Unless it’s an alien crop circle, rarely do phenomenons occur in Midwest cornfields. Then tanned-n-toned Matt Neustadt peeled off his shirt and invited ten Cosmo girls to a Missouri whistle stop of 351 to harvest his heart. Yes, this Farmer Wants a Wife, and America is “sittin’ a spell” to watch it happen in unexpectedly high numbers. Ratings have come so close to CW megahit Gossip Girl that even the national media has taken note. Here in Cleveland, last Wednesday’s episode outranked each of the Top 10 metered TV markets nationwide! What’s the draw? Well, Farmer might be more relatable to families than Crowned or Pussycat Dolls competitions—though I enjoyed both—and barnyard romance is something you don’t find on Beauty & the Geek. Too, Matt’s a favorite of several gals here in the office, so I have to think his charm and obvious smarts are another factor. I mean, this guy is carrying the entire show without a host—no easy feat. The challenges and country festivities (bingo, local fair, swimmin’ hole, a barn dance, pie-making) resonate with viewers, but several of the city girls got a rude awakening to the “simple life.” Obnoxious Josie lasted only two unforgettable episodes, while Chagrin Falls native Ashley is still in the running. Versions of this show are top-rated favorites overseas…and as Farmer Matt takes the next four weeks to corral a bride, we can only hope there’ll be future rounds of this down-home ditty. Check below for Matt’s thoughts about each contestant, including one he says “is probably the best looking woman she’s ever seen in her life.”
Farmer Wants a Wife / All New! Wed. 9pm
