The highly anticipated premiere of Love Island USA Season 7 on Peacock did not go as smoothly as planned on Tuesday, June 3, leaving fans waiting for over 40 minutes past the scheduled start time.
The reality dating series was originally set to premiere at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. PT), but just one minute after the scheduled time, Peacock announced a “slight delay” in the episode’s release. What was described as a minor hold-up soon stretched into more than 40 minutes, much to the frustration of viewers.
“WE GOT A TEXT! 👀 Tonight’s episode will be slightly delayed. But it is worth the wait ❤️🔥🏝 Stay tuned! #LoveIslandUSA,” Peacock shared on X (formerly Twitter) soon after the delay was announced.
Despite the setback, fans remained eager. Some viewers in Canada reported that the premiere was available on the CTV streaming service during the delay.
The wait led to a wave of reactions on social media. One user called the delay “straight evil,” while another joked, “I survived the great Love Island delay of 2025.” Many expressed impatience, with one post warning, “40-minute delay is CRAZYYYY — count your days, Peacock and Love Island. You better make sure this first episode is worth it or I’m coming over there.”
Nearly 45 minutes after the scheduled start, Peacock confirmed the episode was finally live: “Thank you for your patience! The #LoveIslandUSA episode is officially live now. Enjoy the premiere 💖.”
The premiere episode introduced the first 10 Islanders. Peacock had announced the cast earlier on May 29, revealing that the Fiji villa would welcome five women — Huda Mustafa, Olandria Carthen, Isabelle “Belle-A” Walker, Yulissa Escobar, and Michelle “Chelley” Bissainthe — alongside five men: Nicolas Vansteenberghe, Taylor Williams, Austin Shepard, Ace Green, and Jeremiah Brown.
Returning as host is Vanderpump Rules alum Ariana Madix, joined by the show’s iconic narrator, Iain Stirling.
Love Island USA Season 7 airs daily (except Wednesdays) at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock.