CBS ‘Love Island’ reboot heads to Canada

Canadian broadcaster CTV has picked up rights to the US reboot of Love Island.

The channel has acquired exclusive multi-platform Canadian rights to the forthcoming CBS show via a deal with ITV Studios Global Entertainment.

The stripped dating competition is to anchor CTV’s summer schedule, building out its unscripted offerings, which include the likes of The Amazing Race Canada, American Ninja Warrior and Hollywood Game Night.

The Love Island format, which is owned by ITV Studios and Motion Content Group, is entering its fifth series on ITV2 in the UK. The format has also been localised in Australia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway and Sweden.

US broadcaster CBS is expected to stay loyal to ITV Studios’ hit format Love Island, which is intended to lead a brand refresh for the network when it launches this summer.

ITV America president David George has said that CBS execs know the program “inside out”, but have kept details around the location and specific episode run of the American installment under wraps.

TBI understands that the format was originally placed with US cable channel MTV in 2016, but the Viacom-owned network backed out over hesitations around launching a format for which they did not own the IP.

Mike Cosentino, president of content and programming for Bell media, said: “CTV is home to television’s biggest moments and next-generation hits, and we’re confident Love Island is the latest example. Love Island has taken markets around the world by storm and we expect it to be an absolute must-see event series when it premieres this summer here in Canada as well.”

Craig Bohland, VP of sales for Canada at ITVS GE, added: “We are excited that CTV will be the multiplatform home for the show in Canada. Love Island has hooked in passionate viewers across the globe and now North American audiences are in for a real treat with the reality event of the summer.”