Netflix has quickly become a powerful force for producing reality television, and dating show Too Hot To Handle has been one of their most notable successes. First airing in 2020, season 1 rose to the top spot on the trending page on Netflix during the height of the 2020 pandemic. The season featured a memorable and diverse cast who made the show a smashing success.
With two years having passed, most fans have already concluded which cast members are among their favorites, and which are not. Ranker is a site that allows its audience to vote on lists about almost anything imaginable, with one list being about fans favorite cast member of the first season of Too Hot To Handle. With more than 5,000 votes cast, the list is a pretty good representation of what the audience thinks overall.
Harry Jowsey
Just narrowly making his way into the top ten, Harry Jowsey has stood the test of time, as the Australian has remained one of the most talked about contestants to ever appear on the show. Harry earned the attention of viewers with his explosive romance with Francesca Farago, and he's continued to make headlines since.
Despite the show having penalties for any physical touch, Harry could not keep his hands of Francesca, shrinking the prize pool by thirty thousand dollars for touching penalties. Some of his biggest moments since his appearance have been his time on the show Floor Is Lava, and having to deny rumors about dating Khloé Kardashian.
Francesca Farago
The second half of the iconic season 1 couple, Canadian born Francesca Farago was a perfect cast for a reality dating show. She, alongside Harry, was at the center of all drama from her season, making it quite entertaining for viewers. Her flirty personality and not being shy of the camera gained her plenty of attention, both positive and negative.
Ranker is not the only platform she is held in high regard, as she is the most popular Too Hot To Handle cast member on Instagram, with a whopping following total that is just under six million. With how great she made season 1, this is hardly surprising.
Lydia Clyma
Another season 1 alumni, Lydia Clyma entered the show late, but still was able to endear herself to those watching. She did not make her introduction until the sixth episode of the eight episode season, but her wholesome romance with David Birtwisle tugged on the heartstrings of the audience.
While relationships on dating shows are obviously very common, what separated Lydia and David from the other was how genuine it felt. The two only broke the no touching rule once, and it was for a cute kiss. They genuinely wanted to get to know each other, making them a Too Hot to Handle couple that fans loved.
Matthew Smith
Matthew was a tale of what could have been. He did exactly what the rules expected of him, being one of the few people who did not break any rules, while also trying to stop anyone else from breaking them and taking money out of the winners pot. He was the adult of the island, but unfortunately struggled to find love for himself, leaving the show in episode six.
For someone who missed the last two episodes and failed to make any romantic connections, Matt finds himself loved by fans for his big brother like relationship with the rest of the island. Even though he wasn't so fortunate, most fans can agree that he did deserve to find love on Too Hot to Handle.
Kelechi Dyke
Better known as Kelz, Kelechi Dyke also showed great restraint, probably even more than Matthew. He resisted advances from girls on multiple occasions, vowing to keep the money counter as high as possible for everyone to share. He even got the nickname "the accountant" for his dedication to the cash.
His refusal to get intimate with Francesca may have tanked his romantic game, but his dedication to following the rules to ensure him and his castmembers would get compensated handsomely for their time on the show was admirable. He also was quite funny and charming.
Sharron Townsend
New Jersey native Sharron Townsend came into the game with a heartbreaking backstory involving his ex love dumping him for his ex best friend. This already had fans feeling empathetic towards him, but the personal growth and development he showed on the show was what made him even more lovable.
Originally looking to break every rule and make out with every girl who looked at him, Sharron fell hard for Rhonda, and formed a bromance with David. These two relationships seemingly changed him for the better, as he became much more vulnerable and emotionally available, leading to him forming genuine bonds with these two. It was extremely satisfying and wholesome to watch.
Nicole O'Brien
Irish sweetheart Nicole O'Brien was sadly unable to find romantic love for herself, but she was always a shoulder to cry on for her islandmates. She came on the show looking for love, so pivoting to helping her friends when she was unable to do so was a mature move on her part.
She specifically formed a strong bond with Chloe, someone who was a victim of mean behaviors. Her support for her was beautiful to watch, in addition to her politely shooting down Matt's attempts at wooing her. She had plenty of opportunities to cause drama for the camera, but resisted at every turn.
Rhonda Paul
Similarly to her island fling Sharron, Rhonda came onto the island having her heart in pieces. Her love life in the past was rough, and she came onto the show wanting to hook up. She was able to grow together with Sharron throughout the season in one of the best storylines to happen.
While she did break the rules with Sharron a few times in the earlier part of their romance, she quickly refocused and decided her best move would be to get as much money as possible for the group. She was truly a delight to watch, and her scars healing in real time was incredible to see as well.
Chloe Veitch
Chloe Veitch established herself as one of favorite Too Hot to Handle cast members among fans of Too Hot To Handle for not only season one, but all three seasons. Her authenticity was rare for reality TV, and fans absolutely adored her for it. She also kept true to the rules of the game, not getting physical with anyone.
She was quite noble, backing off of her first crush, Harry, after realizing him and Francesca had hit it off. Standing up for herself after being mistreated by Kori and Francesca was also amazing to see, as she was truly a sweet girl who didn't cause any problems, yet was still mistreated by some. Viewers loved her for that.
David Birtwistle
For a show that claimed to feature young people who have only sought out short term flings and one night stands, David Birtwistle seemed quite chivalrous. The Brit was masterful at not breaking the rules, while also treating everyone with the utmost respect. He struggled at first to find a romantic connection, but even when he did towards the end when Lydia arrived, not breaking the rules was still on the top of his agenda.
Even when he started to fancy Rhonda, David stepped aside to allow his buddy Sharron to pursue her instead. He was truly a perfect gentleman who was a great friend and lover, earning him a spot in the hearts of all those who watched him.