I gasped “No!” out loud when Amelia Dimoldenberg announced she was going to retire her web series, Chicken Shop Date, which she started ten years ago as a way to meet new people, go on “dates”, but also to highlight up-and-coming hip hop artists she loved. Her whole story is interesting. The show has since risen and risen … and she does it all: the booking, the editing, the set-up. She always wanted to star in a rom com and, like a smart woman, she created this thing so she could basically step into a rom com.
I’ve felt for a bit she might be slowly shutting down. I mean, her red carpet interviews at Hollywood events – which often went viral (can you say Andrew Garfield? And Ethan Hawke?). Last year, she moved Chicken Shop Date into more elite territory, where she interviewed all of the Oscar nominees. She’s an incredible interviewer … she’s also bringing back fun flirting and banter, almost single-handedly. We don’t see this kind of energy anymore.
I love so many of her episodes, but my #1 is her “date” with American rapper Jack Harlow. His charisma is off the chain. He should be studied by a team of professionals.
Amelia: “What’s your best chat-up line?”
Jack: “Hi.”
Amelia: “Is that it?”
Jack: “Undefeated.”
I believe you, Jack. Hell, you had me at hello. Jesus Christ.
One of the reasons why the pairing works so well is he is totally charmed by her. They’re both showing up for each other, the way two people do – or should – on a real date. Show your stuff. Be charming, be nice, don’t be a pushover though: teasing is also flirting. Don’t “neg”, you dummies. This is what Amelia creates somehow: Two attractive people being funny for each other as a form of flirting … but wrapped up in a nice bow as a celebrity interview. We need more! It’s why Amelia D. crushes the competition on the red carpet circuit. Others – including influencers – can’t hold a candle to what she does.
Just like David Letterman back in the day, Johnny Carson back further … what she does, what she seeks, is chemistry with her guest. She, too, is undefeated.
I’ll miss the show. Chicken Shop Date was one of the many things that helped get me through 2020. I know she will be on to bigger and better things. She should be very proud.
