UK Show Features British Sign Language

Lumo TV in the United Kingdom is broadcasting “Hold My Hand,” a new reality dating program conducted primarily in British Sign Language (BSL). The show features Harmon and Harmoda, twin hosts who are deaf, and contestants who are children of deaf adults—known as CODA.

The program follows contestants as they navigate modern romance using BSL. It centers the experiences of the deaf community, challenging conventional approaches to representation and inclusion in reality television. Lumo TV intends to move beyond simply adding subtitles or interpreters to existing formats.

The show’s creators believe accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought, but a way to enrich expression. Beyond the dating show, KitKat Panama and Ogilvy Colombia created “Break Mode” packaging that blocks smartphone signals, encouraging mindful breaks. In the UK, birdwatching is gaining popularity with Gen Z, increasing by 1,088% since 2018.

The program demonstrates that designing for inclusivity requires rethinking foundational elements. The work to broaden access and representation continues with future projects.