Relationship reality show gains popularity; Influencers compete for prize

LAUREN BRANDIS, Reporter

Trending now on Netflix, Too Hot to Handle is a mature-rated program recommended for ages 18 and up.  The production is placed at number six of the “Top 10 in the United States today” according to Netflix and has gained a lot of traction since its release.

Singles must meet and mingle to win a cash prize of 100,000 dollars. The show was created for “hot” singles to form closer, emotional bonds compared to the overnight physical connections they form back in their hometowns.

A robot named “Lana”, which can be compared to an Amazon Dot, watches, listens, and talks to the members to decrease their chance of breaking the rules of abstinence.

She reminds the contestants about new rules and who have recently broken rules, which stirs drama among the group. Lana also gives the group tasks to complete to increase their relationship stability.

The trick is contestants must not form any sexual relations. Members discover this plot twist 12 hours after beginning their retreat. If sexual connections are made, cash will be deducted from the prize fund.

Decreasing their prize money allows contestants to focus on the importance of the formation and understanding of an emotional bond compared to a sexual bond.

A trend of quick relationships has become popular among young audiences due to the growth of social media and dating app influences. The Netflix Original attempts to break that influence by showing young adults the true meaning of an emotional relationship.

The reality program shows its at-home viewers and guests’ “workshops” and activities that can be practiced maturing their own self love and growth in relationships.

One of the show’s stars, Francesca Farago, learned that her body “should not be given away to just anyone.” She hopes that she will influence viewers at home to “worship” their own body.

The show currently only has one season available with eight episodes which are about 40 minutes long. The United Kingdom has a show like the latest U.S. hit called, Love Island UK. Both shows use a narrator with quirky comments to give views a laugh in serious situations.

The romance and competition reality show was located on the beaches of Punta Mita, Mexico. The group had access to their own private beach and villa.

All the singles came from different countries and continents around the globe. All members are now considered social media influencers. After the show was released, the star’s Instagram followers gained millions in just days.

Most popular influencers include Farago, Harry Jowsey, Chloe Veitch, Rhonda Paul, David Birtwistle and more.

Farago and Jowsey have formed their own relationship and are currently dating now. Farago is from Canada and Jowsey is in Australia, which makes their relationship a long flight apart. They both commute back and forth to keep their relationship going.