What does that mean for fans?
1. Peacock raised the rating from TV-14 to TV-MA.
Yes, this means skimpier bikinis, raunchier conversations, and games that deliver hotter drama. It’s difficult to predict the extent of Love Island USA’s new changes. Since the FCC does not have authority over online streaming services, there is opportunity to push production’s boundaries into uncharted territory.
NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, and ITV are trying to capture a younger audience. This is an important goal for executives because their network’s advertisers desire the coveted 18- 49 years age range. This group represents 55 percent of adults. Networks are trying to get the most money possible from their shows, which can work in Love Island USA fans’ benefit too.
Although Love Island USA was CBS’s most streamed show, it didn’t have good ratings. ITV took it to market because CBS wanted to tweak their format. ITV Entertainment produces Love Island; ITV Studios and Motion Content Group own the format (THR). ITV Studios is the distributor; they sold the rights of Love Island USA to the highest bidder. Peacock will release 80 episodes or two seasons. Transferring the show exclusively to a streaming service works better because this format aims to make fans watch every single episode (as is Love Island tradition).
2. Love Island USA fans will get a more consistent episode schedule than previous seasons.
During season 3 of Love Island USA, the show was split between CBS’s tv channel and streaming service. The UK’s version of “Unseen Bits” was renamed as “Laid Bare” for the USA iteration on Paramount Plus. They have the same concept of showing bloopers once per week. With all of Love Island USA in one place, fans no longer need to worry about schedule inconsistencies or splitting their watch experience between two different platforms.
3. Love Island USA is available to only Premium or Premium Plus Peacock users, unless fans want to watch the free episodes a week later.
Yes, the corporations want you to buy another streaming app. Peacock is selling their Premium for $5 per month (with ads) and Premium Plus is $10 per month (without ads). Many fans have complained about this costly switch. Only the first episode of season four will be available for free on July 19, 2022. Later episodes will stream for free a week after their initial debut. Of course, it’s more fun to view immediately. This new format means fans can’t live tweet the show as they did in previous years because everyone won’t be watching at the same. We’ll get daily episodes six days of the week. Canadian fans may be able to watch via VPN, Crave or CTV.
4. The promotion will be better.
You’re definitely going to find more Love Island USA reports on E! News rather than Entertainment Tonight. You’ll probably also see an ad on Peacock and NBC’s television channel. Oxygen True Crime may feature an ad because it’s aimed at women as well. So far, we’ve already had a marketing blunder, as Peacock’s twitter account announced and promptly deleted the premiere date before the marketing campaign launched. Hopefully we can get all of the traditional elements of Love Island promotion like villa tour, cast photo, and pre-show interviews.
5. Arielle Vandenburg and Matthew Hoffman may not return.
Arielle Vandenburg was the hostess and Matthew Hoffman was the narrator for all three seasons of Love Island USA. Both people were contracted by CBS. Matthew Hoffman has been quiet on social media, while Arielle has hinted that she may not return. Regardless, fans have cried for more diversity on the dating show for years. A new host and/or narrator is could be a new opportunity to appease that.
The Love Island fanbase is a niche audience, so Peacock may allow content specifically for their interests. Season 4 will happen in California. When will we be on an actual island again? Hopefully, many positive changes are in progress for Love Island USA. Fans will still hold the power to vote on the app. Bring on the drama!
Loquacious 