'Last Dates Before I Do' Tests Love, Premieres Friday

This week on CMT the new television series "Last Dates Before I Do" will test the relationship of two young people who are considering marriage.

Steve Arterburn, a Christian counselor and the show's host, will guide Catherine and Evan in deciding if they are prepared for marriage. While encouraging the couple to date other people, the counselor helps ensure that if the couple marries, that they will stay married.

Speaking to The Christian Post, Arterburn said the idea for the series occurred to him while he was writing his book, "Is This The One?"

"I had the overwhelming belief that my book should become a reality show and I contacted my agent, and he agreed," said the relationship expert.

Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries in Laguna Beach, Calif., and is the host of the no. 1 nationally syndicated Christian counseling talk show, "New Life Live." He has counseled and coached couples for more than 20 years.

The expert explained that the couple featured in the premiere episode of "Last Dates Before I Do" had volunteered to appear on the show. The audience will watch as Catherine and Evan as they embark on four dates each with other people.

In their quest to gain complete confidence in their relationship, the couple will discover unforeseen hurdles.

"Catherine and Evan are devout Christians who have saved themselves for marriage, so they are very serious," said Arterburn. "On 'Last Dates Before I Do' you see a different couple get married or they walk away," added the counselor on the series.

Just weeks away from their nuptials, Catherine and Evan will go on dates with strangers and even former flames on the one-hour special episode.

"There is fun, there is excitement, there is mystery that occurs in the series, and the couples learn profound lessons through the dates," said Aterburn.

"Last Dates Before I Do" airs on CMT Friday at 10 p.m. EST.