Gather around the fire pit and fire up your texts, a new season of “Love Island USA” is here.
The season 8 premiere of the hit reality TV dating show that has set audience records in recent summers while stirring up its fair share of controversy starts Tuesday, June 2.
A summer of blossoming connections, steamy challenges, breakups, makeups, bombshell arrivals, new girl and guy friendships, emotional dumpings, viral moments and potentially love awaits singles inside the gorgeous villa in Fiji over the next six weeks.
And don’t forget about all the spicy drama that’s sure to be part of the equation. But, unfortunately, the drama outside the villa already started before the premiere with the dismissal of an original islander before filming began due to her reported use of a racial slur on social media. It’s something that brought unwanted attention on last season’s show when two islanders were removed for similar past behavior.
As a result, 10 islanders will start the show in the premiere as opposed to the planned 12. But it won’t be long before more singles are added to the mix to shake things up. Ariana Madix is back as the show’s host.
There aren’t any Wisconsin connections at the moment on season 8 but that could change as bombshells arrive to the villa. Three summers ago, Franklin native Carmen Kocourek was a finalist with her love interest, Kenzo Nudo. The two have since broken up but Kocourek, who makes Milwaukee her home, has found love with another “Love Island USA” contestant.
Here’s what to know about the “Love Island USA” season 8 premiere, including start time, where to watch, the schedule, the cast, host and more:
When does the first episode of Love Island air?
The first episode of “Love Island USA” is Tuesday, June 2.
What time is Love Island on tonight?
The “Love Island USA” season premiere airs at 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 2.
Where to watch Love Island USA; Where to stream Love Island USA
Peacock, the NBC-based streaming service, is the exclusive home to watch “Love Island USA.”
Spinoff shows such as “Love Island Beyond the Villa,” “Love Island Games” and “Love Island All-Stars” are also available to stream on Peacock.
Is Love Island only on Peacock?
Yes, Peacock is the only place to watch episodes of “Love Island USA.”
The cost for a premium plan is $10.99/month or $109.99 for a year; the cost for a premium plus plan with no ads is $16.99/month or $169.99 for 12 months.
Stream Love Island USA on Peacock
What time does Love Island USA come out?
All “Love Island USA” episodes during season 8 come out at 8 p.m. Central time.
How long is a Love Island episode?
Episodes are typically around an hour, though the premiere and finale are always longer.
How long is the Love Island premiere?
Based on the past two seasons, the “Love Island USA” premiere will be longer than a usual episode.
The season 6 premiere was 96 minutes and the season 7 premiere was 102 minutes. Therefore, fans should except an episode in the range of 1 hour, 30 minutes and 1 hour, 40 minutes.
How often does Love Island come out? Does Love Island come out every day?
“Love Island USA” has new episodes every day except Wednesdays. Saturday episodes, though, are dedicated to the talk show, “After Sun,” a recap episode that brings in guests and islanders who have been dumped from the villa.
“After Sun” is back in 2026 but with new hosts – “Summer House’s” Ciara Miller and internet personality Tefi Pessoa. Maura Higgins previously hosted “After Sun.”
“After Sun” episodes will again drop at 8 p.m. Central time every Saturday.
When does Love Island start and end 2026
“Love Island USA” starts Tuesday, June 2, and will likely end in the second week of July based on the length of the past two seasons.
The season airs in real time where fans can vote on various aspects of the game, including in some of the dumpings.
Last season premiered June 3 and finished with a Sunday finale on July 13. Season 6 had 36 episodes before the reunion.
“Love Island USA” season 6 premiered June 11 and had its finale July 21. It also had 36 episodes.
Love Island USA new season 2026 first look
A sizzling new season of “Love Island USA” is set to premiere.
Watch for epic Ariana Madix arrivals, greetings, makeouts and later two new bombshells.
Here’s the first look at the premiere episode:
Love Island USA season 8 villa
The villa is where the islanders eat, sleep, chat, work out, form their connections and possibly find love.
Madix provides the house tour:
Love Island USA season 8 cast
Here are the original islanders set to appear during the premiere:
Love Island USA host
Madix is returning for her third season as the host of “Love Island USA.”
The former “Vanderpump Rules” star became the host in 2024 and has been part of record ratings the last two summers.
Love Island USA app
If you’re a loyal “Love Island USA” viewer, there’s no question you have the “Love Island USA” app all fired up.
But if you’re new to the “Love Island USA” world, you’ll want to download the app to be part of the show. There will be public votes, poll questions, exclusive photos, first looks at episodes and other ways to interact with the show.
Download it in your app store ahead of the premiere so you don’t miss any chats!
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What time does Love Island USA start? Where to watch season 8 premiere
Reporting by Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
