Virgin Island received backlash from viewers for the show’s ‘exploitative’ premise, which involved encouraging adult virgins to embrace their sexuality for the first time on TV

Channel 4’s boundary-pushing series Virgin Island has officially been renewed for a second series, despite a wave of backlash from shocked viewers who branded it “disturbing” and “exploitative”.

Virgin Island, which has been described as “groundbreaking and heartwarming” by Channel 4 bosses, followed 12 adult virgins on a journey of sexual self-discovery at a luxury Mediterranean retreat. Participants in the show were guided through a unique intimacy course by sexologists Celeste Hirschman and Dr. Danielle Harel, which is designed to help them overcome their fears around sex and connection.

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Although every episode aired after the 9pm watershed, many viewers were stunned by the show’s unfiltered approach to experiential sex therapy – which saw one of the participants lose their virginity to sex surrogate on the show.

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The first series faced backlash from some viewers who deemed it ‘disturbing'(Image: Channel 4)
At the time, audiences took to X to share their thoughts, with one writing: “It feels wrong to be watching this.” Another viewer shared: “This is just getting disturbingly weird now.”

“This is so exploitative. I’m panicking myself and I’m watching it at home!! I can’t even imagine being one of them right now. This is awful,” wrote a third. And a fourth said: “I’m sorry but that Virgin island maybe the most disturbing thing channel 4 has ever released”.

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Despite the controversy, Virgin Island has quickly become Channel 4’s biggest streaming hit of the year across all genres. It is now the most-watched show for 16–34s in 2025 so far, overtaking major titles like Taskmaster, Gogglebox, and Married at First Sight Australia.

The first season had a series average of 1.4 million viewers per episode, and received almost 9 million total streams, so it is clear the show struck a chord with younger audiences.

Ian Katz, Channel 4’s Chief Content Officer, said: “Virgin Island is the kind of show only Channel 4 would make – exploring an important but under-discussed social issue with warmth, sensitivity and wit. We’re delighted that it resonated with younger viewers.”

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The show’s commissioning editor, Jonah Weston, added: “This is a live issue among young people, and from the brave cast to our wonderful experts, I don’t think I’ve ever worked on anything quite so bold, warm and well-intentioned. Watch out for season 2 – it’ll be even bigger and bolder.”

However, it has become Channel 4’s most watched show of the year(Image: Channel 4)
Executive Producer Rob Davis called the show’s success “incredible”, adding: “Its bold and fresh approach clearly struck a chord with the younger generation.”

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One of the most controversial practises on the show was the use of surrogate partners, who were professionals the cast were allowed to practise sexual intimacy with if they so desired. However, the show’s sexologists have defended Channel 4’s methods, emphasising that the stars were looked after every step of the way.

Celeste and Danielle shared: “A surrogate partner therapist works in conjunction with a traditional licensed therapist and then a client. The therapist is there so if anything emotional comes up for the client that they have someone to process it with, and the surrogate partner can go step-by-step through erotic experiences.”

Danielle continued: “During the show, all the coaches, all the practitioners were really mindful about consent. We taught them first to say no. We kept checking, tracking their like nervous system and if they’re like recoiling like., ‘What’s happening?’

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“So we’re constantly aware of making sure that they are comfortable even though it’s not like it was easy, but they’re comfortable with the next growing moment.”

Virgin Island participant Dave, who was the only person to lose his virginity on the show, has also spoken highly of it, saying: “I had an amazing time on the island… I can’t speak highly enough of the experts and production team. I was lucky enough to achieve the ultimate aim of the series whilst on the island, and I can’t wait to see the next group of participants go on the same journey. It’s completely changed my life.”