During the most recent UK series, producers tried to get hearts racing, and TikTok numbers up, by introducing some new twists.
A few islanders were summoned for a sleepover at a different villa before Casa Amor, and for the first time, only three couples were in the final after two pairs got dramatically dumped.
Some fans have appreciated the changes, while others, like Sarel, feel they didn’t land.
Love Island superfan Dami Amoo, who has watched every episode of the UK, US and All Star editions, says the UK series is starting to feel “overproduced”.
“I do think it’s been on a steady decline because they’re trying to give us what we want, but then they’re overdoing it and then they’re taking away the classic [elements].”
She thinks this may have been due to budget constraints, but missed the islanders going on exciting dates and taking part in “fun activities or games” where you see their personalities more.
Amoo, 28, also thinks you can really see the impact of investment in the US version, which was aired almost simultaneously with the latest UK edition.
“They’ve invested so much into the props, the games and all of these brands are part of the actual production,” she says.
“Whereas the UK version, it seems like they’re just on an island somewhere just doing it on their own.
“You don’t get a lot of hype, we don’t get British celebrities contributing to the discussions.”