For reality TV fans, it's hard to remember a time when Love Island didn't dominate summer—or pop culture, for that matter. Since the dating show launched in the U.K. in 2015, with the U.S. version spinning off and debuting in 2019, it's become a full-blown, appointment-viewing phenomenon. The show, which airs on ITV2 in the U.K. and Peacock in the U.S., has launched bona fide stars, introduced phrases into the lexicon, inspired countless memes, and its near-real-time release schedule has made it unique in form—all of which contributed to the seventh season of Love Island USA to become the most-streamed show on TV.
This year, fans will need to make time between watching LIUSA and LIUK because a different kind of bombshell is set to arrive: The first-ever Love Island book. Titled Enter the Villa: The (Unauthorized) Reality Behind Love Island, the nonfiction release from Vanity Fair contributing editor Anna Peele explores how the reality show is made behind the scenes and what has led to its international success. Compiled with over 100 interviews with cast members, producers, and experts, it marks the most comprehensive deep dive to date of the reality hit we can't stop watching.
