Generally speaking, I loathe VH1's "dating shows." From "Real Chance Of Love" to "Rock Of Love" to "Flavor Of Love," these shows seem to be more about connecting ex-strippers with some alcohol and a few cameras than helping anyone find love.

So I didn't have a lot of high expectations when I sat down to watch the first episode of "My Antonio," VH1's newest dating reality series. The show wants to help actor Antonio Sabato Jr. find true love, and given reality television's horrific track record in that kind of effort, it's a daunting task for everyone involved. I didn't expect much, but boy, was I wrong.

Maybe it's just because Sabato is a good actor, maybe it's because he looks like someone a woman would actually fight to be with (unlike, say....Flavor Flav). But "My Antonio" is charming, funny and filled with surprises. It's entertaining without being cruel and the stripper level is remarkably low for a reality TV show in any category.

The show is set in Hawaii, and that offers up the opportunity for lots of skimpy outfits and a lot of swimming in the surf. The first episode kicks off with all the women on a beach, and Sabato jumping off a boat to swim to them.

The contestants are the usual odd mix of professions. Everything from a former Playmate to a video game designer. There are a few fake boobs and some obvious facial nips and tucks. But overall, the women seem natural and sweet and sexy.

Sabato says over and over that he's serious about the show, and he shows it by eliminating one woman while they're still on the beach. He looks at her feet (which do look pretty scary), and he tells her that he has a thing for hands and feet. And since he's not attracted to her, he has to let her go.

Then the women are sent off on a physical challenge, as Sabato has them climb up a hill composed of loose gravel. But then it's pool party time, and his first chance to speak with the women one-on-one.

It's clear that there are a couple of favorites early on, including Sarah, the 29-year-old "student" who seems to cry at the slightest opportunity. But then Sabato's mother shows up, and before you can say "boob job," she's convinced her son to eliminate another girl.

Things aren't much better at dinner, when Mom shows up with Antonio and begins to quiz the women about their pasts. Then it's time for more tears from Sarah and an elimination that involves silver platters and leis.

While "My Antonio" doesn't stray far from its dating show roots, it's done with such grace and gentleness that the old familiar moves don't seem trite. Even the eliminations are done with a light touch and without all the catch phrases and drunken theatrics that often show up in these shows.

I don't know if "My Antonio" will really help Antonio Sabato Jr. find true love. But it promises to be a fun ride for viewers and a really refreshing change from the typical TV dating show.

"My Antonio" premieres on VH1 on Sunday, August 16th, 2009.