USA Network has booked a trip to “Temptation Island.”
Original host Mark L. Walberg will return to host the reboot of the Fox dating series, which is set to premiere a 10-episode series on Tuesday, Jan. 15.
Debuting in 2001, “Temptation Island” took four couples and forced them to decide if they are ready to commit to one another for the rest of their lives or should go their separate ways. Each couple was split up and sent to live with a group of attractive singles in a tropical paradise.
The instantly controversial series became a pop culture phenomenon in its first season but struggled in the ratings throughout the rest of its short run. Now, Banijay Studios North America is betting that TV’s revival fever will extend to the short-lived reality series.
“In a period of revival television, the return of ‘Temptation Island,’ a show that leapt onto the scene with equal parts ratings bang and media attention, makes all the sense in the world,” said Banijay Studios North America CEO David Goldberg. “‘Temptation Island’ retains key format elements, but a concerted effort was made to populate the island with singles genuinely looking for love whose personalities are appealing to the four couples who are questioning the long term viability of their relationships. ‘Temptation Island’ has never been more relevant because in so many ways it mirrors the way singles and couples navigate today’s myriad of options to connect.”
“Our reboot of ‘Temptation Island’ is sure to spark intrigue, debate and conversation for a whole new generation of viewers,” said Chris McCumber, president, Entertainment Networks for NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment.
Goldberg and Caroline Baumgard of Banijay will serve as executive producers on the series alongside Scott Jeffress.