The buzz around Love Island USA Season 7 is palpable, especially following the dramatic finale that crowned Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales as the winners. Concluding on July 13, this season has shattered streaming records with an astonishing 18.4 billion minutes viewed on Peacock, making it the highest-rated season of any original series on the platform.
In a gripping showdown, Nicolas “Nic” Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen finished as runners-up, while Chris Seeley and Huda Mustafa took third place. The season was packed with drama, and a few cast members were controversially removed midway through.
Variety has reported that during the week of June 23-29, Love Island USA ranked as the second-most-watched show, narrowly edged out by Squid Game, which was concluding its final season. However, it flipped the script when it overtook the rankings among original streaming shows from July 7-13, just ahead of the season finale.
Notably, 49% of the viewers this season were first-timers, indicating a fresh wave of interest. Additionally, the trend of mobile viewing surged, with 30% of the audience watching episodes on their phones—a record for NBCUniversal’s streaming service.
Unraveling the Drama and Scandals of Season 7
This season is arguably one of the most discussed in the reality show’s brief history. The unfolding events ignited conversations across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where fans shared their reactions in real time. The drama began even before the cameras started rolling when Yulissa Escobar was removed due to past racist comments that resurfaced online. Although she issued an apology, many fans felt it lacked genuine accountability.
As the season progressed, another controversy erupted when Cierra Ortega was also dismissed for using a racial slur. Her apology, detailing her family’s nerves after alleged visits from ICE, only added to the tumultuous season. These scandals, occurring off-camera, kept fans engaged in dynamic discussions around the show’s events.
The Resounding Success and Fan Reactions
Despite mixed opinions on Season 7—some fans expressing nostalgia for the previous season—it became evident that the audience was enthusiastic. There was no shortage of on-screen catalysts for drama either; cast members like Huda contributed notable moments that kept viewers glued to their screens.
With the season’s successful run, making waves in the realm of reality television, Peacock likely intends to capitalize on this momentum. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming reunion set for August 25, and the spin-off series Love Island: Beyond The Villa, which showcases updates about past contestants. The cultural heat surrounding this season of Love Island USA undoubtedly sets the stage for even more excitement in Season 8.
Source: Variety