HBO Max's latest reality series, FBoy Island, is moving forward with hopes of LGBTQ+ inclusion. As one of the most talked-about reality television shows of the summer, FBoy Island has caught the attention of both the media and HBO subscribers. While the streaming service is known for its vast library of blockbuster films and original thriller TV series, HBO delves into the world of reality television, bringing a fresh, diverse, and authentic dating series.
With a somewhat similar premise as that of Too Hot To Handle on Netflix, HBO's FBoy Island seeks to help couples seek more meaningful relationships, avoiding fboys and finding the value in the "nice guy." Having aired this summer, beginning in July, the first season of the series has already become a hit for the platform and in the world of reality television. While The Bachelorette faces decreasing viewership and controversy, Fboy Island challenges the norms of dating shows and audiences have taken to its non-traditional perspective on relationships.
Revealed on TV Line, Fboy Island plans to release a second season of the series and wants to make the show inclusive of all love stories, including LGBTQ+ ones. Unheard of on reality television, FBoy Island begins to change the narrative, straying from the typical straight couples featuring on nearly every dating show. While some shows, such as Love is Blind, have featured some LGBTQ+ contestants, HBO is one of the first to highlight non-heteronormative romances. With "high hopes" for more of the series, the creators are motivated to expand the series into what they refer to as an "F-person cinematic universe." As the show is further developed, audiences may receive three versions of the show: "Fboy Island, Fgirl Island, and Fperson Hotel."
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, reality television has been put on hold and has become repetitive and somewhat dull as creators from various sources fail to liven the mundane happenings of dating during a pandemic. Yet as restrictions become more manageable and writers become more inventive, some shows, such as FBoy Island, have gone above and beyond to keep audiences intrigued. Whether it be the catchy title or the inclusive nature of the series, HBO has certainly acquired a series worth the watch, one that understands the trajectory of reality television.
As conversations on "franchise" expansion continue, FBoy Island has certainly upped the competition with other reality dating shows. With Bachelor in Paradise season premiere approaching, the world of reality TV has taken a detour to the beach and a hopefully more diverse means of televised dating. While "the show hasn't been renewed by HBO Max," the buzz surrounding this sunny, summer series is most likely enough to bring the series back for another summer of love and inclusion.
Source: TV Line