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USA Insider Love Island

The Biggest Differences Between Love Island and Love Island Games

Singles still come for love and/or a cash prize, but Love Island Games isn't quite the Love Island show you've come to expect.

By Shameika Rhymes
Johnny Middlebrooks II and Ray Gant wrestle during a game

The games are well underway on Love Island Games. The spinoff to Love Island has many of the same features (not to mention cast members), but it also has some big differences. Set in Fiji, the first season of Peacock’s Love Island Games brings together fan-favorite Islanders from various Love Island series from the USA, the UK, and Australia. They are all vying for a second shot at love as well as some cash as things heat up. 

So, what are the biggest differences between Love Island and Love Island Games? Don't worry, we're here to explain it all.

The format is different

Love Island Games cast during a game

Both shows start with 10 attractive people scantily clad in a villa in Fiji. In Love Island Games, these are past Islanders. More men and women are added to the villa as episodes continue, but in Love Island Games, it’s connected to the challenges. There are still some sexy dances, kissing, and fighting for each other’s affections or the chance to be coupled up. There are singles who are hoping to find true love, make connections, hookup, and stay coupled up. But the couples can change from week to week. Some of the contestants are familiar to each other while others are meeting for the first time since they all hail from different iterations of the flagship show. To make it more dramatic in Love Island Games, the singles have to participate in competitions that test them as individuals and as a part of a couple.

Are there eliminations?

Cely Vazquez and Toby Aromolaran sit on a slide

What’s a dating reality show without someone getting kicked off? There are eliminations on both shows. The difference between Love Island and Love Island Games, is there is no voting from the audience. The singles and couple’s performances during the challenges determine if they are on the chopping block for elimination. 

Is the host different?

Love Island Games Host Maya Jama

Love Island Games is hosted by the United Kingdom’s Maya Jama. She is joined by the voice of UK comedian Iain Stirling, who reprises his role as narrator. Love Island USA's past two seasons were hosted by Sarah Hyland, who does not have the hosting duties for Love Island Games. Although we'd be shocked if she wasn't watching from home like everyone else. 

Is the prize different?

Johnny Middlebrooks stands with his hands in ice blocks during a game

At the end of the season, the winning couple will take home a hefty cash prize and hopefully true love. The cash prize on Love Island Games is the same grand prize on Love Island, $100,000 that the winning couple will split. Love Island Games still has the same amount of love, sweat, and tears as they play the game for someone’s heart and the grand prize. The biggest difference is the changing couples and the challenges. 

Love Island Games is streaming now on Peacock, with new episodes streaming six days a week.

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