Temptation Island (TV series)

Temptation Island is an American reality television series originally broadcast by Fox. The series premiered on January 10, 2001, and it concluded with its third season on September 29, 2003. Temptation Island depicted four unmarried couples who traveled to a tropical island to have their fidelity tested. The couples were separated from one another for two weeks, in which they were required to commingle with a group of single members of the opposite sex whose purpose was to persuade the couples to have an affair. The series drew intense backlash due to its controversial premise; however, it averaged high ratings over the course of its first season. The series is hosted by American television presenter Mark L. Walberg.

Temptation Island
GenreReality television
Presented byMark L. Walberg
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons8
No. of episodes88
Production
Executive producers
  • Jean-Michel Michenaud (seasons 1–3)
  • Chris Cowan (seasons 1–3)
  • David Goldberg
  • David Friedman
Production locations
Running time42 minutes
Production companies
Original release
Network
ReleaseJanuary 10, 2001 (2001-01-10) –
present

In 2018, USA Network announced that it planned to revive Temptation Island. The first season of this revival premiered on January 15, 2019. In 2024, the series moved from USA to Netflix.

Production

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The first season of the show was filmed on Ambergris Caye in Belize. Season 1 premiered on January 10, 2001, and aired its finale on February 28, 2001. The debut episode drew 16 million viewers.[1] The show attracted controversy from the outset,[2][3] which Fox hoped would drive ratings. Four male contestants lived in one section with a dozen female models, and the four female contestants lived in another section with a dozen attractive men. The initial couples were Kaya Wittenburg and Valerie Penso, Mandy Lauderdale and Billy Cleary, Ytossie Patterson and Taheed Watson, and Andy Lukei and Shannon Roghair. Patterson and Watson were removed from the show when the producers learned that the pair had children together. The remaining three couples continued.

Season 2 premiered on October 31, 2001, and delivered poor ratings.[4] After a nearly two-year layoff, a third edition of the series premiered on August 28, 2003. Like Season 2, Season 3 also delivered poor ratings.[5]

Mark L. Walberg hosted all three editions. Reruns once aired on Hulu, but are no longer available there.

A revamped version of the show, once again hosted by Walberg,[6] premiered on the USA Network on January 15, 2019.[7] USA Network announced the show was renewed for a fifth season on February 26, 2019.[8] On August 22, 2019, it was announced that the fifth season would premiere on October 10, 2019.[9][10]

On January 28, 2021, it was announced that the sixth season would premiere on February 16, 2021.[11][12]

On January 26, 2024, it was reported that the series would be moving from USA Network to Netflix.[13]

Episodes

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SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast airedNetwork
18January 10, 2001 (2001-01-10)February 28, 2001 (2001-02-28)Fox
212October 31, 2001 (2001-10-31)February 14, 2002 (2002-02-14)
38August 28, 2003 (2003-08-28)September 29, 2003 (2003-09-29)
412January 15, 2019 (2019-01-15)March 26, 2019 (2019-03-26)USA Network
512October 10, 2019 (2019-10-10)December 19, 2019 (2019-12-19)
612February 16, 2021 (2021-02-16)April 27, 2021 (2021-04-27)
712March 16, 2022 (2022-03-16)May 25, 2022 (2022-05-25)
812June 14, 2023 (2023-06-14)August 23, 2023 (2023-08-23)

Reception

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Temptation Island received mixed reviews from critics. Michael Speier of Variety negatively compared the series to Survivor, referring to it as "merely a lightweight libido experiment."[14] Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly believed the series to be "creepy-cheesy", in which he assigned it a grade of C-.[15]

Couples

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Season 1

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# Couple Occupation Hometown # Years Dating Status Notes
1 Kaya Wittenburg Model Miami Beach, FL 1.5 years Dating They left the island together
Valerie Penso Real Estate Agent
2 Billy Cleary Aspiring Actor Atlanta, GA 1.5 years Split They left the island together but split up before the reunion episode
Mandy Lauderdale Aspiring Singer
3 Taheed Watson Actor Los Angeles, CA 5.5 years Dating They were disqualified from the show when it was revealed they had a child together.
Ytossie Patterson Actress
4 Andy Lukei Owner of Pacific Coast Kayaking Malibu, CA 5 years Married They got engaged after the final bonfire and were married in a special reunion episode
Shannon Roghair Lawyer

Season 2

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# Couple Occupation Hometown # Years Dating Status Notes
1 Edmundo Cruz Waiter Chicago, IL 3 years Split They left the bonfire together but split up soon afterwards
Catherine Chiarelli Dancer/Singer
2 John Dolan Bartender Phoenix, AZ 10 months Dating They left the island together
Shannon Rutledge Sales
3 Tony Schmitt Sales Account Executive Ferndale, MI 4.5 years Engaged Left the show after episode 5 and chose to get engaged
Genevieve Deittrick Business Owner
4 Thomas McGuan Fleet Service Clerk / Model Chicago, IL 3.5 years Split They both decided to end the relationship
Nikkole Palmatier Bartender
5 Mark Detrio Police Officer Tampa, FL 1.4 years Split Joined the show in episode 6
Kelley broke up with Mark and they left the island alone
Kelley Sutphin Bartender / Student

Season 3

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# Couple Occupation Hometown # Years Dating Status Notes
1 Michael Pulice Bartender / Model Long Island, NY 2 years Split Melissa broke up with Michael and they left the island alone
Melissa Huggins Promoter / Model
2 Erik Hebert Caterer Farmville, VA 3 years Dating They left the island together
Kristin Cobb Student
3 Anthony Sales Manager Chicago, IL 3 years Split They broke up and left the island alone
Stephanie Cantu Hairstylist / Model
4 Jason Massage Therapist Las Vegas, NV 1 year Split Kara broke up with Jason and they left the island alone
Kara Receptionist

Season 4

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# Couple Occupation Hometown # Years Dating Status Notes
1 Javen Butler Senior Records Clerk San Francisco, CA 8 years Engaged They got engaged on the show.[16]
Shari Ligons Recruiter / Human Resources
2 Karl Collins Para-Professional Educator Chicago, IL 2.5 years Split They broke up on the show, but later got back together. According to Screenrant 2023, they are no longer together.[17][18]
Nicole Tutewohl Sales Executive
3 John Thurmond Business Owner Fort Worth, TX 3 years Split On the show, John dated Katheryn and Kady dated Johnny. Both are now single.[19]
Kady Krambeer Marketer
4 Evan Smith Professional Trainer Los Angeles, CA 5 years Split Evan is the son of Gavin Smith. On the show, Evan broke up with Kaci to begin a relationship with Morgan Lolar. Evan and Morgan became engaged after the show but they ended the relationship the following year. Morgan and Kaci are now on good terms.[20]
Kaci Campbell Business Owner

Season 5

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# Couple Occupation Hometown # Years Dating Status Notes
1 Kate Griffith Sales Executive Hoboken, NJ 3 years Split David left with Toneata, but the two later split; David and Kate got back together, but later split again.
David Benavidez Sales Executive
2 Esonica Veira Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2017 Decatur, GA 6 years Split Esonica left with Kareem, but the two later split.
Gavin Rocker Private Security
3 Ashley Howland Dental Assistant Deland, FL 1.5 years Split Casey proposed to Ashley who rejected the proposal; Ashley left with Ben, but the two later split.
Casey Starchak Online Sales
4 Ashley Goldson Store Manager Boston, MA 4 years Split Ashley and Rick decided to leave together, but the two later split.
Rick Fleur Model

Season 6

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# Couple Occupation Hometown # Years Dating Status Notes
1 Chelsea Orcutt Marketing Coordinator West Hollywood, CA 1 year Dating Chelsea and Tom decided to leave the island together.
Thomas Gipson Actor
2 Erica Washington Personal Assistant Los Angeles, CA 2 years Split Erica broke things off with Kendal and left the island alone. Kendal left the island with Alexcys, but Alexcys broke things off shortly after.
Kendal Kirkland Business Owner
3 Erin Smith Behavioral Therapist San Diego, CA 1.5 years Split The couple left the island together. Erin broke up with Corey at the reunion, and no longer follow each other on social media.
Corey Sobczyk Concierge Manager
4 Kristen Ramos Physical Therapist Sewell, NJ 11 years Married Kristen and Julian are high school sweethearts. Before they left the island together, Julian proposed and Kristen accepted. They married in July 2022.
Julian Allen Personal Trainer

Season 7

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# Couple Occupation Hometown # Years Dating Status Notes
1 Ashley Rodriguez Content Producer Queens, NY 7 years Split Initially Ashley decided to leave with Lascelles, but changed her mind to leave the island alone. Lascelles decided to leave the island with Trace. By the reunion show, Lascelles and Trace were no longer together. Lascelles also made out with Alexa and Meghan at a club after the show finished filming.
Lascelles Lagares Recruiter / Personal Trainer
2 Iris Jardiel Entrepreneur Seattle, WA 6 years Split Engaged on the show but later split.
Luke Wechselberger Entrepreneur
3 Gillian Lieberman Realtor West Palm Beach, FL 4 years Split They both decided to end the relationship. Gillian left the island alone and Edgar left the island with Marissa. Marissa and Edgar later split.
Edgar De Santiago Customer Experience Specialist Indianapolis, IN
4 Hania Stocker Garden Designer Santa Fe, NM 1.5 years Split Hania proposed to Ash, but Ash said no. Ash decided to leave the island alone.
Ash Lamiroult Writer

Season 8

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# Couple Occupation Hometown # Years Dating Status Notes
1 Kaitlin Tufts Fitness Studio Owner Charleston, SC 8 years Split Hall ended the engagement during episode 8 of the show and chose to leave the island with Makayla while Kaitlin left alone.
Hall Toledano Leather Sales
2 Leonila “Paris” Pedro Influencer Newark, NJ 1.8 years Split Paris left the island with Tahjjic and Great left the island with Nafeesah but both couples broke up before the reunion
Nzubechukwu “Great” Ezihie Engineer New York, NY
3 Marisela Figueroa Bartender Atlanta, GA 2 years Split Marisela chose to leave the island single. Christopher decided to leave the island with Alexius, but they broke up after the show
Christopher Wells Fitness Instructor
4 Vanessa Valente Military Contractor Los Angeles, CA 1 year Split Left the island together but had split up by the reunion show
Roberto Mal Army Veteran/Student

International versions

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Country Name Host Channel First year aired
  Argentina Confianza ciega Juan Castro Canal 9 2001
  Argentina
  Chile
La Isla de las Tentaciones Florencia Peña
Benjamín Vicuña
Prime Video August 9, 2024
  Australia Temptation Island Peter Colquhoun 7 Network December 21, 2002
2019
  Brazil Ilha da Sedução Babi Xavier SBT 2002
2003
Ilha da Tentação Flávia Alessandra
Otaviano Costa
Prime Video 2024
  Bulgaria Островът на изкушението
Ostrovat na izkushenyeto
Vitomir Saraivanov Nova TV November 1, 2007 – January 18, 2008
  Chile Amor a Prueba Karla Constant Mega December 1, 2014
  Finland Temptation Island Suomi Sami Kuronen Nelonen 2015–present
  France L'Île de la tentation Stéphane Bouillaud
Céline Géraud
TF1 July 6, 2002 – August 26, 2008
Laurent Fontaine Virgin 17 April 27, 2010 – June 18, 2010
Julie Taton W9 July 2019
Delphine Wespiser January 18, 2024
  Germany Temptation Island – Versuchung im Paradies Angela Finger-Erben (1-2)
Lola Weippert (3-)
RTL March 6, 2019 – present
Temptation Island VIP Angela Finger-Erben (1)
Lola Weippert (2-)
October 18, 2020 – present
  Hungary A Kísértés Balázs Sebestyén RTL Klub 2004
Tibor Kasza TV2 September 1, 2024
  India Temptation Island India: Pyaar Ki Pariksha Karan Kundrra
Mouni Roy
JioCinema November 3, 2023 – present
  Italy Vero amore
Temptation Island
Maria De Filippi (2005)
Filippo Bisciglia (2014–2019; 2021; 2023–present)
Alessia Marcuzzi (2020)
Canale 5 May 19, 2005 – June 9, 2005
July 3, 2014 – July 27, 2021
June 26, 2023 – present
Temptation Island VIP Simona Ventura (2018)
Alessia Marcuzzi (2019)
September 18, 2018 – October 14, 2019
  Mexico Confianza Ciega SKY 2004
Temptation Island TBA Amazon Prime 2024
  Netherlands
  Belgium (Flanders)
Blind Vertrouwen Wouter Nicolaas V8 2001
Temptation Island Tine Van den Brande and Ton van Royen VT4
V8
2002
Tine Van den Brande and Viktor Brand VT4
SBS6
2003–2004
Hans Otten and Tanja Jess VT4
Veronica
2005–2006
Véronique De Kock and Co Roworth 2007
Annelien Coorevits and Rick Brandsteder VIJF
RTL 5
2016–2020
  Netherlands Temptation Island VIPS Kaj Gorgels and Yolanthe Sneijder-Cabau Videoland 2018–2019
Temptation Island: Love or Leave Kaj Gorgels and Monica Geuze 2020–2021
  Philippines Love In Temptation Island None TV5 Supposed airdate was on 2012; Cancelled
  Poland Temptation Island Polska[21] Michał Figurski Polsat September 6, 2023 – November 22, 2023
  Portugal Confiança Cega Felipa Garnel SIC 2001
Ilha da Tentação Carlos Ribeiro TVI 2002
  Romania Temptation Island – Insula Iubirii Radu Vâlcan
Iulia Gheorghe
Antena 1 2015–present
  Russia Остров Искушений
Ostrov Iskushenij
Vladislav Galkin REN TV October 1, 2005 – December 25, 2005
  Sweden
  Norway
  Denmark
Temptation Island Pontus Gårdinger (2002)
Pernille Aalund (2002)
Martin Björk (2003)
Kanal 5
TVNorge
TVDanmark
2002–2003
  Spain Confianza Ciega Francine Gálvez Antena 3 January 2002
La Isla de las Tentaciones Mónica Naranjo (1)
Sandra Barneda (2-)
Telecinco
Cuatro
January 9, 2020 – present
  South Africa Temptation Island South Africa Phat Joe Showmax August 26, 2021 – November 25, 2021
  United Kingdom Temptation Island UK Ed Hall Sky1 September 23, 2001 – March 24, 2002

References

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  1. ^ "Surrender to Your Desire: Temptation Island Premiere Is Here". E! Online. 2019-01-08. Retrieved 2019-03-08.
  2. ^ Rogers, Daniel (January 11, 2001). "Advertisers embroiled in Temptation Island controversy". The Guardian. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  3. ^ "Fox's Temptation Island Draws Fire". ABC news. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  4. ^ Steve Rogers (2003-02-07). "FOX announces the return of 'Temptation Island 3,' begins casting". Reality TV World. Retrieved 2009-01-19.
  5. ^ Steve Rogers (2003-09-30). "'Temptation Island 3' ends with one couple staying together while three others part ways". Reality TV World. Retrieved 2009-01-19.
  6. ^ "USA Network Will Reboot Temptation Island This January! | Blog". USA Network. 2018-11-13. Retrieved 2019-03-08.
  7. ^ Malone, Michael (December 4, 2018). "'Temptation Island' Starts on USA Jan. 15". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved 2019-03-08.
  8. ^ "'Temptation Island' Renewed For Season 2 On USA". February 27, 2019. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  9. ^ "TVLine Items: Mr. Iglesias Renewed, Supernatural Vet's SEAL Gig and More". TVLine. August 8, 2019.
  10. ^ "TVLine Items: Goliath Season 3 Trailer, Homecoming Stars Return and More". TVLine. August 22, 2019.
  11. ^ "Meet the Singles Ready to Spice Things Up on the Season Premiere of "Temptation Island" Tuesday, February 16 at 10 PM ET/PT on USA Network" (Press release). USA. January 28, 2021 – via The Futon Critic.
  12. ^ Dams, Tim (May 18, 2020). "'Temptation Island' Casts, Crews to Be Quarantined as International Production Gears Up (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  13. ^ White, Peter (January 26, 2024). "'Temptation Island' Moves To Netflix For New Season". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
  14. ^ Speier, Michael (January 9, 2001). "Temptation Island". Variety. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  15. ^ Tucker, Ken (February 9, 2001). "TV Review: 'Temptation Island' and 'The Mole'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
  16. ^ "'Temptation Island': Javen Butler and Shari Ligons Seemingly Break up After Cheating Allegations". Cheat Sheet. Jan 19, 2020. Retrieved Mar 4, 2021.
  17. ^ "Nicole Kay❣️ on Instagram: "Running around the city, feeling blessed 💕🐣 #SundayBest #HappyEaster"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 2021-12-23. Retrieved Mar 27, 2020.
  18. ^ Swartz, Tracy (January 11, 2019). "Meet the Chicago couple cast on the 'Temptation Island' reboot". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  19. ^ "Temptation Island Status Update". E! Online. March 29, 2019. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  20. ^ Sim, Bernardo (February 5, 2021). "Temptation Island: What Happened To Evan, Kaci & Morgan After Season 1 (2019)". Screen Rant. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  21. ^ "Jaka będzie jesień w Polsacie? Trzy nowe reality-show i nowy serial". www.wirtualnemedia.pl (in Polish). 2023-07-22. Retrieved 2023-07-23.
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