Why ‘Love Island’ Should Have The ‘Bachelor’ Franchise Shaking In Its Bikini

There’s a reason why Love Island is a phenomenon in the UK. The reality dating series is currently airing its fifth season (available to stream here on Hulu), and it’s one of the most addictive shows ever designed. It airs Sunday-Friday nights, allows viewers to determine the fate of Islanders, aka sexy singles, in the villa (including their relationship status), and gets everyone talking in overdrive. It turns out, putting a bunch of bikini-clad hotties in a house together and allowing the public to watch and judge their romantic relationships is the perfect recipe for incredible TV.

And now America wants a crack at it. The US version of Love Island starts tonight on CBS at 8pm ET/PT with a 90-minute episode, followed by a one-hour episode every weekday until the first week of August. An hour every weekday night might be a lot to commit to for many Americans. But those that do are likely to be hooked.

The key to enjoying Love Island, if our version is anything like the original, is making it past the initial episode. The first episode finds the 10 sexy singles coupling up — just based on the first few moments of laying their eyes on each other. It can seem a little yucky, but that’s nothing compared to how thirsty they are for Instagram followers, really. From there, the couples are bound to change based on feelings, looks, or you know, actually getting to know each other. Oh, and then new Islanders are introduced at a moment’s notice throughout the entire run, repeatedly sending the whole place into a tailspin.

Which is precisely what Love Island could do to the TV landscape as well. Instead of sticking around to see what lame-o Hannah B picks on The Bachelorette, viewers could ditch the ABC franchise (as well as Paradise) in favor of the new CBS offering. While awareness of the series doesn’t seem to be through the roof at this particular moment, the show’s strongest marketing tool remains word of mouth. So it’s that Wednesday morning in the office that’s the true game-changer.

Also working in the favor of Love Island is its extreme binge-ability. Away on vacation for a week this summer? No worries, you’ll have five episodes waiting for you when you return. And as each episode often ends on a cliffhanger (a new Islander! A recoupling! DRAMA!) it’s dangerously easy to continue watching for hours on end. In fact, Hulu revealed today that subscribers are watching 62% more hours on Saturdays (the day the UK version drops 5 new eps on the platform each week) and that more than 80% of Love Island viewers are watching 1-4 episodes per day (guilty!).

The real key to this show’s success is that unlike other reality shows, it’s so easy to like the Islanders. There aren’t nearly as many villains or bitches or fuckboys present. Oftentimes the biggest villain proves to be the heart! Know that if you go on this journey, you’ll end up not only invested in these people, but surely following them on social media.

I’ll admit, I was unsure of host Arielle Vandenberg, as the UK’s leader is Caroline Flack, a woman who has earned her reputation for making Islanders shake in their flip flops anytime she appears. But after watching this tour of the US villa (in Fiji!) it’s clear Arielle was a good choice. Though, that Jonathan Adler hideaway (the room couples are awarded a trip to when it’s time for them to have some alone time aka hook up) looks less like a sexy sanctuary and more like a rich 14-year-old girl’s bedroom.

Many have wrongfully fretted over the sexiness of this series, and if you’re feeling horny, I’m not trying to dissuade you, but you should know things often move at a sweet glacial pace for some of these couples. Over in the UK it’s taken some couples WEEKS to share their first kiss, and when it does happen, it’s met with cheers from their peers like they’re in a middle school hallway. Of course, it’s not a prude-fest either, but believe or not, a show which features hot people in bathing suits 90% of the time, ALSO manages to celebrate the genuine developing of a relationship. What a concept! The show proves to be funny and surprising and ridiculous (just wait until you see the challenges) while also serving as the best study of human behavior to ever be broadcast on TV.

If you’re even remotely interested in Love Island (and I’m guessing you are, if you’ve made it this far), try it for a full week. I promise, there will be tons of moments that are shocking, silly, and confirming of your decision to dedicate your next five weeks of weeknights to a reality show. Because even I, a UK Love Island stan, have my doubts about the US version. We don’t have the best reputation for remaking projects from across the pong (yes, even you, The Office). Can we live up to the original’s sleek production and dope soundtrack and hilarious voiceover from comedian Iain Stirling? Honestly, there’s a strong chance I watch this show for the accents and funny words, which undoubtedly have me tuning in more than the hot bodies do. But just like an Islander looking for love, when it comes to the American version of this experience, I’m going in with a hopeful, open mind.

Where to stream Love Island