Every year there is a show that the world is watching together. Netflix’s “You” in 2018, “Euphoria” in 2022 and now “Love Island USA.” The newest season was the most-watched streaming original series in the US, beating out well-loved shows like “Bridgerton” and “The Bear.”
The premise of “Love Island” is pretty simple: single men & women spend 6 weeks in a villa aiming to couple up and eventually become viewers’ favorite duo. But production throws a wrench in the competition by introducing hot new bombshells and making contestants participate in games, such as a kissing booth challenge and raunchy truth or dare.
The “Love Island” franchise began in 2015 across the pond in the United Kingdom. The reality television show was an automatic smash, gaining popularity overseas. Due to the success of the original, many other countries decided to join the “Love Island” family, including Australia, Spain, South Africa and the United States. However, the US spinoff was not an immediate hit. In fact, for the first 5 seasons after its release in 2019, the show was left with less than satisfactory reviews.
So, what changed? Well, the only thing that may have changed on paper was the introduction of a new host. Ariana Madix, best known for being a part of the “Vanderpump Rules” cast and of course “#Scandoval,” is cemented as a reality television legend; however, despite the viewers Madix may have pulled in, it wasn’t enough to make the show as successful as it was.
The breakthrough can largely be attributed to the casting. Even Iain Stirling, the comedian who does the snarky voiceovers for the “Love Island” shows, told the New York Times, “They’ve done an absolutely fantastic job with the cast, especially the girls,” when asked about why season six was so successful.
While “Love Island” is a dating reality show, the relationships between the cast members have gained the love of watchers. PPG, short for the “Powerpuff Girls,” is composed of the three most popular cast members: Serena Page, the winner of this season, Leah Kateb and JaNa Craig. It is typical for people spending six weeks straight to get close, however, the chemistry between the three girls could be felt through the screen.
When asked about how their friendship compared to the romance on the show, Page told Teen Vogue, “I’m not surprised…I barely like men. So I was like, it will be a cold day if I actually leave here with a man. But I did. I love girls, though, so I knew if anything, I was going to find my girls.”
The tumultuous situations that the trio encountered on the dating show drew them closer together. Kateb’s drama-filled romance with fellow islander Robert (Rob) Rausch was a launchpad for much of the season’s conflict, but PPG was always there to support her through it. Their bond was even more evident when they rallied behind Craig when she was vulnerable, all because they valued her wisdom, strength and friendship. Kateblater praised Page on “The Nikki & Brie Show” for her self-respect and refusal to tolerate mistreatment from her now boyfriend, Kordell Beckham.
“Love Island’s” PPG captured the love of pretty much everyone. And not just because of their viral TikTok sounds and pretty looks, but because they are a strong trio of women of color who were unapologetically vulnerable, taught us important lessons and stood behind each other during their roughest moments. Reality television has been notorious for editing women of color—particularly black women—as villains or to be used for comedic relief.
Hopefully, PPG is the turning point. As Page, Kateb, and Craig experience life outside the villa, they have been met with unwavering support. Each of them has over one million followers, once-in-a-lifetime brand partnerships and they are in the talks of getting their own podcast or spin-off reality show. They have set a great example of how strong women of color should be portrayed on reality television.
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