Amelia Dimoldenberg Confirms the End of ‘Chicken Shop Date’ After 12 Years
Few internet formats have maintained cultural relevance as long as ‘Chicken Shop Date,’ the deadpan celebrity interview series that transformed an unconventional first-date concept into a viral sensation. What began as a quirky idea from a teenage writer has evolved into one of the most recognizable interview formats online.
Amelia Dimoldenberg first introduced the concept as a column at just 17 years old for a local youth magazine, later turning it into a filmed YouTube series in 2014. Over the years, the show became celebrated for combining Dimoldenberg’s signature awkward charm with an unexpected setting: a local chicken shop, specifically chosen because it was not a typical first-date location.
Now, after over a decade of viral episodes, Dimoldenberg has announced that ‘Chicken Shop Date’ is coming to a close. The British writer, producer, and host shared the news on Instagram, revealing that the series will conclude with one final run of episodes.
Dimoldenberg’s announcement reflected the same personal tone that endeared the series to its audience. “When I was 17, I thought that I might meet the love of my life on a date in a chicken shop. Since then, I’ve spent my entire twenties sat across from the most incredible people, people I’d always dreamt of meeting. All of them charmed me (some more than others), and I definitely charmed them,” she wrote, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
She described the show as deeply personal, likening it to her own version of a romantic comedy unfolding in real time. “To me, the show is my very own romcom, and I have loved being able to share it with you. I am so grateful to everyone who has followed me on this journey and found a bit of joy in these episodes,” Dimoldenberg expressed, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Even while announcing the conclusion, Dimoldenberg emphasized that the decision was not made lightly. “I never thought I’d end ‘Chicken Shop Date.’ I thought maybe it would be a part of my life forever, and in some way it always will,” she noted, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Throughout its 12-year run, ‘Chicken Shop Date’ became known for hosting an impressively diverse array of guests, including Billie Eilish, Andrew Garfield, Cher, Paul McCartney, Daniel Kaluuya, Central Cee, and Jack Harlow, among many others. The series reportedly amassed a YouTube following of over 4.4 million subscribers and surpassed 1 billion total views by its tenth year on the platform.
This success allowed Dimoldenberg to expand beyond her original chicken shop format. She has become a familiar face as an official red carpet correspondent for the Academy Awards, hosted shows for Channel 4 and ITV, and even made a cameo appearance as herself in this year’s ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2.’
Dimoldenberg is already looking forward to her next chapter, with reports indicating she is developing a young adult drama series for the BBC, as well as an upcoming romantic comedy film with Amazon MGM Studios’ Orion Pictures. According to a statement, the final season will feature “a last line-up of eclectic guests” as Dimoldenberg concludes the chapter that has defined much of her career.
While an exact premiere date for the farewell season has yet to be announced, the news has already triggered a wave of nostalgia from longtime fans reflecting on the show’s most memorable moments.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!