Exclusive Interview
Will There Be a ‘Temptation Island’ Reunion? Host Mark L. Walberg Weighs In
Although Temptation Island just started streaming on Netflix this week, it was filmed months ago, which means that there could be major updates from the couples by now. Unfortunately, Season 9 did not include a reunion special (as of now) to provide insight into where everyone stands today.
Host Mark L. Walberg chatted with Swooon about whether or not there are plans for a reunion in the future.
No reunion has been confirmed at this time, but Walberg said he’d be “happy” to host one. “I’ve done some reunions, and to be honest with you, don’t enjoy them. They’re messy. I don’t like the conflict, but I’m happy to do it,” he said. “And if somebody’s got to do it, I’d rather [it] be me. I think the audience wants to know.”
While hosting Temptation Island, Walberg got to know the four couples and the singles who were brought in to tempt them, so he’s familiar with everyone’s stories. “It’s uncomfortable and hard to drive that bus right with that many personalities, as opposed to the Love Is Blind reunion, which was really great,” Walberg continued. “Because it’s an emotional ride, it doesn’t get chippy. It doesn’t really get to a ‘take your rings off and let’s get in a fight’ kind of vibe. Our show is a little spicier, so a reunion would be a little harder to corral.”
At the end of Season 9, one couple — Alexa Santamaria and Lino Troisi — got engaged, while another couple — Shanté Glover and Brion Whitley — left the island together and vowed to work on their relationship. The final two couples — Ashley Moore and Grant Larsen, and Tayler Byrd and Tyler Breshears — broke up. Tayler and Grant left the show alone, but Ashley decided to leave with Danny Spongberg, and Tyler left with Kay Carlson.
Needless to say, there are plenty of questions remaining about which of these couples were able to make it last back in the real world. Walberg is game to answer those questions at a potential reunion.
“My tendency is diffuse conflict, so in my ear I’m getting ‘let it go, let it go,’ and then I jump in and say what I need to say,” he concluded. “The reunions aren’t fun for me, but necessary. If they would decide they want to do one, of course I’m there.”
Meanwhile, Kay weighed in when a fan on Instagram asked her why there wasn’t a reunion special. She commented, “We are praying for it. hopefully one is coming!!! @netflix.”
Temptation Island, Season 9, Streaming Now, Netflix
-Reporting by Avery Thompson
