It’s hard to believe that “Love Island USA” has gotten more popular this summer, and yet within its first week back, season 8 has already broken the Peacock reality TV show’s own records. It’s reportedly the biggest debut for a Peacock original series, with the first three episodes accumulating 824 million minutes viewed, which is up 74% from the previous season.
Additionally, demand for the first vote of the season on June 9 was so high that it crashed the “Love Island USA” app. The Hollywood Reporter says that app users were up nearly 350% and that the amount of fans trying to cast their vote during the two-and-a-half-hour window exceeded season 7’s finale vote, the all-time high for the season, by over 1 million.
Because of the show’s popularity and community appeal, bars and restaurants across the country are making the most of the momentum and hosting watch parties to bring in crowds and business.
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Southern California’s own Reality Bar has become one of the leaders of the craze. Maddy Biebel recognized the demand for a communal approach to reality TV back in 2021 when she hosted a premiere party for “Love Island USA” season 5. Working in digital marketing, she pitched the idea to one of her clients who was trying to find a new way to attract people to their rooftop spot in West Hollywood on weekdays.
From there, she expanded the concept to other shows like “Survivor,” “Big Brother” and “The Challenge.” However, last summer during season 7, the hype and momentum around “Love Island USA” watch parties reached new levels of success after videos from fans attending Reality Bar watch parties began to go viral on social media.
Love Island’s narrator, Iain Stirling, who has been with the original UK show since the beginning and the USA spinoff since season 5 when it made the switch to the streaming service Peacock, couldn’t believe the popularity of the watch parties when he saw them on social media last summer.
@carolyn.burt Ahead of the Love Island USA Season 7 reunion airing on August 25 on @Peacock here’s a clip from my interview with @iaindoesjokes where we talk about how Love Island USA season 7 watch parties took over the country this summer. Plus, I share my experience attending a watch party hosted by @reality bar in West Hollywood where it became clear to me that @Amaya🩰🍒💕🫧 had won over viewers hearts, as well as witnessing the iconic plot twist where @Nicolas Vansteenberghe & @Olandria were saved after being told to pack their bags and leave Casa Amor. Iain Stirling is also coming to the States this fall to perform a stand up show in LA on Oct. 22 & NYC on Oct. 29. You can read my full interview with Iain at the link in my bio. #iainstirling #loveisland #loveislandusa #nicolandria #amayapapaya
♬ original sound – Carolyn Burt – Journalist
“I genuinely thought people were photoshopping them and sending them to me,” said Stirling in an interview with Southern California News Group in 2025, during the height of Love Island USA season 7’s popularity.
This summer, Reality Bar is ahead of the game, sharing weekly schedules for its watch parties that are set to take place all season long.
But they aren’t the only Southern California establishment getting in on the fun. Here’s your guide to various spots in Los Angeles County, Orange County and the Inland Empire that you can gather with your friends to watch the hit reality TV show this summer.
Keep in mind that because “Love Island USA” airs every day but Wednesday, some locations might only be hosting events a few days a week and not every day a new episode drops. Because of this dates, times and locations are all subject to change. Additionally, some sites might require advance RSVPs in addition to being first-come, first-served.
Los Angeles County
Reality Bar — The Palm and The Pine
1624 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood
Usually happens every night but Wednesdays and Saturdays, with episodes starting at 8 p.m.
RSVP here.
Instagram: @realitybar
Reality Bar — Beaches Tropicana
8911 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood
Usually happens every night but Wednesdays and Saturdays, with episodes starting at 8 p.m.
RSVP here.
Instagram: @realitybar
The Flamingo Bar
1855 E. Industrial St., Los Angeles
Note: So far, there has only been one event on June 9.
Instagram: @flamingobardtla
Roxanne’s
1115 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach
Happening every Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Instagram: @roxannesbar
33 Taps — DTLA Location
1240 S. Figueroa St., Downtown Los Angeles
Episodes start at 7 p.m.
Instagram: @33taps
O’donovan’s Pub & Taproom
101 E. 3rd St., Pomona
Doors open at 7 p.m. and episodes start at 8 p.m. on everyday but Sundays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Instagram: @odonovanspub
Shoo Shoo Baby
717 West 7th St., Downtown Los Angeles
Sundays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. Additional details can be found on Eventbrite here.
Instagram: @shoobabyla
Happy Rabbit Bar and Lounge
5248 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks
Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. Additional details can be found on Eventbrite here.
Instagram: @happyrabbitbarandlounge
Sunset Rooftop
6097 Sunset Blvd., HollywoodEvery day at 6 p.m. (including Wednesday which will be a replay of the best moments). Additional details can be found on Eventbrite here.
Instagram: @sunset_rooftop_hollywood
Orange County
Helmsman Ale House
2920 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach
Note: Watch parties have been starting at 6 p.m. most days, but the schedule might change for the World Cup.
Instagram: @helmsmanalehouse
Juicyladas Cantina
741 N Placentia Ave., Fullerton
Every day but Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Episodes start at 6 p.m.
Instagram: @juicyladas
Goat Hill Tavern
1830 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa
Episodes every Thursday.
Instagram: @goathilltavern
BIGS Fullerton
323 N State College Blvd., Fullerton
Episodes every day but Wednesday and Saturday begin at 6 p.m.
Instagram: @bigsfullerton
Chako’s Social
101 South Harbor Blvd., Ste. A, Fullerton,
Every day but Wednesday. New episodes start at 6 p.m. and play again at 7 p.m. You can also arrive early to watch the previous episode at 5 p.m.
Additional details can be found on Eventbrite here.Instagram: @chakossocial
Inland Empire
Whiskey Republic Redlands
101 E Redlands Blvd., #108, Redlands
Episodes start at 6:20 p.m. Additionally, the bar is set to have themed drinks.
Instagram: @whiskeyrepublic.redlands
We’ll be updating this article throughout the summer as more watch parties are scheduled throughout the region.
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