Love Island USA Season 7 has officially kicked off on Peacock, bringing with it the usual mix of sun-soaked romance, sizzling drama, and unexpected twists that fans have come to expect from the hit reality dating show. Hosted by former Vanderpump Rules starlet Ariana Madix and narrated by comedian Iain Stirling, this season has already set itself apart with fresh challenges and a villa full of both familiar faces and new hopefuls, all vying for love in the stunning Fiji location.
From the outset, producers have shaken up the format in ways that even Ariana Madix admits are unprecedented. “They are going to start it very differently getting the islanders out in a way they've never done before,” she teased to US Weekly, hinting at the season’s unique twists. One such twist involves the iconic Casa Amor segment, where this year, it’s the women who will be sent away for a three-night stay, leaving the men to face a new batch of singles in the main villa. This reversal promises to ramp up the temptation and test the strength of the couples formed early on.
The main villa itself has been upgraded with some intriguing features designed to stoke the flames of romance and secrecy. Ariana revealed a particularly sneaky addition: a secret room accessed through a revolving door disguised as a circle on the wall. “You push this circle on the wall, and it rotates and reveals it's a door into a room with pillows. It gives Soul Ties vibes but is more private, sneakier. There's a fire pit and a couch surrounding it,” she described. Such a hidden sanctuary is bound to become a hotspot for private conversations and clandestine moments, adding a new layer of intrigue to the season.
Season 7 is packed with couples who have already paired up before the cameras started rolling. Among them are Ace Green and Chelly Bissainthe, Austin Shepard and Amaya Espinal, Nic Vansteenberghe and Cierra Ortega, Pepe Gonzalez and Hannah Fields, Taylor Williams and Orlandria Carthen, and Jeremiah Brown and Iris Kendall. But with the heightened temptations and surprises, it seems likely that some of these pairs may face serious challenges to their relationships. Ariana herself suggested that at least one couple might not survive the six to eight weeks of intense scrutiny and emotional testing.
The cast also features a diverse group of singles from across the U.S. and beyond, including Bryan Arenales from Boston, Elan Bibas from Richmond Hill, Ontario, Courtney “CoCo” Watson from Los Angeles, Clarke Carraway from Columbia, South Carolina, and international contestant Zak Srakaew from Roi Et, Thailand, among others. This variety adds exciting dynamics to the villa, as different backgrounds and personalities collide under the tropical sun.
However, the season has not been without controversy. Early on, islander Yulissa Escobar was removed from the villa after it was revealed she had used the N-word during a podcast, sparking significant backlash. Additionally, fellow contestant Huda Mustafa has drawn criticism for her frequent use of foul language and the way she interacts with other cast members. These incidents have fueled heated discussions among viewers, some of whom have taken their frustrations beyond social media.
Addressing the growing negativity, Ariana Madix took a firm stand during the June 22 episode of the popular after-show, Love Island Aftersun. She urged fans to refrain from doxxing contestants, harassing their families, or posting hateful comments on their social media pages. “You still have time to delete all that, because the Islanders don’t have their phones because this is an amazing fun and beautiful show and we should be thanking each of these islanders every day for giving us themselves, so be nice. Be nice or I’ll come find you,” she warned. Her message resonated with many, emphasizing the importance of respecting the real people behind the reality TV personas.
Adding to the season's viral moments, a curious incident from episode three sparked a frenzy online when viewers spotted a white, T-shaped object on the villa floor that some speculated was an intrauterine device (IUD). Ariana quickly put those rumors to rest, clarifying on TikTok that the object was actually part of the floral decorations. This lighthearted moment provided some comic relief amid the season’s intense drama.
Another rumor that circulated involved contestants Chelly Bissainthe and Ace Green, with some fans speculating about a hidden past relationship. Chelley’s friends, who manage her social media, set the record straight on June 19, 2025, stating, “Chelley and Ace briefly crossed paths in New York and later connected on social media. They were never in a relationship, never lived together, and there are no children or hidden past.” They emphasized that the unfolding events on the show are genuine and unscripted, leaving the door open for whatever may come.
Peacock has also expanded the Love Island universe this season with a robust lineup of related content, including new episodes of Love Island AfterSun airing on Saturdays. This season’s rotating guest hosts—Sophie Monk, Maura Higgins, and Eyal Booker—bring fresh perspectives and lively commentary, keeping fans engaged beyond the villa drama. The show’s success is evident: Season 6 was the #1 reality series in the U.S. during Summer 2024 and remains Peacock’s most-watched original reality competition series.
With new episodes dropping from Thursday through Tuesday at 6pm PT/9pm ET, fans have plenty of opportunities to keep up with the ever-evolving relationships, surprising twists, and jaw-dropping moments that define Love Island USA. As the season unfolds, viewers will continue to vote via the Love Island USA app to influence which couples recouple, who stays, and who faces heartbreak.
Season 7 of Love Island USA is proving to be a rollercoaster of emotions, temptations, and drama. From secret rooms and flipped Casa Amor twists to viral moments and real-world controversies, this season captures everything that makes the show a cultural phenomenon. Whether the couples weather the storm or fall victim to the island’s irresistible allure, one thing is certain: the islanders are giving viewers plenty to talk about this summer.
