Love is hopping the pond.
CBS has landed the rights to U.K. reality dating series “Love Island,” from from ITV Studios and Motion Content Group, the network announced Wednesday. The new series will be produced by ITV Entertainment.
“‘Love Island’ has been a massive success overseas,” said Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming for the Network Sharon Vuong said in a press release.
The series follows a group of single “Islanders” in a villa in a tropical vacation, all looking for romance. The twist is that contestants must not only choose their partner wisely, but win the hearts of the public.
Viewers have the chance to shape on-screen events as the show unfolds. The show includes challenges and alliances while the contestants try to form relationships. One couple will ultimately be crowned the winner of a cash prize.
“It’s currently seen, or about to premiere in several European countries as well as Australia, and we’re thrilled that ITV has partnered with us to bring their most successful show to American television,” Vuong continued. “Having seen the reaction of audiences ‘across the pond’ and around the world to this most recent season, we expect American viewers will be captivated by this engaging format. Additionally, ‘Love Island’ is more than a pop sensation; this series has generated compelling ‘sociological think pieces’ in major publications here and abroad.”
CEO of ITV AMerica David George added: “As a format, ‘Love Island’ breaks the mold with high levels of viewer interactivity and participation that influence the content of the show in a way that’s extremely addictive. It’s a cultural phenomenon that builds anticipation with every episode and creates appointment viewing – a pretty hard thing to do in today’s TV landscape. We’re ecstatic the show has found a home at CBS and look forward to working collaboratively to engage its millions of viewers.”
“Love Island” is produced by ITV Entertainment, an ITV America company. George executive produces with Adam Sher and David Eilenberg.
The series is based on a format owned by ITV Studios and Motion Content Group, represented by Richard Foster and Chet Fenster, and distributed by ITV Studios Global Entertainment.