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Parents' Guide to

Love Island (U.K.)

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Dating contest mixes innuendo with cursing, drinking.

TV Hulu Reality TV 2015
Love Island (U.K.) Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 5 parent reviews

Reality C.
Reality C. Adult
May 4, 2023
age 16+

Just the way it is

I don’t want to make this review too personal, however the first episode of every season is so pathetic. Listening to a bunch of narcissists go on and on about amazing they think they are. It’s very in tune with how self obsessed everyone is on social media platforms. Is it that hard to cast islanders that are more down to earth, without their heads so far up their own a$$, more humble. Will season 9 is such a breath of fresh air. On the topic of casting islanders. Bringing back precious cast members. What poor production choice is that? They couldn’t make the love they made the first time around work, so let’s let them waste their time again and steal someone else’s opportunity to be an islander. The show could have the potential to be better.
Est M.
Est M. Parent of 16 and 17-year-old
February 12, 2023
age 16+
See all 5 parent reviews

What's the Story?

LOVE ISLAND (2015-) is a British reality dating competition that gives audiences the chance to choose the winners and losers. Hosted by Caroline Flack, and humorously narrated by Iain Stirling, it features a select group of single men and women must couple up with one another in order to remain in their isolated villa in Mallorca, Spain. Sixty-nine strategically placed cameras follow the cast 24/7 as they flirt, party, and compete in challenges in exchange for prizes. They must also figure out who they want to continue pairing with, and who they want to swap. Meanwhile, television audiences use an app to vote on the couples that they think are the most (and least) compatible. Those with the least votes risk getting eliminated. During the final week of the season, the audiences get to choose who will win the £50,000 prize.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (13 ):

This internationally popular series, which is based on the earlier 2005 British reality competition of the same name, offers a look at the way men and women attempt to build some sort of relationship in a contrived setting. Not surprisingly, the conversations are filled with innuendo, and some of the exchanges and antics seem like they're coming from young teens instead of adults looking for a mature connection. But while this has proven entertaining for some audiences, the show is not without its controversies. One season led to a cast member being stripped of her beauty queen title due to her behavior on the show, while two other contestants died by suicide months after their seasons aired. Nonetheless, Love Island will appeal to viewers who are looking for a dramatic guilty pleasure.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the reasons people choose to appear on reality dating shows. Do they expect find true love? Build a relationship that will last? Or is it for exposure and money?

  • What are the differences between the original British version of Love Island and the adaptations of the show in Australia and the United States? What are the reasons for these differences?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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