British TV sensation Love Island makes its US debut: 11 single men and women - including a vegan model, a musician and a grocery store worker - begin their quest for love, but viewers are already furious after the first episode's cliffhanger
- The long-anticipated US re-boot of the beloved show, which originates from the UK, debuted on Tuesday
- The show will air every week day for the next month, following bikini-clad singletons who will couple up and battle it out for a $100,000 prize jackpot
- The show got off to a flying start for male model and day-one favorite Michael Yi, 29, who had four girls step forward for him, during the coupling ceremony
- But viewers online quickly turned on the 'Clark Kent lookalike', after his self-assured choice of words proved to be his kryptonite
- Instead, viewers seemed to take a shine towards 'dweeby' jokester Cashel, a model and musician from Sacramento California with a cheeky sense of humor
- The show ended on a nail-biting cliffhanger - both gripping and incensing viewers alike - as last-in girl Kyra has the power to steal one boy as her partner after 24 hours in the villa
Reality show phenomenon Love Island officially debuted in the US on Tuesday night – and one islander was quick to cause a stir.
Now in its fifth season in Britain, the US version started by following 11 single guys and girls on their quest for true love in a stunning beach-front abode in Fiji, a journey promised to be filled with bust-ups, break-ups and raunchy run-ins.
The first episode appeared to captivate and enrage its audience in equal measure when it cut to a commercial break just as it reached a dramatic conclusion - and returned moments later purely to let the credits roll.
The show will air every week day for the next month, as CBS strives to replicate the success of the British original which boasts a staggering average viewership of three million households a night.
Singletons will couple up with one another and indulge in a variety of games, challenges and awkward conversations across the next four weeks, with the last couple standing heading home with a handsome $100,000 prize.
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Vegan model Michael set his sights on publicist Alexandra, after four of the five girls stepped forward for him on Tuesday
Lovable 'dweeb' Cashel coupled up with Caroline, but though the pair shared a steamy bedtime embrace, trouble could be brewing in tomorrow's episode
Grocery store worker Zac bagged his girl in Elizabeth, a hot-shot New York advertising exec
Yamen and Alana are tipped to be the series' favorite couple, with Alana's jaw physically dropping when Yamen walked into the villa
Dallas boy Weston found his match in Nike analyst Mallory
As the last girl into the villa, single girl Kyra has a difficult decision to make in tomorrow night's episode
Now in its fifth season in Britain, the smash-hit prime-time reality show phenomenon Love Island officially debuted in the US on Tuesday night - and it ended on a nail-biting cliff-hanger
The aim is to remain in a committed couple as new islanders head into the villa to tempt contestants away from their original partners.
Uncoupled contestants will be sent home packing each week in game-show format geared towards survival of the fittest – or hottest.
The show got off to a flying start for male model Michael Yi, 29, who admitted to producers before heading into the villa that ?being this good looking is a curse’.
During the preliminary coupling-up ceremony, Michael, who walked in last out of the boys, appeared to instantly steal the hearts of four of the five girls, with Nike analyst Mallory, publicist Alexandra, student Caroline and advertising executive Elizabeth all stepping forward and showing that they wanted to couple up with the Vegan heartthrob, leaving their previous picks in the dust.
Glowing reviews were also evident in abundance online, with tweeters initially flocking to gush over Michael’s striking looks.
?I would also step forward so fast for Michael wow,’ admitted one admiring Twitter user.
With another adding: ?I am willing to go vegan for Michael.’
Others compared the self-professed ?old soul’ to a young Clark Kent, but his self-assured outbursts later proved to be his kryptonite, with viewers quickly U-turning on their opinion of him.
?I had hope for Michael until he said he looks for “nice booty and nice beauty”’, one tweeter said.
?Michael was so great until he opened his mouth,’ another said.
Instead, viewers seemed to take a shine towards joker Cashel, a model and musician from Sacramento California.
Dubbing himself a ?romantic who wears his heart on his sleeve’, viewers seemed quick to take to the 27-year-old’s endearing personality, with many dubbing him a ?dweeb’ during an impromptu dance-off with the villa’s only single girl Kyra Green, admitting that he ?gets real low’, before breaking out into an awkward jive.
The other islanders applauded Michael's looks as he stepped into the stunning Fiji abode
Singletons will couple up with one another and indulge in a variety of games, challenges and awkward conversations across the next four weeks, with the last couple standing heading home with a handsome $100,000 prize
The show got off to a flying start for male model Michael Yi, 29, who admitted to producers before heading into the villa that ?being this good looking is a curse’
Viewers seemed to take a shine towards joker Cashel (left), a model and musician from Sacramento California. He was dubbed an endearing 'dweeb' after an impromptu dance off with the villa's only single girl, Kyra (right), 22
Cashel was also the center of the show’s first steamy exchange, where he cozied up to his partner Caroline, 21, on their first night in bed together, kissing her on the forehead during a tight under-the-covers embrace.
But despite being smitten on the surface, trouble could be brewing on the horizon for the pair as Kyra appeared to show an interest in Cashel, openly admitting she was on the hunt for ?a guy who can make me laugh’.
As the last girl to arrive, Kyra is set to provide the season with its first bombshell as she was given the power to steal one man out of his couple at the end of Tuesday night’s 90-minute opener.
She revealed that her choice ?isn’t afraid to be himself’ but admitted she was interested in three of the boys. Kyra’s decision will be announced on tomorrow night’s show – a move that agonized viewers.
Audacity: Many fans weren't happy with the cliffhanger ending either, with @alanaxhunter stating, 'The audacity of #LoveIslandUSA to leave us on that cliffhanger instead of revealing who she chooses then saving the reactions for tomorrow!!!'
Drama: One fan, @pttyp_, said, 'Please lord let it be Cashel so we can finally get to this drama,' since the 90-minute premiere was relatively drama-free, a rarity for a reality show like this
Hooked: Still, drama or not, fans seem to be hooked, with @ERowe121987 adding, 'Me before watching Love Island: this show is so stupid! This show is what's wrong with America'
Kyra’s speech was intersected by two commercial breaks, with the first interrupting the end of her lengthy monologue, only for the show to return for a few moments before the credits crucially rolled seconds before her choice was announced.
?America pisses me off with these bulls*** cliffhangers. if yall are gonna do this every other day, count me the f*** out!,’ one viewer angrily declared.
But though the move prompted outrage, the titillating end to the show clearly had the desired effect.
?Acting annoyed at this cliffhanger knowing full well I’m going to tune in tomorrow,’ Elizabeth Wagner said.
While many fans voiced plenty of love for the show, there were others, primarily fans from the U.K., where the show is much raunchier, who weren't impressed.
'When you try to love #LoveIslandUSA but the OG @LoveIsland has ruined you forever,' said @jaymelynn1628.
The show's episodes are filmed just 24 hours before they air on CBS, with the show's casting director Robyn Kass tweeting out that they're 'still bringing singles to Fiji' while tweeting a link to apply to be on the show.
Love Island airs Monday through Friday at 8 PM on CBS from now through August 7.
Cashel was also the center of the show’s first steamy exchange, where he cosied up to his partner Caroline, 21
Kyra (pictured right with host Arielle Vanderburgh) will provide the show with its first bombshell tomorrow night, when she decides which boy to steal from one of the couples for herself
SAME BUT DIFFERENT: HOW LOVE ISLAND USA COMPARES TO THE ORIGINAL
Sayings: Contestants in the U.S. show have been quick to adopt the same phrases as their UK counterparts by starting conversations with questions such as 'where's your head at?' However the infamous 'it is what it is' hasn't quite hit the Fiji villa yet.
Commentary: Scot Iain Stirling provides witty narration throughout the UK version of the show, poking fun at the contestants and himself. However U.S. narrator Matthew Hoffman played it very straight on the first episode.
Sleeping arrangements: Contestants shared beds with their new partners on the first night in a huge bedroom just like the U.K. show and much like their British counterparts started to get very cozy with each other.'
Dress to impress: While donning figure-hugging bikinis, the two-pieces sported by the American girls were not quite as skimpy. Executive producer David Eilenberg told USA Today that while girls in the UK show often wear thong bikinis - the skin-baring on the U.S. show will be toned down.
Alcohol: Both shows generally stick to a two alcoholic drinks a night rule for each contestant. 'It's actually a show positioned very much against excessive alcohol use in any way,' Eilenberg says. 'We like the islanders to have a good time, but because the show is geared toward actual coherent conversation and connection it's not a show that allows excessive acts of alcohol consumption.'
Language: It's more PG due to American broadcast standards. On the British show islanders swear freely - the show is aired an hour later across the pond. 'Probably the biggest difference of all is likely to be around language because we'll have some bleeping obligations that the U.K. simply doesn't. ' Eilenberg added to the Hollywood Reporter.
Water bottles: The iconic drinking containers made an appearance on the show but unlike the UK version they are not emblazoned with the contestants' names.
LOVE ISLAND 2019: MEET THE 11 NEW ISLANDERS
NAME: Alexandra Stewart
AGE: 25
FROM: Los Angeles
OCCUPATION: Publicist
ROMANCE: Her last relationship was a rocky three years
LOOKING FOR: Someone romantic, compassionate and supportive. Bonus points if he's tall. She also finds tattoos sexy
FUN FACT: She's a tomboy who grew up playing ice and field hockey. So she can connect with the boys while watching football, but is also the girl making friends with random ladies in the bathroom at the club
LIKES: White wine, smelly cheeses, and belting out Taylor Swift ballads
LIFE MOTTO: 'Don't adapt to the energy in the room, influence the energy in the room'
CELEB CRUSH: Liam Hemsworth
SHE SAYS: 'I know who I am and am ready to find someone who is serious about dating'
NAME: Zac Mirabelli
AGE: 22
FROM: Chicago
OCCUPATION: Grocery store cashier
ROMANCE: He is a self-proclaimed relationship kinda guy. He's a family man who is looking for his future wife
LOOKING FOR: A trustworthy, supportive and goofy girl who brings out the best in him
FUN FACT: He used to be a college football player and holds the school record for the longest field goal at his alma mater
LIKES: Skateboarding, acting, playing video games, snowboarding, and watching movies. He particularly loves watching romantic comedies
CELEB CRUSH: Rachel McAdams
HE SAYS: 'The best part about being in a relationship is having someone by your side you can count on. Having experiences in life are always enjoyable, but it is even more enjoyable with a counterpart'
NAME: Mallory Santic
AGE: 25
FROM: Vancouver, Washington
OCCUPATION: Analyst for Nike
ROMANCE: She's the life of the party, and enjoys hitting the town and socializing with friends. But she is struggling to find her perfect match
LOOKING FOR: Someone who is motivated, independent, fun, wild and spontaneous
FUN FACT: She's obsessed with mermaids and has one tattooed on her foot
TURN OFF: Loud chewer
CELEB CRUSH: John Mayer. According to Mallory, he 'is the perfect man because he is intelligent, talented, and soooo sexy'
SHE SAYS: 'I know I'm a catch. The guys can't ghost me [on Love Island], there's nowhere to hide'
NAME: Alana Morrison
AGE: 21
FROM: New Haven, Connecticut
OCCUPATION: College student
ROMANCE: She has never been in a serious relationship. She's hoping that Love Island will expand the dating pool beyond her small college town
LOOKING FOR: Someone who is funny, adventurous, ambitious, and can hold a conversation. She also likes 'minimal facial hair'
FUN FACT: In high school, she won prom queen even though she did not run, campaign, or nominate herself
CELEB CRUSH: Odell Beckham Jr.
SHE SAYS: 'I'm excited for the men'
NAME: Michael Yi
AGE: 29
FROM: Miami
OCCUPATION: Model
ROMANCE: He spends most of his time on the road between shoots, so finding time to date has proven difficult. He's an old soul who doesn't like dating apps
LOOKING FOR: He can't describe his ideal romantic partner, but he's confident he'll know her when he meets her
LIKES: Working out, making music, and skateboarding
FUN FACT: He's a vegan, and he loves to cook for the women he dates
TURN OFF: When women play hard to get... but he doesn't want them throwing themselves at him either
CELEB CRUSH: Jennifer Garner
HE SAYS: 'I do wake up looking like this. Minus the shirt and pants'
NAME: Caroline 'Caro' Viehweg
AGE: 21
FROM: Los Angeles
OCCUPATION: Marketing student
ROMANCE: She wants a family one day, but she's looking for an adventure-seeking man who's eager to travel the globe before settling down
LOOKING FOR: A guy who is spiritual, loving, friendly, funny and authentic
FUN FACT: She has lived in six different countries (Brazil, South Africa, Germany, Sweden, Canada, and the US), and speaks three languages (English, German, and Portuguese)
CELEBRITY CRUSH: The Rock because he is sexy, strong, powerful and hardworking
SHE SAYS: 'I am a diva. That's just how we should be'
NAME: Yamen Sanders
AGE: 24
FROM: Los Angeles
OCCUPATION: Real estate agent
ROMANCE: He believes he's a great catch. He says he's single because 'I haven't found anyone that interests me enough to completely settle down for'
FRIENDS DESCRIBE HIM AS: The life of the party and the best person to get advice from
FUN FACT: He's a former college football star who had a short stint in the NFL. He's also fluent in Italian
LIKES: Playing basketball and going out with friends
CELEB CRUSH: Amber Rose
HE SAYS: 'When it comes to competing for a girl, I keep it so real'
NAME: Kyra Green
AGE: 22
FROM: Los Angeles
OCCUPATION: Musician
LOOKING FOR: That special somebody with a skater, artistic vibe
FUN FACT: She grew up in a musical family in New York, dancing and singing on the subways with her siblings. She recently moved to Los Angeles with her band 212 Green
DESCRIBES HERSELF AS: A little dark, like Wednesday Adams. So she's looking for a guy who can make her laugh
LIKES: In her spare time she volunteers at different charities
CELEB CRUSH: Johnny Depp
SHE SAYS: 'I can be a little bit of a flirt'
NAME: Weston Richey
AGE: 25
FROM: Dallas
OCCUPATION: Photographer
LOOKING FOR: He's attracted to 'dark hair and dark eyes and a great body', but a beautiful smile is usually what makes him fall hook, line, and sinker
FUN FACT: He worked in construction for several years before swapping his tool belt for a camera. He even built his own house
DESCRIBES HIMSELF AS: A southern gentleman. He'll don the classic Texas uniform - denim on denim - but also wants you to know that he's no redneck
LIKES: He's a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie who loves the outdoors and has cliff-jumped all over the country
HE SAYS: 'I am a real cowboy'
NAME: Elizabeth Weber
AGE: 24
FROM: New York City
OCCUPATION: Advertising Executive
ROMANCE: She is from a small town in Michigan, but now she's living the big city life in New York, and she's grown tired of dating apps
LOOKING FOR: Someone with confidence, as well as the ability to lift her up, both emotionally and mentally
LIKES: Traveling, mystery movies, beach volleyball and rollerblading
FUN FACT: She attributes her outgoing personality to her big, crazy family. She has three sisters and more than 30 cousins
LIFE MOTTO: 'If it is something you want bad enough, then do everything you can to achieve it. Don't let things hold you back and don't be afraid to go after the things you want'
CELEB CRUSH: Shawn Mendes
SHE SAYS: 'I definitely keep boys on their toes'
NAME: Cashel Barnett
AGE: 27
FROM: Sacramento, California
OCCUPATION: Model and musician
ROMANCE: He's a romantic who wears his heart on his sleeve. He already has a ring and is looking for the perfect girl to give it to
LOOKING FOR: His dream girl is someone funny
LIKES: Snowboarding and skateboarding. Now that he lives near the ocean, he's taken up surfing too
FUN FACT: He's a bit old school when it comes to dating. He's never used a dating app because he prefers to meet women in person
CELEB CRUSH: Tina Fey
HE SAYS: 'It's all about the vibe'
Absolute junk tv
by BigDump 184