‘Love Island’ but without the island: Everything to know about season 2
Back in the spring we were sorry to write an article saying Love Island’s second season on CBS was canceled – at least for the year of 2020. The pandemic seemed to make the idea of filming the reality show impossible. However, it seems CBS decided the show must go on, because they’ve now announced Love Island will, in fact, be returning for its second season this year.
However, instead of filming on an island as one would expect, the show is going to take over a hotel in Las Vegas in order to make the show happen. Instead of Fiji they’re reportedly using the closed down Cromwell Hotel, a property owned by Caesars Entertainment, which is smack dab on The Strip in Las Vegas.
While the show is usually a beachy & tropical affair, making it a perfect summertime watch, the show is currently only in pre-production and isn’t expected to be ready to hit the airwaves until the end of summer. However, since this season has no choice but to take place in a hotel, perhaps the change in time of year won’t feel so out of place.
Love Island isn’t just throwing people into a hotel and calling it good though. (Thank goodness.) Both cast and crew will be quarantined before filming begins and will also be tested for COVID-19 throughout the process of making the show.
It’s also reported that crew will be kept in pods of some kind to ensure proper social distancing.
Las Vegas might seem like a questionable choice in filming location considering the city is in a county currently reporting an average of 1,000 COVID-19 cases per day. However, being in a closed off hotel should mitigate most concerns. The location also makes sense because it’s a relatively easy drive from LA – crew can get there without needing to take an airplane, unlike Fiji.
Wannabe reality stars are also easy to find in LA, meaning they too could potentially drive to the filming site. In fact, Vegas is also a regularly scouted location for potential contests on shows such as Love Island.
While season 2 might not feel quite as flashy and extravagant as season 1 did thanks to the changes being made, we’re sure CBS and its production teams will do everything they can to ensure the show is just as fun.
We also think fans won’t mind as long as they’re actually getting a season 2. At least we know there’s sure to be just as much drama as last year. Perhaps even more thanks to the close quarters everyone will be forced to share.
