My Love Island Review: I Would Have Probably Been Booted Off On Day One For Asking Too Many Deep Questions

So, I am very, very late to the Love Island program - I’m talking about I haven’t even finished the first season yet, but ended up watching the season finale because of FOMO.

So if you’re like me and your algorithm has been filled with Amaya Papaya, NICOLANDRIA, and Huda, then you know exactly what I mean when I say “FOMO.” Love Island is a popular reality show on Peacock where a group of single, attractive people move into a villa for the summer in hopes of finding love and winning $100,000. Throughout the season, they participate in a series of challenges, face re-coupling, being booted off the island, and sometimes, drama. Sounds interesting, right? This is exactly why it’s one of the most watched, talked about shows on television right now.

When I say “If I were on Love Island, I would’ve probably been booted off for asking deep questions on the first day,” I mean that. I like to think of myself as your virtual homegirl/bestie, who gives unwarranted advice. The idea of speed dating when the concept is to find love would not sit right with me. I am literally laughing my butt off as I write this. I wouldn’t be trying to pry, but getting to know someone deeper than surface level is extremely important for me. Because you can say one thing when the cameras are rolling, and another when filming has  ended for the day. Yes, I am pretty sure that happens. I mean, they are on an island for a month, and the cameras don’t catch every conversation or moment that happens - and we all know how editing works. Did I mention that they have to share a bed with the person they’ve paired up with?  So questions like, “what would you tell the younger version of yourself right now,” or “do you believe that love requires healing” doesn’t sound too bad knowing you have to sleep next to someone you just met a few hours prior.

Aside from that, things move extremely fast in the villa. Couples have virtually fallen in love during the first week, revealed personal information, cried together, and so much more. Talk about heavy. 

The singles date multiple people per week, unless chosen to stay in the same “couple.” This show, although they move insanely fast, somewhat reflects today’s dating culture including how quick relationships can move and how instant connections can fade. Imagine meeting someone one day, building a connection with them, and then the next week, the two of you aren’t even speaking. Instead, they are coupled up with your villa bestie and making out in “soul ties” or the “speak easy.” While viewers are watching real connections form live on tv, we are also witnessing heartbreaks, tears, and self-awakening moments. This show isn’t just about drama, but we actually get to see growth from many of the participants.

To all my emotional gangsters out there, did you shed a tear or two, or was it just me? I definitely had moments when I caught myself crying. When our girl Olandria first left the villa and she said “she had to be strong,” I felt that in my entire soul. Not to mention, the way my girl Amaya Papaya was being treated initially upset me. She wears her heart on her sleeve, like me, and words of affirmation and physical touch seem to be her love languages. But some of  the guys on the island weren’t too fond of the way she showed affection. There’s no question that if I was a contestant I probably would have left the villa because Amaya Papaya is me!

I love this show - from the messiness to the connections. I have to admit that I was - and still am - a stan of shows like The Perfect Match, Love Is Blind, etc, and wasn’t really considering giving this show a chance, but after watching the first few episodes, I am completely reeled in.

The reunion is scheduled for August 25, so you already know all the tea is going to be spilled. If you are considered subscribing to Peacock, I highly suggest doing so. I know our Apple Wallet stays snatching money out of our wallet like crazy, but in my opinion, it was all worth it.