Based on the long-running U.K. reality series “Love Island,” “Love Island USA” brings men and women together in a vacation setting where they must couple up in order to avoid elimination. The show has filmed in stateside locales, including Las Vegas, California, and Hawaii, but its most recent seasons have been set in Fiji. (Think “Survivor,” but with much better accommodations.)
“Love Island USA” airs on Peacock, having moved to the NBC streamer in 2022 after three seasons on CBS. Season 8 of the ever-popular reality TV series, which premieres June 2, will bring the heat once more as a new group of Islanders sweats it out until the finale. And while we don’t yet know if the show will return for Season 9, at least we have its companion series “Love Island: Aftersun” to further satisfy our obsession as the next season progresses.
Want to learn how you can get cast on the reality hit? From previous casting calls to audition advice from the show’s CD, here’s everything you need to know about the casting process for “Love Island USA.”
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- What is “Love Island USA” about?
- Who is the host of “Love Island USA”?
- Who is the casting director for “Love Island USA”?
- How does the casting process work for “Love Island USA”?
- When does filming for “Love Island USA” Season 9 start?
- Where can you find “Love Island USA” casting calls and auditions?
- What are the best audition tips for landing a role on “Love Island USA”?
Each season, contestants, aka Islanders, move into a villa where they are encouraged to couple up as soon as possible. Cut off from the outside world, their every move is caught on camera as they fall in (and out) of love. While pairs initially form based on first impressions, contestants have the opportunity to re-couple as they get to know one another. Contestants receive phones that allow them to text anyone else on the island, testing their loyalty to their chosen partner. “Love Island USA” introduced Casa Amor, a twist that splits the Islanders up by gender for a week so they can meet an alternative group of guys or gals and test the existing bonds even further.
All along, the couples must endure challenges that push them to the brink. Islanders can be dumped, aka eliminated, because they remain single after a re-coupling or because viewers vote them off using the show’s app. The couple that receives the most votes from viewers on the finale then receives two envelopes: one contains nothing and the other contains the $100,000 prize. The person left holding the money must then decide whether to share the winnings with their partner—proving the relationship they’ve built wasn’t simply strategic—or walk away without sharing a single dime.
Fans might also be interested to learn that the series’ first spinoff, “Love Island Games,” will return for Season 3, with its premiere set for fall 2027. The Peacock show will feature not only “Love Island USA” contestants but also Islanders from iterations across the globe, including the U.K. and Australia. Peacock also debuted a new spinoff, “Love Island: Beyond the Villa,” on July 13, 2025, which followed Islanders from Season 6 as they navigated their lives in Los Angeles amid their newfound reality TV fame. The series returned for a second season in April 2026, which followed Season 7’s Islanders as they, too, balanced their blossoming relationships with a new wave of fame. A third season has not yet been confirmed, but we would not be surprised if another installment was announced after the conclusion of “Love Island USA” Season 8.
“Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix currently hosts “Love Island USA,” and Iain Stirling narrates. Madix joined the series in Season 6, taking the reins from “Modern Family” actor Sarah Hyland. Before Hyland, the first three seasons were hosted by internet star Arielle Vandenberg. Madix and Stirling are expected to return for the next installment.
In addition, “Summer House” star Ciara Miller and media personality Tefi Pessoa were named the new co-hosts of the show’s companion series “Aftersun,” which premieres its third season on June 13 and airs every Saturday thereafter, alongside the main show. Viewers can watch as Miller and Pessoa discuss what’s going on in the villa and interview dumped Islanders as they exit the series.
Credit: Ben Symons/Peacock
Although there have been a number of casting directors tied to the franchise, Nasche Kerkes (“Millionaire Matchmaker,” “Are You the One?”) has been the lead casting director on “Love Island USA” since 2019, working with City Media Casting for the current season. The CD also posts “Love Island USA” casting updates regularly on her Instagram, so we suggest following her for the latest casting news.
CD Jazzy Collins, who helped cast “Love Island USA” from 2020 to 2024, told the Mirror what it takes to get cast on the series. She looked for “people [who were] willing to put themselves out there.” Collins explained, “They can’t be shy whatsoever,” adding: “You have to be able to go up to anyone that’s there and talk to them, [and] you’re also in a bathing suit 24/7.”
She revealed that being willing to fall in love and allowing yourself to be vulnerable is key to getting cast. “Why are you looking for love? Why do you want to have this adventure of a lifetime over the summer?” Collins said. “I want to hear mistakes that you’ve made, things that you’ve learned. I want to hear all of the good and the bad.”
As for how to get recognized, Collins said social media is one of the easiest ways to find people for “Love Island USA.” “I watch people’s [Instagram] Stories,” she added. “That helps a lot, because they’re a lot more authentic in their Stories versus a curated photo.” So, if you have hopes of finding reality TV fame, we recommend beefing up your social media and online presence so you, too, might catch the eye of the series’ CDs one day. These guides can get you started:
- How to Improve Your Social Media Presence
- 4 Social Media Rules to Maximize Your Online Presence
- An Expert’s Social Media Checklist for Establishing Your Online Presence
- A Casting Director’s 3 Rules for Social Media
For those who apply for “Love Island USA” using the traditional approach (aka applying online), plenty of questions await—70, to be exact. While some require candidates to “upload a video telling us about your most embarrassing moment on a date,” others request written insight into a person’s relationship history and personality traits. Applicants may be asked everything from “Have you ever been in love?” and “Do you fall in love easily?” to “What’s the most difficult thing you have ever been through?” They had better be prepared to dig deep if they hope to secure their chance at finding love (and a bit of money, too).
Due to some unexpected, scandalous exits early on in Season 7, applicants will also need to answer: “Is there any other information we should be made aware of concerning your application (including anything in your past that may attract negative press or publicity)?” Any such issues in the applicant’s past could disqualify them from the casting process.
Season 8 of “Love Island USA” premieres Tuesday, June 2, 2026, with new episodes dropping on Peacock at 9 p.m. ET daily during premiere week, then every day except Wednesdays. The series has yet to be renewed for Season 9, so stay tuned for updates.
Season 9 hasn’t been officially announced, but those who want to become an Islander on “Love Island USA” can apply directly on the show’s website. Peacock and City Media Entertainment also hosted a Pop-Up Villa: Casting Tour in June 2025, offering fans a different way to get cast. The series previously turned to Backstage for Season 7’s cast. In April 2025, producers were seeking outgoing singles ages 21–31 to join an upcoming season, and they will likely do so again if the series gets renewed. As we await news on Season 9’s future, we recommend checking out other opportunities, including this roundup of reality TV gigs that are actively casting.
While we have no doubt that the “Love Island USA” casting process can be intense, the series’ casting company issued some audition tips before Season 7 began casting. According to City Media Entertainment, “Casting directors are searching for dynamic personalities, unique stories, and Islanders who are ready to fall head over heels in love—or stir up a little drama along the way.” (We’d expect nothing less!)
How can candidates display these traits during the casting process? First and foremost, you’ll want to “be yourself, but amplified,” said the casting company.
“The casting team isn’t looking for someone who’s trying to be someone else—they want you. However, reality TV also thrives on big personalities. Think about what makes you special and crank it up a notch. Whether you’re bold and sassy, sweet and romantic, or hilariously cheeky, own it and let your true self shine,” City Media Entertainment said. “Avoid scripting your responses or pretending to be someone you’re not—genuine energy is magnetic, and casting directors can spot a fake persona from a mile away. Show confidence in who you are, but don’t be afraid to let your quirky, spontaneous, or playful side take the spotlight.”
As we noted previously, you’ll also want to “cultivate your social media presence.”
“Your social media platforms are an extension of your personality. The casting team often checks applicants’ Instagram, TikTok, and other social channels to get a feel for who you are. Make sure your profiles reflect your true self—show your hobbies, passions, sense of humor, and a little bit of glamour,” said the casting agency. “You don’t need to have a million followers, but a consistent and engaging profile can work wonders. Share snapshots of your life that highlight your confidence, style, and interests. Avoid overly filtered or impersonal content—focus on authenticity and relatability.”
Beyond that, an unforgettable audition video could be your ticket to success. As the team explained, “Casting directors are looking for someone who feels approachable and real, so let your natural charm do the work.” The team wants applicants to showcase their personality, dress to impress, and keep the process professional. Luckily, we know reality TV auditions often begin with a successful self-tape that highlights what you bring to the table. Here’s how you can make the most of your first impression:
