Love Island USA Season 5 officially premiered on July 18, 2023, bringing a fresh wave of romance, drama, and unexpected twists to the pristine beaches of Fiji. Streaming on Peacock, this season took the franchise's intensity to a new level, hosted by Sarah Hyland and narrated by the inimitable Iain Stirling. A total of 33 islanders entered the villa over the course of 32 days, each searching for a genuine connection and a shot at the $100,000 grand prize.

The season concluded on August 27, 2023, crowning Marco Donatelli and Hannah Wright as the winners. However, the journey to the finale was paved with Casa Amor betrayals, shocking "bombshell" arrivals, and emotional departures that kept fans engaged throughout the 37-episode run.

The Initial Female Islanders

The season began with five women who stepped into the villa on Day 1, each bringing a unique background and a specific vision of their ideal partner.

Anna Kurdys

Anna Kurdys, a 22-year-old Criminal Justice student from Boca Raton, Florida, made an immediate impression with her bubbly personality and blonde hair. Having grown up with a detective for a father, Anna joked about her ability to "investigate" the men she dated, claiming she could spot red flags through tone and body language. During her time in the villa, Anna experienced a turbulent journey, particularly in her early coupling with Leonardo, before ultimately choosing to walk away on Day 11.

Destiny Davis

At 27, Destiny Davis brought a high level of professional achievement to the villa. A microbiologist from St. Louis, Missouri, she described herself as an "alpha" dater who was proud of her Native American and African roots. Destiny sought a partner who could match her energy and intellect. Her journey was one of the longest in the season, lasting 30 days and involving multiple couplings as she navigated the complex social dynamics of the Fiji villa.

Vickala “Kay Kay” Gray

Vickala Gray, better known as Kay Kay, was a 25-year-old travel nurse from Palestine, Texas. Known for her resilience and work ethic—having bartended her way through nursing school—Kay Kay entered the villa seeking adventure and trust. Her relationship with Keenan Anunay became one of the central narratives of the season, characterized by intense highs and challenging lows. Kay Kay eventually chose to leave the villa alongside Keenan on Day 24 in a dramatic "walk-off."

Kassandra “Kassy” Castillo

Kassy Castillo, a 22-year-old real estate student from Fort Worth, Texas, was one of the season's most vibrant personalities. With roots in Peru and Mexico City, Kassy described herself as a free spirit. Though she initially struggled to find a stable connection, her journey became a fan favorite as she navigated a complicated triangle with Leonardo. Kassy eventually made it to the finale, finishing as a runner-up alongside Leonardo Dionicio.

Jasmine Sklavanitis

Jasmine Sklavanitis was a 24-year-old trauma step-down ICU nurse from Mount Morris, Illinois. She entered the villa hoping to find a partner who was tired of "games" and ready for a real connection. Unfortunately, Jasmine’s time in Fiji was short-lived; she became the first islander to be dumped from the island on Day 5 after failing to secure a spot in a couple during the first recoupling ceremony.

The Initial Male Islanders

The male contingent on Day 1 featured a mix of athletes, students, and professionals, all eager to make their mark on the Fiji coast.

Leonardo Dionicio

Leonardo Dionicio, 21, arrived from West Hartford, Connecticut, with a background in Division I baseball. Fluent in Spanish and possessing a natural charm, Leonardo quickly became a focal point of attention in the villa. His romantic journey was a rollercoaster, moving between Kassy, Anna, and later Johnnie during Casa Amor, before finally reconciling with Kassy and securing a second-place finish.

Marco Donatelli

The eventual winner, Marco Donatelli, was a 22-year-old chiropractic student from Youngstown, Ohio. A former college football player, Marco entered with a "playboy" reputation but expressed a sincere desire to settle down. His connection with Hannah Wright, who entered on Day 2, proved to be the most stable and enduring relationship of the season, leading them to the winner's podium on Day 32.

Keenan Anunay

Keenan Anunay, a 23-year-old student from Washington, D.C., was deeply passionate about football. He entered the villa looking for someone who could understand his dedication to the sport while building a romantic bond. His time in the villa was largely defined by his tumultuous relationship with Kay Kay Gray. After a series of controversial decisions during Casa Amor, Keenan was dumped on Day 24, with Kay Kay choosing to follow him out.

Victor Gonzalez

Victor Gonzalez, 28, brought an international flair as a wrestler and graduate student from Madrid, Spain (based in Atlanta). Standing as one of the physically most imposing islanders, Victor initially coupled with Jasmine and later Bergie's partner, Carmen. However, his tenure was brief, as he was dumped on Day 8 following a tense confrontation within the villa.

Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen

Perhaps the most unexpected star of the season was Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen, a 23-year-old Dairy Queen manager from South Dakota. Initially struggling to find his footing and nearly being eliminated on the first night, Bergie became the season's "underdog" hero. His genuine nature eventually led him to a successful coupling with Taylor Smith. The pair finished in third place, proving that the nice guy can indeed make it to the end.

The Bombshells Who Shook the Villa

In Love Island, "bombshells" are contestants who enter the villa after the initial coupling to disrupt existing relationships. Season 5 featured several high-impact bombshells.

Hannah Wright

Hannah Wright, 24, from Palm Springs, California, entered the villa on Day 2 and immediately caught Marco's eye. Her maturity and straightforward communication style made her a stabilizing force in the villa. As half of the winning couple, Hannah is remembered for her loyalty and her ability to navigate the drama with grace.

Carmen Kocourek

Also entering on Day 2, 22-year-old Carmen Kocourek from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was at the center of early-season drama involving Bergie and Victor. Eventually, Carmen found a deep connection with Kenzo Nudo, a late arrival. The two faced scrutiny from fellow islanders regarding their pre-villa connection but remained solid, finishing in fourth place.

Harrison Luna

Harrison Luna, a 26-year-old diamond dealer from Adelaide, Australia, brought a sophisticated vibe to the villa when he arrived on Day 4. His presence immediately turned heads, leading to a brief but notable stint in the villa before he was dumped on Day 15.

Imani Wheeler

Imani Wheeler, a 22-year-old from Sacramento, California, entered on Day 13 and was widely considered one of the most stunning bombshells of the season. A student with a competitive streak, Imani’s arrival caused significant shifts in the villa's hierarchy. Although she didn't reach the finale, her impact was significant enough to earn her a spot on the spin-off Love Island Games.

The Casa Amor Entrants

Casa Amor is the ultimate test of loyalty, where the original men and women are separated and introduced to a whole new group of singles. This season's Casa Amor occurred around Day 16 and introduced several key players.

The Women of Casa Amor

  • Johnnie Garcia: A 25-year-old from Whittier, California, Johnnie became the catalyst for the season's biggest drama when she coupled with Leonardo, leading to a temporary rift between him and Kassy.
  • Taylor Smith: A 24-year-old from Orange County, Taylor was the woman who finally captured Bergie's heart. Their relationship was built on a foundation of genuine friendship and mutual respect.
  • Allie Ryan: A 28-year-old from Madison, Wisconsin.
  • Ashley Sims: A 23-year-old from Jefferson City, Missouri.
  • Dasja Johnson: A 27-year-old from Harrells, North Carolina.
  • Najah Fleary: A 25-year-old from Bladensburg, Maryland.

The Men of Casa Amor

  • Matia Marcantuoni: A 29-year-old from Toronto, Canada, who had previously appeared on Bachelor in Paradise Canada. He initially coupled with Kassy before the dynamics shifted again.
  • Kyle Darden: A 24-year-old from Floral Park, New York, who found a connection with Destiny.
  • Isiah “Zay” Harayda: A 23-year-old from Long Island, New York.
  • Robert “Rob” Rausch: A 24-year-old snake wrangler from Alabama. While he didn't find a permanent match in Season 5, he became a breakout star and returned as a main cast member in Season 6.
  • Brandon Janse van Vuuren: A 22-year-old from South Africa.
  • Eddie Brown: A 26-year-old from Lagos, Nigeria.

Special Guest: Ariana Madix

A unique highlight of Season 5 was the guest appearance of Vanderpump Rules star Ariana Madix. Arriving during a period of high tension, Madix hosted a high-stakes game of "Mr. & Mrs." her presence was a nod to the "Scandoval" phenomenon occurring in the reality TV world at the time, and she provided the islanders with a much-needed morale boost and a bit of "tough love" regarding their romantic choices.

The Season Finale Standings

The final week saw the public voting for their favorite couples based on the perceived strength of their connections.

  1. Winners: Marco Donatelli & Hannah Wright. They were the most consistent couple, having been together since the very beginning of the season (Day 2). They shared the $100,000 prize.
  2. Runners-up: Leonardo Dionicio & Kassy Castillo. Despite the Casa Amor fallout, the pair realized their connection was the strongest and reconciled just in time for the finale.
  3. Third Place: Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen & Taylor Smith. The public's love for Bergie's personal growth journey propelled this couple to a podium finish.
  4. Fourth Place: Kenzo Nudo & Carmen Kocourek. Despite being a late-forming couple, their intense bond secured them a spot in the final four.

Life After the Villa: Future Appearances

The cast of Season 5 has remained active in the reality TV circuit, with several members appearing in other major productions:

  • Carsten “Bergie” Bergersen: Appeared in the second season of the critically acclaimed Peacock series The Traitors, where he showcased his strategic mind.
  • Imani Wheeler and Scott Van-der-Sluis: Both competed in the inaugural season of Love Island Games, a global spin-off featuring contestants from various international versions of the show.
  • Robert "Rob" Rausch: Returned for Love Island USA Season 6 as an original islander, becoming one of the most talked-about participants in the show's history. He is also slated to appear on The Traitors Season 4.
  • Kassy Castillo and Harrison Luna: Both made guest appearances or returned as bombshells in Season 6, further cementing the legacy of the Season 5 cast.
  • Scott Van-der-Sluis: Continued his reality TV streak by appearing in Perfect Match Season 3.

What is the Love Island USA format?

For those new to the series, Love Island involves a group of "Islanders" living in a controlled villa environment. To remain in the competition, they must be coupled up with another islander. Throughout the season, they face re-couplings where they can choose to stay with their current partner or switch to someone new. Challenges, public votes, and the "Casa Amor" twist are designed to test these relationships. The final couple, chosen by the public, wins $100,000.

How are contestants eliminated?

Eliminations, or "dumpings," occur in several ways. An islander may be dumped if they are left single after a re-coupling ceremony. Additionally, the public often votes for their favorite couples or individuals via the Love Island mobile app; those with the fewest votes are frequently at risk. In some cases, fellow islanders are forced to choose which of the "vulnerable" contestants should leave the island.

Summary of Love Island USA Season 5

Love Island USA Season 5 was a landmark year for the series, characterized by a move to a more unfiltered format on Peacock and a cast that provided a perfect blend of high-stakes drama and genuine romance. From Bergie’s underdog story to the steady love of Marco and Hannah, the season offered something for every type of reality TV fan. The cast's continued presence in the media landscape suggests that Season 5 will be remembered as one of the most influential cohorts in the American franchise's history.

FAQ

Who won Love Island USA Season 5? Marco Donatelli and Hannah Wright were crowned the winners on Day 32.

Where was Love Island USA Season 5 filmed? The season was filmed in Fiji, marking a return to the tropical setting for the franchise.

Did any couples from Season 5 stay together? Post-show relationship statuses fluctuate frequently. Marco and Hannah remained together for a significant period following the finale, as did Bergie and Taylor.

Who was the host of Season 5? Sarah Hyland hosted the season, with Iain Stirling providing the comedic narration.

What happened to Kay Kay and Keenan? After a turbulent journey, Keenan was dumped by public vote, and Kay Kay chose to voluntarily leave the villa with him. Their exit was one of the most dramatic moments of the season.

Is Scott Van-der-Sluis from the UK version? Yes, Scott originally appeared on Love Island UK Season 10 just weeks before entering the Love Island USA Season 5 villa on Day 25.