By The TimesLedger
Michael Hope, a fitness trainer from Fresh Meadows, will hit the open sea Monday on the syndicated television show “Shipmates.”
“Shipmates,” the syndicated reality dating series that focuses on a single couple and their attempt to find love on a luxury cruise ship, launched the debut of its second season last month with host Chris Hardwick, who uses his sardonic wit to guide viewers through the 72 hours of romance, sexual tension and exposed emotions.
During each episode of the daily half-hour series, cameras follow two complete strangers on a three-day, two-night romantic getaway to tropical hot spots. With no escape while aboard the cruise ship, and no guarantee that the couple will be compatible, anything goes on “Shipmates.”
In its first season Shipmates delivered some of the sexiest and funniest moments on television. There was the 300-pound wrestler who charmed a petite fitness trainer and the martial arts instructor that pushed his date off a boat dock. Add a normal Joe trying to hook up with a bodacious centerfold model, a guy putting on a dress to impress his date, the occasional romantic kiss across a table for two and the result – a unique reality show that is completely unpredictable.
Season two promises an even more eclectic group of participants, including a former NFL cheerleader who gets into a wrestling match with a fitness trainer from Fresh Meadows, a cop who takes a beautiful nutritionist swimming with sting rays and a stockbroker who wins the heart of a sexy kindergarten teacher. In addition, celebrity singles will be testing their love luck on Shipmates, including cast members from MTV’s “The Real World” and models from Perfect 10 magazine.
Shipmates airs on UPN 9 at 1:30 p.m. Monday.
