Hot 'bombshells' crowd bars nationwide for 'Love Island USA' finale
Across the country, similar scenes played out at dozens of other venues, where the sentiment among fans was clear: 'Love Island USA' isn't just a show, it's an event.
The reality series, which streams on Peacock, follows a group of singles over the course of six weeks as they race to couple up and form romantic connections, or risk getting dumped from the island. (Peacock and NBC News are both units of NBCUniversal, which is owned by Comcast.)
In San Marcos, Texas, attendees at the nightclub The Marc gathered for a party that featured a meet and greet with contestant Jeremiah Brown; at The Palm and The Pine in Hollywood, California, fans lined up for a photo booth and entered a raffle in collaboration with NYX Cosmetics; Bigs Fullerton in California served drinks like the 'Hurricane Huda' and 'Mamacita' — catchphrases that went viral among fans; and in Las Vegas, fans watched in the typical Sin City way — at a pool party at Stadium Swim.
Watch parties are far from a new concept. Popular shows, like HBO's 'Game of Thrones' as well as other reality franchises like 'Vanderpump Rules,' have drawn in massive crowds for similar events. But pop culture experts like Steve Granelli, an associate teaching professor of communications at Northeastern University, say the surplus of gatherings around 'Love Island USA' has underscored a need for 'pure escapism.'
'You watch it every day. It gives you something to retreat into,' Granelli said. 'It's the thing that people are gathering to talk about, gathering to watch.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
21 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Sophie Turner oozes summer chic in a white shirt dress as she enjoys an evening out in London after rekindling romance with Peregrine Pearson
Sophie Turner was the epitome of summer in the city as she slipped into a chic white shirt dress for a night out at the St-Germain Terrace at Sea Containers in London. The actress, 29, cut a cool figure in the stylish number, which she teamed with a pair of peep toe heels, while otherwise keeping accessories to a minimum. Game Of Thrones star Sophie wore her blonde locks in soft waves and opted for a glamorous coat of make-up, finishing her ensemble off perfectly. Sophie hosted a group of friends on the riverfront terrace, pouring glasses of St-Germain Hugo Spritz for her pals. The outing comes after it was revealed she's reconciled her romance with aristocrat boyfriend Peregrine Pearson after they were seen together at Glastonbury. Since attending the Worthy Farm festival, Sophie has shared a slew of snaps to her Instagram after a fun-filled weekend. Sophie was one of a host of stars to flock to Somerset a couple of weeks ago for the biggest weekend on the British music calendar. The blonde beauty seemed elated to be in attendance as she larked around with pals while flaunting her impressively slimline physique. In one snap of Sophie and a friend posing for a selfie in the mirror, she sported an all-black outfit consisting of some short leather shorts, stylish sunglasses and a coordinated bikini top. She later showcased her abs once again in a white crop top and retro Nike shorts while cracking a cute smile for a photo at the festival. Sophie also shared pictures of her and friends enjoying some of the weekend's performances, with the actress going braless in one photo wearing the same white vest and a pair of stylish sunglasses. She too included a picture of her and a friend having what looked like a whale of a time, with Sophie holding her pal up on her shoulders in the Glastonbury sunshine. The wholesome slew of snaps comes amid reports Sophie has reconciled her romance with her aristocrat ex-boyfriend Peregrine. The pair were seen hand-in-hand in between sets following online rumours they had split. Sophie beamed as she strolled through the VIP area, with Peregrine close by as they got drinks at the hospitality bar. Onlookers said the couple looked 'smitten' with one another. One said: 'Sophie was on the phone looking for Peregrine and then they saw one another and dashed over. 'They looked so happy.' Sophie's visit to Glastonbury came just days after she was spotted with her ex Joe Jonas in New York. She too included a picture of her and a friend having what looked like a whale of a time, with Sophie holding her pal up on her shoulders in the Glastonbury sunshine They were seen by a Tiktoker who shared the picture of the pair on social media. During the sighting, Joe and Sophie did not appear to be joined by their children, daughters Willa, four, and Delphine, two. The A-listers wed in 2019 before splitting four years later. In September 2023 Joe filed for divorce, plunging the couple into a rancorous legal battle that played out dramatically in the headlines. Sophie was revealed to be dating Peregrine, 30, in December 2023, after the breakdown of her four-year marriage to Joe. Yet, the pair were said to have gone their separate ways in April, as fans noticed they had unfollowed each other on social media. However, they sparked rumours of a reconciliation when they were spotted on a lunch date at Canteen in London. However that same month Sophie is said to have been telling friends she was 'single'. Sophie's representatives declined to comment. MailOnline has contacted Peregrine's team. A source told The Sun at the time: 'Sophie and Peregrine had a great time together but the relationship ran its course. She is single and is focusing on her career and her two daughters.' The couple have documented their relationship online, with Sophie last sharing pictures of Peregrine - known as Perry - in a post from January. In a round up for the year, Sophie included several snaps of Perry, including one loved-up photo where she was wrapped around him taken in a bathroom mirror. However, Perry's presence on her page has been less visible since, with Sophie not including him in a post from a Paris trip in March he was on with the Game Of Thrones star and her friends. Before their lunch date, Sophie and Perry were last pictured together at the Louis Vuitton show on March 10 before having dinner at Siena in the French capital. While the couple appeared to have hit a rocky patch, it was only the end of last year that it was reported that Sophie could see herself having children with him.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Daily Mirror
HBO's Harry Potter cast in full as first look at new Hagrid is revealed
HBO's Harry Potter reboot has officially begun filming, with an exciting cast set to take on the iconic roles Fans of Harry Potter have something magical to look forward to, as HBO has confirmed the production of a Harry Potter reboot with an impressive ensemble to bring our favourite wizarding world characters back to life. Starring in the new adaptation based on J. celebrated series will be Dominic McLaughlin, stepping into the iconic role of Harry Potter himself. McLaughlin snagged the part after producers cast their nets wide to find an actor who could embody the boy wizard. Joining him are Alastair Stout as the loyal sidekick Ron Weasley and Arabella Stanton, set to portray the brilliantly brainy Hermione Granger. Back in May, executive producers Francesca Gardiner and Mark Mylod shared their enthusiasm over assembling such a stellar core group of young actors, reports the Express. "The talent of these three unique actors is wonderful to behold, and we cannot wait for the world to witness their magic together onscreen," they praised. Every potential Harry was considered, with the producers extending their gratitude to the countless hopefuls who tried out. "We would like to thank all the tens of thousands of children who auditioned. It's been a real pleasure to discover the plethora of young talent out there." As the wizarding excitement builds up, which other actors have conjured roles in this much-anticipated project? Confirmed cast The first take of the 11-year-old in his wizard robes was shared this week, signalling the start of production. Alongside the recognisable trio, HBO disclosed additional members joining the roster of familiar Hogwarts faces. Rory Wilmot promises to bring Neville Longbottom to life, while viewers might be keen to spot him in Netflix's forthcoming series, Out of the Dust. Meanwhile, Amos Kitson joins the franchise as the infamous cousin Dudley Dursley. Meanwhile, Harry's adoptive parents Petunia and Vernon Dursley will be played by The Diary of a Teenage Girl's Bel Powley and Flowers' Daniel Rigby. Sherlock's Louise Brealey is set to portray Quidditch coach Madam Hooch, while Andor's Anton Lesser will take on the role of wandmaker Mr Ollivander. Lesser, who previously appeared in Game of Thrones for HBO, has also had roles in The Crown, Wolf Hall and ITV's Endeavour. Comedian Nick Frost is will play half-giant Rubeus Hagrid, with HBO already sharing snaps of him donning the unmistakable Hagrid costume. Frost is best known for his role as Ed in Edgar Wright's Shaun of the Dead. Janet McTeer from MobLand will step into the shoes of Professor Minerva McGonagall, a character famously brought to life by the late Maggie Smith in the original films. BBC star Paapa Essiedu is ready to take on the role of Severus Snape, alongside stage actor Luke Thallon as Hogwarts staff member Quirinus Quirrell. Paul Whitehouse, known to fans as Sir Cadogan from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, will portray Argus Filch in the upcoming spin-off. The ensemble cast is rounded off with American actor John Lithgow as Dumbledore, newcomer Lox Pratt as Draco Malfoy, Ripley's Johnny Flynn as Lucius Malfoy, and The IT Crowd's Katherine Parkinson as Molly Weasley. Lastly, but certainly not least, The Crown's Bertie Carvel will portray the political character Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, aptly cast following his role as former Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Netflix sensation.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
Game of Thrones stars launches whisky - calling it 'the ultimate Scottish toast to the world'
SLANJ Spirits recently launched its debut SLANJ Whisky, a new blended malt from the owners behind the well known kilt shops and actor Rory McCann. The new whisky is the brainchild of three long-time friends – Brian and Craig Halley, founders of SLANJ Kilts and Stuart Montgomerie – who have dreamed of launching a Scotch for over a decade. The trio secured the SLANJ Whisky brand name nearly ten years ago and have waited patiently for the right moment and the right blend. One of the brand's most recognisable investors is actor Rory McCann, best known for his role as The Hound in Game of Thrones. A long-time whisky lover, McCann was closely involved in the final blend and development process, ensuring the result felt true to the brand's relaxed but quality-focused ethos. He said, 'I've always loved whisky, but SLANJ hits different. It's smooth, no smoke, no fuss - just a bold, easy-going dram anyone can enjoy. I'm proud to back a whisky that's pure Scottish spirit, without the rules. It's the ultimate Scottish toast to the world.' This first-edition blend is made from 70% Speyside single malt matured in sherry casks and 30% Highland single malt matured in bourbon casks. Bottled at 46%, non-chill filtered and with natural colour, it delivers a smooth and rounded profile with fruit, subtle sweetness and gentle spice – while deliberately holding back on any smoke. 'Scotch doesn't need to be sacred to be exceptional,' said Brian Halley, founder of SLANJ Spirits. 'We've always loved the craft, but we wanted to create something that felt less like a ritual and more like a moment. 'Something people could enjoy instinctively, without second- guessing how to drink it. We've held onto the SLANJ name for nearly a decade, waiting for the right time and the right whisky.' He added, 'After years in the making, SLANJ feels like the whisky Scotland's been waiting for.' With a strong background in retail, design and brand-building, the Halley brothers bring creative direction, while Montgomery, following a highly successful career in banking in London, brings strategic and commercial insight from his current role as an investor and adviser to several Scottish businesses. To bring their vision to life, the founders enlisted the expertise of Douglas Laing & Co., Scotland's leading independent blender and bottler specialising the creation of artisan, small batch and single cask Scotch. Together, they developed a whisky with depth, balance and broad appeal. With Laing's support, the team secured a sustainable and consistent supply of quality malt for future bottlings, ensuring the brand's longevity. Renowned whisky writer Charles MacLean has given the whisky his seal of approval, saying: 'SLANJ Whisky has been years in the making and it has been especially rewarding to follow its journey and see what the team has achieved. We are all very proud of this moreish blend!' The whisky is aimed at both seasoned whisky drinkers and those just discovering the category – a whisky with craft at its core, but no rules on how to enjoy it. SLANJ is launching in the UK with ambitions to roll out internationally, as the brand looks to bring its modern Scotch sensibility to a global audience. The team is already exploring future limited editions and special releases, with more to come from this bold new player in the whisky world – one pour at a time. SLANJ whisky is available to buy from Master of Malt for £48. You can buy a bottle here.
