PPG, overalls, swinging suitcases, Cheez-Its — “Love Island USA” is officially over, and we’re having withdrawals. The reality TV sensation, which first was a UK imprint before its American spinoff, invites around a dozen single and unapologetically sexy twenty-somethings to dive headfirst–micro swimsuits and all–into the labor of falling in love. There are no catches, except the task of forming genuine, heartfelt connections in five weeks while participating in messy challenges (both emotionally and physically) where one might or might not see her newly initiated bestie tongue down her crush. For most, it’s dizzying to imagine seeing their could-be soulmates go on dates every day, but, hey, at least the anticipation is softened by the sumptuous Fijian villa you get to live in. We’re talking mansion-style, complete with 50,000 square feet to play. If that seems excessive, it’s not. That’s the standard of today’s reality TV sets.

Season six of “Love Island USA” didn’t just deliver an intense and culturally infatuating story; it launched the next wave of internet celebrities in breakout stars Serena Page, Leah Kateb, and JaNa Craig–aka PPG, short for “Powerpuff Girls.” Viewers watched the trio push through a whirlwind of romantic ups and downs, all captured by over 80 remote cameras scattered across the villa, spotlighting hangouts like the glam room. The Fijian property also featured a heart-shaped shower, 19 miles of fairy lights, two pools, indoor and outdoor lounges, a coveted secret hideaway, over 50 neon signs, 7,000 square feet of colored, mirrored plexiglass, and more.

“Vanderpump Rules” star and this year’s host, Ariana Madix, gave viewers an exclusive tour of the villa before the premiere, showcasing the over-the-top design.

How Reality TV Sets Became Fantasies

If not for the premise of finding the one and the potential, and likely possibility, of an immediate ascent to influencer status, landing on the show promises a 5-star vacation–so does a spot on “Too Hot to Handle,” “Are You The One?,” and even “The Circle,” albeit more of a staycation. If a reality show doesn’t have an extravagant set design, will anyone tune in? Back in the days of late-aught classics such as “Flavor of Love” and “Jersey Shore,” interiors were blander, more authentic yet captivated millions. Now, production designers must master the art of transformation, gutting properties until there’s no trace of the ordinary remains–before a location is deemed camera-ready.

Whether or not a production decides to go all out is a matter of discretion. But doing so is a deliberate choice that speaks to society’s growing obsession with luxury and exclusivity, offering a vision of an aspirational life just out of reach.

The Future of Set Design

In an interview with Dwell, Richard Jensen, the production designer for “Love Island USA,” shared that watching the cast’s reaction to the villa’s bag of tricks is a gratifying confirmation of the impact these spaces can have. “They love having a heart-shaped shower and all these little almost Instagrammable moments all around, which makes them feel like they’re living in this sexy villa fantasy.” Jensen strategically creates these scenes of excess with meticulous detail, considering what excites the camera more than pleases the eye. Coupled with the phones given to the cast for TikTok teasers and Instagram photo-ops, we’ve entered an era where reality TV sets are no longer just backdrops but central characters in the narrative.

@loveislandusa The views from here are great. 😍 #LoveIslandUSA @NayNay @leah.kateb ♬ original sound – Love Island USA

Cast spaces not only house drama but elevate it, wrapping every glance, make-out session, and confrontation into something instantly shareable and endlessly scrollable. Contestants are more than living in a villa. They’re participating in an aesthetically immersive experience crafted for maximum digital appeal and engagement. In this new age, the set is as much of a star as the people on it, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality in visually breathtaking ways.

Where will reality TV sets go next? It’s hard to say, but it’s sure to be a masterpiece of grand proportions, pushing the boundaries of what we expect from our favorite guilty pleasures.