The island is closed for business. NBC has made a disappointing decision about one of its most intriguing and strategic game shows from 2025, Deal or No Deal Island.
After just two seasons, the reality show is coming to an end. It’s certainly disappointing for those who enjoyed the elements of the original series and the Survivor-esque parts merged in. After all, this was a social game as well as a guessing game.
Deal or No Deal Island’s cancellation isn’t all that surprising
While the cancellation is disappointing, it’s also not that surprising when you consider the linear ratings. Deadline reports that the demo was down to just 0.24, which was down around 17% from the first season. It is a shame as the series held pretty steady throughout the second season, but it just wasn’t enough to compete with all the other shows NBC has to offer.
Now eyes are on other strategic and newer reality shows, such as Destination X and On Brand with Jimmy Fallon. NBC is still making decisions about the two of them, and since Deal or No Deal Island aired in January to March, it looks like we’ll be waiting some time for decisions.
What was Deal or No Deal Island about?
Joe Manganiello hosted the series, which saw 13 contestants go head-to-head on The Banker’s private island to compete for cash. The Banker in the two seasons was different, with part of the guessing game for viewers being who the Banker was.
There was a Survivor element to the show, though. Each of the contestants would live in huts, and they would need to work together to complete challenges to add money to the pot that people could take home. Those briefcases would be added to the options at Temple, and then a traditional Deal or No Deal game would take place to see just how much would end up being added.
If someone lost at Temple, they were eliminated from the game. If they won, they got to choose who would be eliminated, meaning that alliances were important.
Like the first season of The Traitors, the show opted to have a mixture of civilian and celebrity players in the game. Boston Rob appeared in the first season, which premiered in February 2024, and then Will Kirby (Dr. Will) and Parvati Shallow appeared in the second season. Sometimes, they would let everyone know they were celebrities, and other times, they would work on keeping it a secret.
It was an intriguing game that involved strategy and a social game, and that’s what made it a lot of fun to watch. However, the island is closed, and NBC will be on the lookout for new reality and competition shows.
Deal or No Deal Island is available to stream on Peacock.