Temptation Island: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About The Reality Show

Just when fans of Temptation Island thought the series was but a distant memory, the reality show was brought back to life with new seasons 16 years after it originally ended. The show sparked controversy when its first season aired and continues to do so as couples opt to put their relationships on the line to confirm whether they can resist temptation or their courtships are doomed.

In some cases, couples who are cast are engaged or have been together for a significant length of time. In others, the couples are at a crossroads after just dating for a year or two. Whatever the perception, there’s no denying that the series is entertaining and creates perfect fodder for watercooler chatter. And with three seasons already under its belt for the revival, it shows no signs of slowing down.

10 It First Aired In The Early 2000s

While some believe that Temptation Island is a brand-new show, it was actually one of the first reality dating series, predating The Bachelor, Love Island, and many others. The show aired on Fox from 2001-2003 for three seasons before getting canceled due to low ratings.

It then returned in 2019 with Mark L. Walberg, the host of the original, coming back to host once again. It is currently airing its third season of the revival and sixth season overall.

9 It’s Based On Another Show

Temptation Island might sound like an original concept for a TV show, but it isn’t. The series, which first premiered in 2001, is actually based on a Dutch series called Blind Vertrouwen (Blind Faith).

The series is similar to that show, though the American version is arguably a bit naughtier and focuses a lot more on shock, awe, and scandalous rendezvous.

8 Players Can’t Access Phones Or Computers

Players get to relax on a gorgeous island in their own private villas, one for the men and the single women they meet and one for the women and the single men they meet. And they indeed have to find lots of ways to entertain one another as phones or computers are not permitted.

That means they can’t post anything on social media nor access their social media accounts, contact friends or family members for advice or consolation, or do research on a prospective new romantic partner.

7 One Couple Sued The Show

Back in 2001, a couple, Ytossie and Taheed, sued the producers and the show after it was revealed that they had a child together.

They claimed that producers knew about the child but producers reportedly removed the pair to a different island when they found out. It’s unclear what came of the lawsuit. Nonetheless, couples are not allowed on the show if they have children.

6 Many Former Cast Members Have Gone On To Work In Entertainment

It’s no surprise that, after getting cast on the show and their season airing, many of the former cast members have gone on to pursue careers in the entertainment industry. Gavin from season 2 of the revived series, for example, has pursued acting.

Ashley, also from season two, has made Instagram posts that suggest she is working on television. And Shari and Javen from season one host a podcast together.

5 The Host Doesn’t See The Bonfire Clips Ahead Of Time

One of the most exciting parts of the show is when the four women or four men gather for a bonfire and Walberg reveals a short clip of their partner and what they have been up to on their island, without providing any context about what led up to the scene or what happens after.

While Walberg says he gets a summary sheet about what happened the night prior before filming the bonfire scenes, he does not see the clips until they are played for that segment. He and the producers chose this so that his tone or words won’t influence anything, and they can truly all process the content together.

4 There Are Many International Versions

The American version isn’t the only adaptation of the Dutch concept: several other countries have adopted their own versions, including ones that were short-lived, ones that only came out recently, and some that are even still going.

The Australian version of the same name, for example, aired from 2002-2019, while a version in Germany called Temptation Island – Versuchung im Paradies, premiered in March 2019 and continues to air, with a VIP edition that aired in October 2020 and is also still going strong.

3 The Couples Spend Four Weeks Apart

While every season airs weekly over the course of a few months, how long does filming actually take? The couples are actually on the island and away from one another for about four weeks.

They spend every day during this month with the others in the house, including the three other players as well as the dozen singles. As the single men and women who don’t form meaningful bonds are sent home, the numbers dwindle. But the cast never sees their significant other in person or the entire team, until the end.

2 Social Media Sites Are Searched For Casting

How do couples get cast on the show? There are a lengthy vetting and auditioning process, but part of that includes social media outreach. Producers and casting look on sites like Facebook and Instagram to find people who are “interesting” and have “some credibility as far as their careers go.”

They don’t necessarily want people who are pursuing acting careers but those who are “catches” and who have “interesting relationship issues.” The ideal situation is when one person in the relationship has to convince the other one to go.

1 The Host Has Been Married For Decades

Host Mark L. Walberg, who many fans are already calling to take over The Bachelor as host, dolls out advice on the show, helping the couple through tough situations and trying to guide their journeys of self-discovery. And he knows a thing or two about what it takes to have a long-lasting and successful relationship.

Walberg has actually been married to his wife Robbi for more than 30 years, even joking that that translates to “150 years in Hollywood years.”

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