In an incredibly scathing tea spill, a TV insider has claimed that the Seven Network dropped a colossal amount of cash moolah on its new reality TV dating series, Stranded On Honeymoon Island, but unfortunately, viewers don’t seem to be tuning in.

As Farmer Wants A Wife hung up its Akubra for the 2025 season, Seven dropped a new, steamy dating show: Stranded On Honeymoon Island.

Narrated by radio host Jackie O, the show follows a bunch of singles who’ve been matched by relationship experts. After being paired up, the couples are then dropped off on a random island, only in their wedding attire.

Think of it like a cursed Married At First Sight (MAFS) X Survivor collab.
A holiday and a man? Sign me up, lowkey. (Image source: YouTube / Seven Network)
While its premiere copped 539,000 viewers, its ratings took a massive nose dive with its second episode only clocking 376,000 viewers, according to news.com.au.

How much did it cost to make Standed On Honeymoon Island?

Speaking to Daily Mail Australia, a TV insider claimed that the network dropped a whopping $15 million on the show, only for it to be a massive flop.

Shortly after it debuted, the Network had moved the show to a later time, and this week, Stranded On Honeymoon Island was off its Monday roster. Instead, it was moved to a “midweek graveyard slot” with two episodes back-to-back.

“They invested so much into making this show a hit,” the insider told the publication.

“The content was raw and authentic, especially during those camp cove MAFS dinner party-style segments — but somehow they missed the mark.”

Per the publication, EndemolShine Australia — the production company responsible for bangers like MAFS — says it did its part in bringing reality TV chaos with Stranded On Honeymoon Island, but reckons the network could’ve done more to promote the show.

A source, who claimed to be an ex-crew member on the show, admitted that Stranded On Honeymoon Island “had potential”. However, it “needed tighter editing, stronger storytelling, and a network that actually believed in it”.

“It’s another reminder that throwing money at a format doesn’t guarantee a hit,” the source adds.

Why did Stranded On Honeymoon Island flop?

While we don’t have the authority to sit here and point fingers, there are two key factors that could play into why Stranded On Honeymoon Island didn’t click.

Firstly, the show was majorly delayed! In fact, it was originally shot in 2023, a whole two years ago!!

Speaking to PEDESTRIAN.TV in 2014, an industry insider claimed the network was trying to shelve the show, and added that all the contestants left the show single.
Hey, at least ya get a free holiday! (Image source: YouTube / Seven Network)
“Insert the sound of a coconut falling from a tree and landing on a person’s head, that is how good the finished version of the show was,” the insider dished.

“No wonder the network has buried it,” they claimed

At the time, a spokesperson for Seven denied these claims and confirmed its air date for 2025.

A second key factor that could be a possible reason behind its flop status is social media.

Shortly after the show premiered on Seven, fans noticed that Tom — who was matched with Emily — had gotten married and started a family with Aussie Olympian Morgan Mitchell. As a result, his and Emily’s storyline was completely spoiled.

(Image source: Instagram / @tommybr.own)
(Image source: Supplied)

And honestly, I don’t blame him. As much as I hate social media, you couldn’t keep me off for two years!!!

At the time of writing, Network Seven hasn’t shared any news on whether it will be bringing back Stranded On Honeymoon Island for a second season. But honestly, I’m not catching the vibes that it will.