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If you've been on Instagram, TikTok, or any form of social media in the last week, you've probably seen people talking about the latest season of Love Island USA.
A spinoff from its cousin across the pond, the reality TV series is currently streaming its sixth season on Peacock but just now getting the kind of attention the UK version has seen for years. Already greenlit for summer 2025, it's become the number one reality series in the U.S. across all streaming platforms according to Nielson data. It seems more and more people are tuning in to find out why Serena's so upset with Kordell, what the obsession is with Leah, and the answer to the question: Does Rob own any other clothing than his blue overalls?
Those new to the Love Island-verse will discover what we fans have long known: It's more than a fixation on attractive people. The reality dating show is a deeper sociological look at our society and the way we interact in relationships. When people are isolated—on an island, or inside a pod like Love Is Blind—and attempt to make romantic connections, it becomes a pressure cooker where human nature and societal issues come to light. Love Island has perfected this formula across its many iterations, most popularly in the UK, but the USA has taken the fanbase by surprise this season because of how enthralling it is.
Dare I say it? Love Island USA is officially better than Love Island UK.
I think there are a few reasons for this.
The UK version is notorious for having a pattern for the Islanders that start each season. Among “the OGs,” there's always only one dark-skinned Black woman and man in the cast. In 2021, season five cast member Yewande Biala spoke out about feeling invisible and unattractive to the men in the villa. “I didn't click with anyone romantically, and I didn't feel like anyone wanted to kiss me,” she told Will Njobvu on the “Reality with Will Njobvu” podcast.
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And every year, fans take to social media to express their frustration with the lack of racial inclusivity on the show. In Season 11, which is currently airing, UK fans have been defending Islander Mimi (short for Michelle Ngulube) because they feel like she's gotten the short end of the stick with her partner, Ayo Odukoya. Since the first episode, the two have been coupled up. But when bombshells Uma Jammeh and Jessica Spencer entered the villa, Ayo's intentions turned away from Mimi and left her on the sidelines.
Of course, this can happen to anyone in the villa—mixing up the matches is kind of the whole point—and Mimi isn't the first contestant to experience it. What is a problem, however, is that the inadequate casting selection didn't offer any other suitable options for Mimi to pursue. She's a fan favorite but trapped in a couple with someone who isn't truly interested in exploring a connection with her.
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