Summer just got hotter as Love Island (U.K.) has returned to our screens! With the premiere of its 10th season on June 5th on British Channel ITV, and becoming available in the U.S. on June 10th, fans are eager to dive back into the drama, romance, and sun-soaked villa life. If you’re just discovering this reality TV phenomenon or want to brush up on your Love Island history, you might be wondering: How Many Seasons Are There Of Love Island UK?
Since its revival in 2015, Love Island (U.K.) has become a cultural sensation. The premise is simple yet addictive: singletons are brought to a stunning villa in paradise to find love and compete for a £50,000 prize. Over eight weeks, they navigate challenges, recouplings, and the arrival of bombshell contestants, all while trying to find their perfect match. Packed with British slang like “grafting,” “cracking on,” and “banter,” and the ever-present threat of being “pied” or “mugged off,” Love Island delivers non-stop entertainment.
With ten seasons aired to date, Love Island (U.K.) has provided viewers with countless memorable moments: explosive arguments, passionate romances, heartbreaking splits, and shocking twists – elements that shows like Bachelor In Paradise have tried to emulate. Whether you’re a seasoned viewer needing a recap or a newbie wanting to know where to start, we’ve ranked every season to guide you through the Love Island universe.
Ranking Every Season of Love Island UK: From Least to Most Essential
Let’s explore each season of Love Island, ranking them to help you decide which ones are must-watches and which you might want to skip.
9. Season 4 (2018)
Season 4 of Love Island had its moments, but it generally ranks lower in fan favorites. It delivered drama through Adam Collard’s villa antics, the arrival of Jack Fincham’s ex, and Megan Barton Hanson’s coupling with Wes Nelson. Jack Fincham and Dani Dyer ultimately won, despite relationship hurdles. A notable moment of levity came from Hayley Hughes’ geographical confusion, asking, “So Wales is in Cardiff?” (Cardiff is, indeed, the capital of Wales). While watchable, Season 4 isn’t considered a top-tier season in Love Island history.
8. Season 9 (2023)
Winter Love Island seasons, set in Cape Town, often struggle to capture the magic of the summer editions, and Season 9 is a prime example. The drama felt manufactured and trivial, like contestant Ron Hall’s dishwashing avoidance. The highlight was arguably the debut of new host Maya Jama, who herself seemed like the villa’s biggest bombshell. Despite the season’s shortcomings, viewers rooted for Kai Fagan and Sanam Harrinanan, who defied expectations to win, marking the first time a Casa Amor contestant was part of the winning couple.
7. Season 6 (2020)
Season 6 was a season of firsts for Love Island. It was the inaugural winter season, the first filmed in Cape Town, and the first hosted by Laura Whitmore. Memorable moments included a dramatic Casa Amor recoupling, Luke Trotman and Siânnise Fudge’s Disney-inspired romantic gestures, and contestants with celebrity connections like Sophie Piper (half-sister of Rochelle Humes) and Paige Turley (Lewis Capaldi’s ex). Proving the Love Island process can lead to lasting relationships, Molly Smith and Callum Jones, despite being dumped before the finale, are reportedly still together years later.
6. Season 7 (2021)
Season 7 offered a mix of everything Love Island fans crave: arguments, makeups, and unexpected pairings. Fan-favorite Chloe Burrows and her rollercoaster relationship with Toby Aromolaran were central storylines. Faye Winter’s fiery personality and clashes with Teddy Soares provided drama. The friendship between Liberty Poole and Kaz Kamwi resonated with viewers, alongside Poole’s heartbreaking split from Jake Cornish. Millie Court and Liam Reardon ultimately won after navigating their own Casa Amor drama. Season 7 is a solid, entertaining watch with plenty of classic Love Island moments.
5. Season 3 (2017)
Season 3 is significant for introducing “Casa Amor,” the mid-season twist that became a Love Island staple. This season saw contestants split into separate villas and tempted by new arrivals, testing established relationships. The cast included a former rapper, dramatic recouplings, and the beloved bromance between Chris Hughes and Kem Cetinay. Camilla Thurlow’s journey, from struggling to connect to finding love with Jamie Jewitt, was a heartwarming highlight. Thurlow and Jewitt have since married and started a family, a true Love Island success story.
4. Season 1 (2015)
While less polished than later seasons, Season 1 is essential for understanding Love Island‘s origins. Its raw, unfiltered vibe, complete with profanity and smoking, provides a nostalgic look at the show’s beginnings. Set in Majorca, Spain, it was ITV’s attempt to revive the Celebrity Love Island format. Love stories are fewer compared to later seasons, but the finale delivers a genuinely shocking proposal, making it a memorable start to the Love Island phenomenon.
3. Season 8 (2022)
Season 8 revitalized Love Island, silencing critics who felt the show was losing its spark. The tumultuous relationship between Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Davide Sanclimenti, filled with fiery arguments and passionate reconciliations, was a highlight and one of Love Island‘s most entertaining love stories. They went on to win the season. The cast also included Gemma Owen (daughter of Michael Owen) and Tasha Ghouri, the show’s first deaf contestant. Adam Collard from Season 2 also returned, seeking to redeem his “bad boy” image.
2. Season 2 (2016)
Season 2 built upon the foundation of Season 1, featuring a more developed format but retaining an authentic cast, seemingly less concerned with fame and Instagram followers. Drama was abundant, with frequent clashes between contestants like Kady McDermott and Scott Thomas. Terry Walsh and Emma-Jane Woodhams caused controversy with their on-screen intimacy. Zara Holland’s Miss Great Britain title was revoked due to an on-show romantic encounter. However, Season 2 also delivered lasting love stories: Cara De La Hoyde and Nathan Massey, and Olivia Buckland and Alex Bowen, who became the first Love Island couple to marry, solidifying Season 2’s place as a top season.
1. Season 5 (2019)
Widely considered the golden season, Season 5 perfectly balanced humor, drama, and romance. It introduced iconic Love Island personalities like Maura Higgins and her unexpected connection with Curtis Pritchard, the explosive breakup of Anna Vakili and Jordan Hames, and the enduring love story of Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury. Amber Gill’s journey, ultimately winning with Greg O’Shea, was a compelling narrative. Despite Gill and O’Shea’s short-lived romance after the show, Season 5 remains a benchmark for Love Island excellence and is a must-watch for any fan.
So, to answer the initial question directly, there are currently ten seasons of Love Island UK. With each season offering its unique blend of drama and romance, there’s plenty to explore for both new viewers and longtime fans. Whether you start with the widely acclaimed Season 5 or dive into the latest Season 10, you’re in for a summer of entertainment in the Love Island villa!
