Love Island USA Review
- Aug 22, 2024
- 4 min read
"I came here for love…"
Love Island is a reality dating TV show where single people go to a villa to find love. They couple up with other single people, compete in challenges, and test their relationships when new arrivals come in. The four strongest couples enter the season finale, and one couple wins a grand prize. International versions of the Love Island franchise exist in the UK, USA, Australia, South Africa, and more.
I have been watching Love Island for years, and never has a season impacted me as much as this one. I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat, laughing or crying and voting for my favorite couples in real time as the episodes aired. Typically, I would watch the Love Island UK version as it usually has more drama and funny cast members over the USA one. However, this year, season six of Love Island USA surpassed prior seasons and my expectations. I'm not the only one who thinks so, as season six was the most streamed season in Love Island USA history. It went viral on social media, with cast members gaining over a million followers.
This season's difference is the relatable cast members, theatrical moments, adorable romance, iconic one-liners, and sisterhood. My favorite part of season six is the Powerpuff Girls (also known as PPG), a friendship trio of beautiful, resilient minority women who each carried this season and landed fairytale relationships. PPG consists of best friends Serena Page, JaNa Craig, and Leah Kateb.
Serena Page is an African American woman who is very goofy, blunt, and knows how to stand on business. She has a slow-burn relationship with the handsome and hilarious Kordell Beckham. They started as a couple matching outfits in the first episode; then it turned into just being friends, blossoming into a beautiful romance. Watching their journey was incredibly gut-wrenching; Kordell was 100% into her from the beginning, while Serena was guarding her heart from past relationships that she's been in and building trust in him. Kordell was always patient and understanding; he told her she was the only one he wanted and consistently worked for her to be more than a friend. Although Kordell made a huge mistake with his choices at Casa, he worked hard to redeem himself, and Serena eventually forgave him. Serena and Kordell laugh, smile, goof, and dance together. They complement each other well and have matching energy. Their black love romance is the epitome of a real-life romance reminiscent of Love & Basketball, Love Jones, and even Tyler Perry movies.
JaNa Craig is an African American woman with a charming and bubbly personality. She has been in a few relationships in the villa that did not last, as the men were undeserving and not treating her like the queen she is. She coupled with a tall man named Coye, who was giving player vibes and not fully opening himself up. After Coye left the villa, Jana partnered with Connor, who left her for her friend Leah. Fortunately, a Dominican bombshell named Kenny swept her off her feet. He was charming and interested in her as soon as he entered the villa. He reminds me of a fairy tale prince as he looked like he was in love and made her feel special. JaNa and Kenny's interracial romance makes me believe in love at first sight because they were locked in from the minute they saw each other.
Leah Kateb is a kind Persian woman with an unfiltered and honest personality. She had a rough patch in the villa as she initially coupled up with an emotional manipulator named Rob. Rob gaslighted her, twisted her words around, and invalidated her feelings, although he had been embarrassing and choosing other women over her. Afterward, she coupled up with Connor but was ultimately only interested in him as a friend. Fortunately, a Moroccan bombshell named Miguel entered the villa, completely changing her experience. Miguel first appears to be a player but is actually honest, funny, and a lover boy. They started as good friends goofing around, which became a sweet romance. Unfortunately, numerous moments weren't displayed in the show as production had a hidden agenda, such as when he brought her breakfast, their first chat, etc. However, you can tell from their interactions that they have similar personalities, and they light up each other whenever they're together. Leah and Miguel's romance showcases a Wattpad story of good friends turning into a solid romantic relationship.
Aside from PPG and their men, other cast members delivered theatrical moments in the show, but here are my top favorite moments that I think will go down in Love Island history:
S6 Ep 9: Kissing Challenge
S6 Ep 12: Dramatic dumping from the villa
S6 Ep 22: Casa Recoupling at the Firepit
S6 Ep 24: Dock Argument
S6 Ep 26: Movie Night
S6 Ep 31: Heart Rate Challenge
S6 Ep 36: Final Dates / Final Speeches
I will admit that in previous seasons of the Love Island franchise, there has been a history of African American women not being picked or dealing with colorism and racial microaggressions. This season was very refreshing to see as Serena and Jana stuck by each other, and their men defended them no matter other people's opinions. This season will hopefully serve as a blueprint for getting more African American contestants on the show who last longer in the villa and find a deserving love like these two did.
If you have not watched Love Island USA season six, you should get caught up now, as the reunion just finished premiering on Monday. The cast members are incredible this year, but particularly PPG's sisterhood and their iconic moments carried the show. I hope my favorite trio will soon get their own reality show or podcast.
As always, let me know in the comments or contact form below if you watched it, what your favorite moments were, or if you have any show recommendations.
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