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Commentary: ‘Love Island USA’ watch parties could offer a guide for saving television

BBG News

As it turned out undeniably that the couple under the blankets were engaging in an intimate act, the crowd in West Hollywood erupted in boisterous cheers, mirroring the jubilation that spectators at a royal wedding bedchamber or soccer fans after a last-second, corner kick goal might express.

However, it was not just any event. It was a “Love Island USA” watch party, hosted by Reality Bar on a Tuesday night, which is one among numerous such events happening at bars across the nation. Following the footsteps of its hugely successful U.K. predecessor, “Love Island USA” gained popularity last year with an authentic Season 6 filled with love. This season, however, has been marked more by scandal than romance – two contestants have been dismissed following public uproar over their past usage of racial slurs on social media.

However, the growing number of watch parties suggests that these scandals have piqued rather than diminished public curiosity.

“I never really understood sports bars before,” my 25-year-old daughter told me. “Now I do.”

For someone new to watch-parties, it was quite unusual to observe tables filled with people momentarily abandon their watermelon margaritas and mozzarella sticks to cheer on the intimate encounter between strangers. However, beneath the covers danced popular contestant Amaya “Papaya” Espinal with her current partner Bryan Arenales, which accounted for the audience’s fascination. On “Love Island,” the couple considered strongest stands a chance to win the $100,000 reward (and presumably, romantic harmony).

So the approving roar was, in part, driven by relief and hope for a team Amaya Papaya win.

It was equally an effort aimed at rekindling the dying embers of traditional TV, powered by electronics, using the most recent attempts. The goal was to preserve the linear TV format.

Instead of needing to adore “Love Island,” with its garishly colorful villa in Fiji, shameless focus on physical attractiveness, and continual dramatic interludes to highlight its ability, amidst the growing fragmented and disconnected television audience experience, to bring people together, both geographically and synchronously.

Although the platform could be NBCUniversal’s streaming service known as Peacock, the show ‘Love Island’ is bringing television back to its fundamental origins.

To put it simply, I find it astonishingly captivating to witness the energetic spectacle of competitive sports, accompanied by discounted beverages and snacks during the happy hour, just as some people enjoy watching the chaos of reality TV.

Television

Cierra Ortega departed from ‘Love Island USA,’ making her the second participant this season to withdraw due to past usage of a derogatory racial term.

Approximately two decades ago, many people perceived reality TV as a potential danger to regular television. While daytime game shows had always been around, the success of “American Idol” and “Survivor” in prime time, coupled with the Kardashians’ rise to empire-building, triggered a reality TV craze that rapidly expanded across broadcast and cable networks. These series were relatively low-cost to produce, and they didn’t require massive viewership to be profitable. Network executives eagerly greenlit them, leading some to believe that scripted programming might become the exception, found primarily on subscription platforms such as HBO and Showtime for a few years.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the golden era of television that unfolded not too long ago. It started with AMC pioneering original scripted series, followed swiftly by the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming platforms. Reality TV continued to hold its ground, yet it was clear that a new wave had swept over us – the prestige dramas and comedies of what some called the second golden age of television.

For several magical years, we found ourselves engrossed in these highly-produced series, discussing them collectively and instantaneously. A plethora of recap blogs sprung up, and whether it was “Breaking Bad” or “Downton Abbey”, there was no escaping the allure of television. It was the topic on everyone’s lips.

Unfortunately, as happens frequently, the boom in platforms and shows led to a decline, or bust. The explosion of options fragmented the audience and advertising income. Streaming services, with their binge-watching format and accessibility on personal devices, have made viewing less about families or friends gathered around a television and more about individuals using laptops or phones. This shift in viewing habits has resulted in fewer conversations at watercoolers or even recap blog posts, as it’s hard to tell who is watching what and when.

Television

‘Yulissa Escobar, a participant on Love Island USA, departed from the show shortly after the start of its second episode. It’s possible that her past use of a racially offensive term in some podcasts could have led to this exit.’

As a cinephile, I’ve always found that the allure of reality TV, which has persistently thrived amidst the surge of scripted series, lies in its interactive nature. While I can surely revisit the charm of “The Great British Baking Show,” there’s an undeniable excitement in tuning into shows like “The Bachelor,” “Love Is Blind,” or “The Traitors” as they unfold in real-time. The thrill of instant commentary and shared reactions with fellow viewers makes the experience far more engaging and rewarding.

The increasing popularity of “Love Island USA” is believed to be due to the authentic relationships formed among the cast during Season 6. Additionally, the show has expanded its social media activity and promotes the fact that episodes are broadcasted shortly after they’re filmed, creating a viewing experience similar to live television for an edited series.

It’s only natural that the spectators at Roosterfish would behave as if they were a live audience – grumbling when one man implies his partner is “worthy,” or vocalizing their opinions towards Huda Mustafa when she inquires about who was responsible for the day’s miscommunication (apparently, according to the women at the neighboring table, it was her).

In this piece, I’ll openly admit that after viewing multiple seasons, such as the 6th and 7th, I personally don’t enjoy “Love Island USA.” Given my older age group, it seems unlikely that producers at ITV America or Peacock would be concerned about my preferences.

I find the blindfolded kissing scenes disturbing, the prolonged close-ups of contestants awaiting their fate emotionally taxing, and the excessive shots of contestant preparation tedious. However, I do enjoy watching the guys iron (it’s my favorite part). As a parent, I have concerns about the islanders’ sleep deprivation, lack of privacy, and emotional manipulation, which could lead to the formation of unhealthy trauma bonds. Frankly, I find the show boring – for every three minutes of action, viewers are subjected to 30 minutes of analysis, often by individuals who overuse terms like “queen” and “bro.” Lastly, I think the villa is ugly and the most insincere moments occur when everyone pretends they’re not aware of it.

But…

I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the watch party. The audience’s responses, ranging from enthusiastic cheers to collective groans, intensified the dramatic feel of the show and made it just the right level of absurdity – that’s exactly why so many people are fond of it.

In every theater performance, whether you’re an audience member or a performer, you’ll likely hear this repeated: the audience is integral to the show. It’s not just the action that unfolds in front of you; it envelops everything around you. The shared laughter and groans, the tense stillness during suspenseful moments – these elements play an equally significant role as what transpires on stage.

Just like with television, it’s crucial to remember that its essence lies in its communal nature. Unlike other forms of art, television was specifically designed for shared experiences – enabling many individuals to enjoy the same content at the same time.

Few would be willing to relinquish the convenience of on-demand viewing, but abandoning the traditional, seat-competing, “what did they say?” television experience might be too great a sacrifice for binge-watching. The influence of an audience isn’t just about voting people off reality shows or determining a series’ success; it’s a source of power in its own right.

Sharing time with loved ones or even new acquaintances by regularly tuning in to a favorite show as a group brings joy, but it transforms that show into much more than mere entertainment.

If “Love Island USA” effectively evokes a significant connection with its viewers, I might not always appreciate it deeply, but I would undoubtedly become an ardent supporter for the long haul.

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2025-07-11 20:01

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