Party Crashers: The Unifying Beauty of the ‘Love Island USA' Watch Party

Cosmopolitan

a day ago

I've always rejected the notion that Love Island USA is 'mindless TV.' I'm too familiar with the highly analytical post-episode breakdowns on TikTok and the r/LoveIslandUSA subreddit to accept that. But at my first watch party for the show, my belief in its substance—and its power—solidified. The Ainsworth, an elevated sports bar in New York City, hosts a viewing event for the show almost nightly, because they're smart. Thanks to the show's groundbreaking success this year, bars have been hosting similar events across the country. But I finally decided it was past time to dive into the watch party action myself after seeing a truly euphoric viral video of a sports bar reacting to season 7's Nic and Olandria's first real kiss. That's how I found myself at the Ainsworth, sipping on a themed 'Hurricane Huda' cocktail, and surrounded by fans enraptured by one of season 7's final episodes. Maybe it was the very serious exchange I had with a stranger at the bar about different Islanders' attachment styles, or the diagnostic commentary I heard around the room during Huda and Chris's tense exchange about PDA. But if watching my favorite reality show on stadium-sized TVs taught me anything, it's that sports fanatics cherish the bar viewing experience for very good reason.
Season 7 of Love Island USA has been its most divisive one yet. There have been problematic old social media posts from cast members resurfaced, controversial Islander oustings, and a constant rotation of online witch hunts calling every Islanders' morality into question at one point or another. Hence, the internet discussions dissecting every beat of the show's on/offscreen action have gotten a bit overwhelming. But when you're watching the show with fellow Love Island fans in person, the world of online discourse and stan wars feels so distant, no matter whether your takes align or not. And I found that to be the beauty of the watch party. It represents neutral territory.
I witnessed true community that Tuesday, with two of my colleagues in tow. I usually prefer to watch Love Island USA in solitude. Like the dutiful fan I am, I tap in right at 9:00 pm five nights a week (I'm a proud Saturday Aftersun skipper). I tuck into bed with my laptop's glow as my only source of light. Then, for 60-90 minutes, I concentrate on outrageously beautiful singles searching for love. I love this routine. I can catch all of each episode's subtle details and pore over contentious debates on my feeds and in my group chats in silence. But as fun as that's been, it was way more delightful to wax poetic about my love for Nicolandria with a table of girls I'll likely never speak to again. Or, if you're my coworker Jess, to eavesdrop on a passionate bathroom discussion about Huda's self-destructive behaviors. ('I get it, I always have crash outs, but she's going to lose a good man for that,' said one sympathetic woman from the stall.) This season has been my favorite reality show's most popular one (it cleared one billion minutes viewed within its first week). And that's definitely a result of last season's momentum, and maybe even its controversies. But getting to witness that cultural impact in the flesh (and out of the depths of a subreddit) made it all the easier to love. I watched a crowd erupt into cheers while Amaya and Bryan started hooking up in the Hideaway, and I was reminded that this show, while not mindless, is technically meant to be fun.
Looking back, there were so many moments this season I would've much rather watched on a stadium-sized TV with near-strangers instead of alone. The totally unexpected Jeremiah dumping. The first time Amaya mispronounced the word 'opportunity.' Definitely Nic and Olandria's kiss in Soul Ties. But because I missed out, I tried the next best thing and called my fellow party attendees into our own confessional booth for some season 7 reflecting.
Most shocking moment? I was surprised Clarke and Taylor didn't stay! They had a relatively good relationship, even though she's not a favorite.
I really don't think Chelley had any business calling Huda and Chris out for being a thing when she was clearly pursuing Ace!
Hot take?
Nic and Olandria should get married and live together forever. I want them to build a family!
Hot take?
Hannah and Charlie should've been together. Charlie shouldn't have left.
Hot take?
They should've stood for Jalen to stay instead of Huda. She should've gone home, and I don't believe in her redemption arc.
Hot take?
Why is Chelley with Ace? She could do better! He triggers me, he reminds me of every asshole in high school ever.
Most shocking moment?
When they had to read everything that they hate about each other in front of each other! That was pretty brutal, but as a Bravo viewer, I loved it. Also, the fact that I've been seeing TikTok edits comparing Nic and Olandria to Elphaba and Fiyero from Wicked. Like, oh shit, was Cierra Glinda?
Hot take?
I'm so concerned with what they're eating every day. I need a day in the life. Are they eating? Is there central AC? Why are they never in the pool?
Hot take?
Huda and Chris should win! They're starting to grow on me. I didn't like Huda at first, but I think she's just misunderstood.
People call day and night asking for reservations and asking if we're showing the show. It's exploded. Last Thursday, we had a line out the door; it was like a sporting event.
We had to blow these parties up with specialized cocktails. We have 57 screens here, so it creates the right experience for people to enjoy it. I started watching the show last season, I love it.
Favorite Islanders?
Amaya and Bryan all the way. You can't not love her.
Favorite Islander?
I love Chris. He's exactly who Huda needed. I've been loving the Huda redemption arc.
Favorite Islander?
My favorite guy is Pepe, I think he's a man. My favorite girl is Iris. She's an unproblematic queen.
Favorite Islander?
I've loved Nic since the beginning. I know he's made some messy choices, but he's been my number one
Favorite Islander?
Amaya! I like Nic individually, but I don't know how I feel about Nicolandria. I used to be a stan, but I feel like Nic's very lustful. He's looking better already, though. That's the Black Wife Effect.
Most shocking moment?
The Cierra exit gagged me the most. Not because I didn't think it needed to happen, but I didn't think it would happen at this point in the show. Also, the Jeremiah dumping was crazy. That was driven by pure hateration.
Favorite Islander?
I love Pepe. He's funny, he's charming, he's sexy…I could go on.
Hot take?
…I kind of like Taylor and Clarke. I get that Taylor moved funny with Olandria, but he and Clarke don't deserve all of the hate they're getting.
Favorite Islanders?
Nic and Olandria!