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 taken place 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. Now on its seventh season, which debuted June 3, the beloved reality TV series promises to bring the heat as another group of Islanders sweat it out until the finale.
Want to learn how to get cast on this 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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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 each other. 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, which splits the Islanders up by gender for a week so they can meet an alternative group of guys or gals who stress-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, while the other holds the $100,000 prize. The person left holding the money must then decide if they want 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.
“Vanderpump Rules” star Ariana Madix currently hosts “Love Island USA.” She joined the series on Season 6, taking the reins from “Modern Family” actor Sarah Hyland. Before Hyland, the first three seasons were hosted by internet star Arielle Vandenberg.
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 CD 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 profile for the latest casting news.
While our guides offer behind-the-scenes insight into the reality TV casting process, many CDs will agree that being yourself remains the key to earning your place among the cast. Here’s what you should know:
- How to Get on Reality TV
- What Top Reality Show Casting Directors Really Look For
- Why Being Yourself Will Land You the Role
If you want to become an Islander on “Love Island USA,” candidates can apply directly through the show’s website. Peacock and City Media Casting are also hosting a Pop-Up Villa: Casting Tour this summer for another opportunity for fans to get cast. There are two more dates you can attend: June 14 in Atlanta and June 28 in San Diego.
The series previously turned to Backstage for Season 7’s cast. In April, production was seeking outgoing singles, aged 21–31, to join the current season.
While waiting for more Season 8 casting news, we suggest taking a look at other casting opportunities below:
Our casting directory pages also provide access to the latest notices as they become available:
Many reality TV auditions begin with a successful self-tape that highlights your personality and what you bring to the table. These articles provide guidance on how to make the most of your first impression:
