CBS secures U.S. format rights to international smash hit “Love Island”

CBS has secured the U.S. format rights for the smash U.K. and international reality series “Love Island” from ITV Studios and Motion Content Group, with the new series to be produced by ITV Entertainment, it was announced today by Sharon Vuong, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming for the Network. The season four finale aired last week to a record overnight audience, ranking as the most-watched program ever on the U.K.’s ITV2 network, with almost half of all 16-34 year-old TV viewers tuning in throughout the series.

“‘Love Island’ has been a massive success overseas,” said Vuong. “It’s currently seen, or about to premiere in several European countries as well as Australia, and we’re thrilled that ITV has partnered with us to bring their most successful show to American television. Having seen the reaction of audiences ‘across the pond’ and around the world to this most recent season, we expect American viewers will be captivated by this engaging format. Additionally, ‘Love Island’ is more than a pop sensation; this series has generated compelling ‘sociological think pieces’ in major publications here and abroad.”

“As a format, ‘Love Island’ breaks the mold with high levels of viewer interactivity and participation that influence the content of the show in a way that’s extremely addictive,” said David George, CEO, ITV America. “It’s a cultural phenomenon that builds anticipation with every episode and creates appointment viewing – a pretty hard thing to do in today’s TV landscape. We’re ecstatic the show has found a home at CBS and look forward to working collaboratively to engage its millions of viewers.”