“Love Island USA” is already 18 episodes into its seventh season. Catch up on what’s happened in the villa before “Casa Amor” begins tonight at 9 p.m. ET.
“Love Island USA” season 7, new episodes released all but Wednesday on Peacock / Image courtesy ofLove Island USA on YouTube
About the show:
Just like its longer-running UK counterpart, “Love Island USA” invites a group of singles to a luxury villa outfitted for what is essentially a reality dating show summer camp. All looking for love, contestants are coupled up and live together — sharing beds, makeup mirrors, and kitchen stores (seemingly comprised solely of eggs, avocados, toast, and the occasional fruit) — for a total of about six weeks.
Episodes consist of the Islanders participating in various steamy games meant to stir up tension; and every couple of days, host and former “Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix gathers the cast around the fire pit for another elimination. Fans are able to vote for who they’d like to dump from the island via the “Love Island” app. On occasion, the Islanders themselves must choose which of their friends to send packing.
What you missed:
Of the original Islanders — Ace Greene, Taylor Williams, Nicolas Vansteenberghe, Austin Shepard, Jeremiah Brown, Chelley Bissainthe, Huda Mustafa, Belle-A Walker, Olandria Carthen, and Yulissa Escobar — three have now gone: Yulissa, Belle-A, and Jeremiah. The first to go, Yulissa, was removed without explanation during episode 2, following the discovery and distribution of clips of her using racial slurs on a podcast. Belle-A soon followed, dumped from the island when Nic recoupled with Cierra; and the latest episode saw original villa roommate Jeremiah sent home.
Bombshells still in the villa include Amaya Espinal, Cierra Ortega, Pepe Gonzalez, Iris Kendall, Andreina Santos, and TJ Palma. The latest newcomer to depart, Hannah Fields, was dumped last night (episode 18) alongside Jeremiah Brown, whose explosive relationship with single mom Huda likely led to his fall from Fiji. Ahead of the elimination, viewers voted for their favorite girl and favorite boy, leaving three from each group vulnerable. The final decision, however, was left up to the cast.
Another highlight from this season came during episode 15, when three-time Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion arrived to guide the group through a dance off and puzzle game, “Build-A-Bombshell,” which revealed the identities of new entries Andreina and TJ.
Coming up:
Tonight (June 23), episode 19 kicks off “Casa Amor.” This annual “Love Island” midpoint twist brings in two new groups of contestants, separating couples and testing their connections in arguably the most intense temptation they’ll face. Islanders will spend the next few days surrounded by singles hoping to secure their own spot in the main villa. At the end of the experiment, they’re faced with a choice: to remain with their existing partner, or invite one of the Casa stars to join them.
When and where does the show air?
Save Wednesday, new episodes of “Love Island USA” are released nightly at 9/8c on Peacock. Every Saturday, “Aftersun,” specials invite current and former cast members to sit down for a discussion of the latest episodes’ drama.
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