Patti Stanger turned the dating world on its head when she first appeared on television in 2008, and she remains a prominent voice in romance and business.
At a Glance
- Patti Stanger is a matchmaker who has appeared on multiple reality shows since 2008.
- She launched a new show on the CW in 2024 that opens her services to anyone seeking love.
- Stanger has written several books and continues to advise couples through podcasts and webinars.
Early Life and Career
Born into a Jewish family in New Jersey, Stanger was the third generation of matchmakers in her family. Before her television fame, she served as director of marketing for Great Expectations, the country’s largest dating service. In 2000 she founded the Millionaire’s Club, a private club aimed at wealthy singles.
The Millionaire Matchmaker Era
Stanger’s breakout role came with January 22, 2008 when The Millionaire Matchmaker premiered on Bravo. The show ran for eight seasons, ending in 2015, and featured Stanger giving tough love to both clients and millionaires. She announced the series’ conclusion on X on July 10, 2015, thanking Bravo for the ride.
> “After 8 seasons I’ve decided to leave @Bravotv. Thank u 4 the great ride. Stay tuned for exciting news as I move to a wonderful new network!”
A network spokesperson said, “We loved watching Patti Stanger find love for so many people over the last 8 seasons on Bravo,” adding that they wished her the best with her new endeavors.
Books Released During the Show
- Become Your Own Matchmaker
- Find Your Match
- Seal the Deal
Post-Show Ventures
One year after the Bravo series ended, Stanger debuted Million Dollar Matchmaker on WeTV in 2016, which ran for two seasons and produced 20 episodes. She also released a podcast, The Millionaire Matchmaker Love Report, and continued writing books, teaching webinars, and hosting master classes.
Additional Publications
- The Matchmaker’s Guide to Love
- How to Win a Heart in a Digital Age
- The Ultimate Dating Handbook
Personal Life
Stanger’s personal relationships have been public. She dated real-estate executive Andy Friedman from 2003, became engaged in 2009, and announced their breakup in 2010 over differing views on children.
> “I just ended my relationship with Andy,” she wrote, citing his disinterest in having children as the reason.
She began dating David Krause in 2012, who gave her a promise ring. They split in June 2015, and Stanger announced the news herself on her website.
> “It’s unfortunate for a million and one reasons and obviously hard and sad for both of us,” she wrote.
Stanger has said her lack of a current partner does not affect her matchmaking work.
Current Projects
On Valentine’s Day 2024, Stanger announced her return to TV with Patti Stanger: The Matchmaker on the CW. The show premiered on April 11, 2024 and concluded on June 13, 2024, with plans for a second season still unannounced.
> “This show is going to heal all those horrible single wounds that you can’t figure out why they won’t go away,” she wrote on Instagram.
Unlike her previous shows, Stanger opened her services to “any single looking for love,” not just the ultra-wealthy. The first season featured co-host Nick Viall and included Bachelor alums.
Show Highlights
- Co-host: Nick Viall
- Featured contestants: Justin Glaze, Golnesa Gharachedaghi
- Audience: Singles of all backgrounds
Key Takeaways
Stanger’s journey from a family matchmaking tradition to national TV star shows her enduring appeal and adaptability. Her new CW venture expands her brand beyond the wealthy elite, while her books and podcasts keep her at the forefront of relationship advice.
The matchmaker’s blend of tough love, business savvy, and media presence continues to influence how people approach dating in the modern world.
