The Mediaset media holding is preparing an unprecedented move for the ninth season of its flagship reality show “Temptation Island.” For the first time in the project’s history, viewers will gain access to one of the most secretive aspects—the participant selection process. The channel has decided to lift the veil of secrecy and show exactly how the couples and singles are chosen to test their relationships in the Dominican Republic.
Exclusive content will appear on the Mediaset Infinity digital platform, serving as the starting point for diving into the new season. This Tuesday, October 7, at 8 p.m., the first part of a special format called “Temptation Island. Casting” will air. This program will give a detailed look at the entire journey of the candidates: from submitting their applications to the final interviews. The key difference this year is the open casting, allowing anyone to apply, not just those selected by producers. Viewers will be able to watch interviews, challenging tests, and understand the selection logic that ultimately decides who will make it to the villas.
Right after the two-part look into the world of castings, Mediaset Infinity will present another familiar but revamped project—’On the Way to Temptation Island.’ This program will formally introduce the final couples and tempters to the public. Cameras will follow the participants during their last preparations for their life-changing journey and will capture their arrival at the villas. In addition, the broadcast will feature relatives and friends of the contestants, who will share their concerns, expectations, and offer final words of advice. The producers also promise to show a montage of the most striking moments of the upcoming season to further build anticipation.
There is a calculated strategy behind this innovative approach. Telecinco, facing the need to improve its audience ratings, is relying on one of its most successful formats. Moving the premiere to the autumn—a first in several years—and launching two seasons in one year, is a bold strategy that risks saturating the audience. However, by engaging viewers from the earliest stages, Mediaset hopes to create a stronger emotional connection with the cast and secure high ratings even before the main program officially airs on the channel.
