Love Island USA has been running since 2019, grabbing the attention of millions of viewers, especially those who were already acquainted with Love Island UK. Season seven however, accrued a record number of views; Hollywood Reporter states it reached 1.93 billion viewing minutes in one week.
To become the number one most-watched original show on Peacock and top its highest views count multiple times throughout the season, Love Island was obviously creating a buzz. How though? What was so captivating?
Well, let’s recap the most talked-about moments of the season.
Yulissa and Cierra’s exits: It is safe to say that Love Island USA’s casting directors need to do a bit of deeper digging before allowing some cast members on the show. Not once, but twice this season, members of the cast were removed from the show after old posts resurfaced of them using racist terminology. Yulissa was promptly removed by episode two, and Cierra by episode 30.
The heart rate challenge: The infamous heart rate challenge ruffled some feathers this season, specifically causing a rift between Chelley and Huda. Huda, dressed in a petite maid’s costume, got a little too close to Ace for Chelley’s liking and spiked his heart rate the most. In the Villa, this led to tears, arguments and many confused looks. In the outside world, debates were sparked on TikTok, Instagram, X and more regarding whether Huda had taken it too far or if Chelley was overreacting. Most fans said there had to be more than we were being shown, and the reunion did not disappoint by bringing the viewers the full clip. There is still a heavy divide as to who was right in the situation, both to viewers and islanders.
Hurricane Huda: Huda garnered A LOT of attention throughout the course of season seven, so much so that she is one of the most followed Love Island cast members, ever, with 5 million followers on her TikTok account. Her crash outs were some of the most talked about moments of the season, from raw pancakes, backbends to see what Jeremiah was doing and eavesdropping on the boys’ conversation, Huda had her fair share of unhappy moments. But, her crashouts weren’t all she sparked conversations for. Her commentary is very notable as well, with “I’m a mommy” to “My dream date..cute,” there was definitely not a lack of good sound clips.
“I pick Clarke”: Quoted by myself daily, “I pick Clarke” was a moment all viewers were awaiting. Upon the women’s departure from the Villa to go to Casa Amor, Taylor got quite close to his new partner, Clarke, while his original other half, Olandria, struggled to find a connection at Casa. When voting time came in Casa Amor, Olandria was sent home, but luckily was saved to return to the Villa if she coupled up with Nic, an OG season seven islander who was removed from the Villa during the same voting. Upon their return as a new couple to the Villa, Taylor made it clear he would continue to explore his connection with Clarke, yet seemed to still take an interest in Olandria. Upon the combining of both Casa and Villa, it was time for all islanders to choose which person they would couple up with. Taylor revealed Clarke’s name on his name board, leaving the islanders stunned. However, throughout the following episodes, Olandria was adamant about pursuing Taylor, and he also continued exploring both connections. America and the islanders remained confused about whether or not Taylor knew who he wanted more. But, during the Stand on Business challenge, Taylor was confronted to make up his mind about where his heart truly lay, to which he promptly replied, “I pick Clarke.” After viewers finished picking their jaws up from the floor, this line became an internet meme.
Amaya Papaya: Amaya won over the hearts of millions, so much so that she, along with her partner, Bryan, won the season. Our sensitive gangster is another islander with notable commentary such as “I’m not the book that someone should be reading, and that’s OK,” along with “Gratatouille” and of course her beautiful original song “But at least I’m pretty and at least I’m a little funny, and at least I’m my own best friend.” Amaya had a rough journey finding a good fit for a partner in the beginning. But, while being berated by three, yes three, men at the “stand-on-business” challenge, Bryan stuck up for Amaya, as he understood her in a way the other islanders didn’t. And of course, I can’t leave out Amaya’s consistent case of the excited zoomies.
This season did not fall short on keeping us viewers locked in and awaiting the next episode, next open voting or upcoming trailers for any hint we could get on who may be going home or coupling up. Filled with great sound clips, no shortage of crash outs and drama, and bringing back the baby challenge – if you know you know – season seven definitely will be hard to top. But on the other hand, the bullying that ensued online to Islanders, along with the casting directors falling short, there is a lot of tightening up to do in the studio.
Contact the writer: [email protected]
