Love Island USA Season 7 has officially wrapped, with Amaya Espinal and Bryan Arenales taking home the $100,000 grand prize. While the couple's win has been met with cheers from loyal fans, who watched their romance blossom week after week, the overall tone online isn't exactly celebratory.

For many viewers, this season was a bumpy ride – marred by controversy, underwhelming drama, and casting backlash that's left the Love Island franchise facing tough questions.

"Not shocked they won...Amaya and Bryan were the only consistent couple with real chemistry," wrote one viewer on X (formerly Twitter). "But this season as a whole? Mid at best."

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Amaya and Bryan quickly emerged as one of the most stable couples in the villa. They were charming, open with their feelings, and seemed to genuinely enjoy each other's company. Compared to the turbulence surrounding many of the other contestants, their steady connection stood out.

Their win didn't exactly come as a shock to the fandom, but even as fans supported the outcome, it was clear that frustration over the season's direction had been simmering for weeks.

One of the most significant issues this season stemmed from casting controversies. Two contestants – Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega – were removed from the show after past racist remarks surfaced online. The backlash was swift and severe, with fans calling out Peacock and the show's producers for failing to properly vet participants before putting them on national television.

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"It's not just disappointing, it's irresponsible," shared a fan on Love Island USA's Instagram account. "You're giving a platform to people who haven't shown accountability, and that puts both the Islanders and viewers in a tough spot."

Both Escobar and Ortega later shared the hateful messages they received after being removed, shedding light on the very real dangers of public backlash. 

"I think people forget there are real humans behind these profiles," said host Ariana Madix during an emotional moment on the show, where she broke down in tears over the toxic online environment and the weight of the season's scandals. The backlash has triggered a larger conversation about the responsibility reality shows have when it comes to casting.

Even Peacock issued a public reminder before the finale, writing, "Love Island exists because of the real people who share their search for love with the world... Our host and all Islanders deserve respect and kindness for opening their hearts to the experience and to viewers everywhere."

Still, for many fans, that statement fell flat. In what might be an effort to regain some goodwill, Love Island USA is going big for its Season 7 reunion. 

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Andy Cohen, the longtime face of Bravo's Real Housewives reunions, will join Madix to co-host the special, set to premiere August 25 on Peacock at 9 p.m. ET.

This marks the first time Cohen has stepped into the Love Island universe, and fans are hoping he brings his signature no-nonsense interview style to the table. The reunion will feature this season's winners, fan-favorite couples, and the most talked-about Islanders, including Chelley Bissainthe, Ace Greene, Iris Kendall, Pepe García, Huda Mustafa, and more.

Despite the controversy, Love Island USA Season 7 was a hit in terms of streaming numbers. According to Peacock, the season ranked as the No. 1 streaming reality title for five consecutive weeks and brought in a record-breaking mobile audience. Over 40% of Season 7's viewers were brand-new to the franchise, a stat that highlights both the show's growing reach and the importance of maintaining audience trust.

Photo Credit: @loveislandusa on Instagram.