask him to declare this on the record.

 

He does show up in a helicopter, and will take the women on extravagant outings with one of the women, showing off privilege only a royal would have.

Or so one would think. The long con is totally, and hilariously, on.

The Hollywood Gossip Logo

The illusion is bolstered by Kingsley (real name Paul Leonard, an actor) who works as a butler and also a host for the girls and his “master” Hicks.

Kingsley also ran the “Harry school” that taught Hicks how to be Prince Harry, grilling him until he could pass for Kate Middleton‘s brother-in-law.

In a sense, it’s half dating show, half prank. Kind of brilliant.

Gathering a bunch of men or women and asking them to fall in love is absurd enough, as we see on The Bachelorette, but it sure can be entertaining.

I Wanna Marry Harry takes it to a new level, playing the women not only against each other in a Bachelorette style quest for love, but as morons in general.

This is trashy reality TV at its best and worst, so perfectly executed by its production team and "cast" and it can almost make you forget how bad it is.

This train wreck of epic proportions, loosely inspired by FOX’s own Joe Millionaire a decade ago, will not disappoint those entertained by such things.

There’s no illusion about that.

The Hollywood Gossip Logo
Watch I Wanna Marry Harry Season 1 Episode 1 Online