First Dates opens its doors to a vibrant cast of hopeful lovers who bring more than a quick flirt to the table. In a recent episode, the host, Carlos Sobera, and his growing audience watched Francisco, a 78-year-old from Rubí near Barcelona, stride into the restaurant with unmistakable energy. He talks about his daily routines with pride, saying he stays active through a string of activities: swimming, hitting the gym, and brisk walks that stretch seven to eight kilometers. His motto about life and love is simple and contagious: he never stops moving.
Sobera could not help but compliment Francisco on his complexion and spirit. He remarks on his skin, his vitality, and the spark that suggests this is a man who hasn’t let time dull his curiosity about romance. The host even notes that Francisco seems irresistibly buoyant about the possibility of falling in love again, framing the moment as a bright, hopeful sign of what romance can mean at any age. The conversation lands with a warm, almost joyful undertone that audiences find endearing and refreshingly candid.
At the bar, a relaxed, intimate atmosphere emerges as the pair discuss the art of courting. When Sobera asks Francisco whether he considers himself a modern conqueror, the 78-year-old does not hesitate. He shares a bold self-portrait: a man who remains energetic, eager, and driven by desire that he refuses to surrender to age. His self-description is frank and playful, painting him as someone who approaches life with a fire that remains undimmed by years.
As the episode unfolds, the host reminds Francisco that the people on First Dates are like family or children in his eyes, a sentiment born from the way Sobera shapes every encounter with care. The next guest to enter is Juana, a 72-year-old retiree from Girona who brings a positive, modern outlook to the table. Juana introduces herself with an exuberant zest for life and a daylight brightness that complements the evening’s mood. She proclaims she lives with a cheerful confidence and a ready willingness to embrace every moment.
When Juana meets Francisco, there is a visible spark. Francisco notes that Juana is attractive and that their initial moments feel promising. Juana responds with a similar warmth, acknowledging the appeal they share and the excitement of discovering a potential connection. The two spend the early minutes at the bar exchanging smiles and impressions, each affirming the other’s appeal and the intriguing chemistry that might lead somewhere beyond the restaurant’s doors. Yet as the final minutes approach, a practical concern emerges: distance. Although both are Catalonia residents, the path to a future together seems blocked by geography rather than by sentiment. The producers and the couple weigh the chances of crossing that barrier, and the decision arrives with a quiet, respectful gravity. A second meeting over the phone is rejected by both, emphasizing a preference for forthright, face-to-face possibilities over distance and digital communication alone. The episode closes with a note of open possibility—friendship remains on the table, and the journey may simply pause rather than end. The audience is left with a sense of human warmth that transcends the showroom drama of a dating game, a reminder that connection can endure even when the next step is uncertain.