This summer, it seems like there are no actual villas in Fiji. Instead, fans are flocking to spots like the Brooklyn Brownstone, Midtown Sports Bar, and West Village Comedy Club.
The latest season of Love Island USA kicked off on June 11th, and it’s taken New York City’s nightlife by storm. People are trading in their couches for themed cocktails, sliders, and the inevitable drama that comes with viewing parties that have popped up from Manhattan to Brooklyn.
The show, which features a rotating lineup of attractive singles living in a beautiful villa, is all about forming romantic connections—or risking elimination by the public and each other.
This season of Love Island USA is really energizing viewers from locations like Brooklyn and Midtown. They are planning their weeks around the show’s ups and downs, reunions, and fresh episodes.
As fans watch live, they influence the game by voting to separate couples or introduce new “bombs,” turning the show into something akin to a chaotic dating Olympics with six episodes airing each week, bringing almost continuous drama.
In Greenwich Village, a comedy club hosts Love Island episodes nearly every night, complete with all-day munching on Sundays. They kick off the viewing at 11 AM and wrap up the night with the latest episode by 9 PM, all showcased on five flat screens.
Fans scream, cheer, and enjoy drinks during the intense moments of Love Island at the comedy shop, effectively transforming it into a villa-like watch party six nights a week.
According to Anareyes, the club’s manager and bartender, “It’s got that girl-sports vibe.” It brings everyone together for some fun around the episode.
The event gained traction after the comedy shop’s TikTok post went viral, racking up over 200,000 views. Reyes, motivated by a popular TikTok asking for a Love Island-themed event, made it happen.
The bar has seen a surge in business, particularly mid-week, with more than 100 people attending a Tuesday episode alone.
On Thursday nights, applauses and spontaneous drum rolls break out as fans react to iconic show quotes like “I have the text!”
Reservations started coming in days ahead of time, with one woman even arranging a table for her husband’s birthday just to catch Love Island at the bar. Another group from Florida announced they were flying in for it.
When The Post visited on Thursday, the excitement was palpable as cheers erupted after key phrases like “I have the text” were called out during dramatic twists.
Groups consisting of friends, solitary viewers, siblings, and couples filled the tables, sharing in the experience.
The bar features a playful themed menu with fun drinks like “The Bombshell” Margarita Tower, a beer and shot special called “The Recopling,” and “Can I Pull You for a Chat?,” which nods to the show’s lingo.
Bartender Casey Rosen, who started her own watch party after realizing she was working on the premiere, has turned the Black Sheep Bar in Midtown East into a gathering spot.
Sunday marathons at the comedy shop run all day, attracting dedicated fans who know all the contestant names.
Rosen shared her experience of engaging with attendees who came early, noting that it was a really enjoyable experience as they made friends over the shared interest.
Friday screenings at Black Sheep feature the show on multiple TVs with the sound on, plus wine specials and new drinks referred to as “bomb martinis.”
In Brooklyn, Kaleah Denise started hosting watch parties that drew nearly 100 guests, complete with sliders, chicken wings, cheesecake shooters, and even pole dance contests.
Realizing many of her friends didn’t watch the show, she sought to create her own community around it, succeeding in turning the party into a weekly attraction advertised on Posh VIP.
Typically, the events run from 8 PM to 11:30 PM, often selling out quickly. Most attendees are in their 20s and 30s, primarily women and their friends, all dressed in playful Love Island-inspired outfits.
“We essentially bring Fiji to New York City,” said Dennis, speaking to the spirit of the gatherings.
