Netflix’s latest must-see TV is Too Hot to Handle, which dropped on the streaming service today. Too Hot to Handle isn't subtle and it isn't intended to be. Similar to other recent deranged reality shows like The Circle and Love Is Blind, the series leans into its absurd premise (more on that shortly), enlists a rambunctious cast of characters who dutifully crank out meme-able moments (and will shortly be rewarded for their efforts with fleeting social media fame), and promises that if you stick around long enough, you’ll witness wholesome(ish) personal growth.
But Too Hot to Handle separates itself from its predecessors in one key respect: Though it tries to hit you over the head with its We Live in a Craven Society bit, it doesn’t totally succeed in making that its pervasive theme—which is a good thing. This is pure, unvarnished, early aughts reality TV, a form of entertainment that’s desperately needed right now. Want to know more? Let’s dive in.
What is Too Hot to Handle about?
Too Hot to Handle introduces 10 very single contestants—five men and five women—who meet on a picturesque, private island. Like almost every other reality show ever created, this one does not make much of an attempt at representation; the cast consists of attractive, mostly straight folks. But the twist is fun and ridiculous: A few hours after arriving at what they think will be a paradise full of hook-ups, the contestants are told they are not allowed to kiss or engage in any sexual acts (including masturbation). They absorb this news like they just heard about a presidential assassination. If they break the rules during their stay, they’re docked money from a $100,000 prize pool. Also, they sleep in one room, sharing twin-sized beds. In so many ways, the crux of this show feels on-the-nose for singles who are currently socially distancing (minus the being around other humans and no masturbation parts).
What happens in each episode?
Friendship pacts gradually form amongst groups of men and groups of women, who alternate between fully avoiding each other due to their horniness and gladly losing out on thousands of dollars to make-out for a few seconds. (The latter usually happens after some evening drinking.) Real relationships bubble up and fall apart, new characters are introduced, and a variety of cringey challenges—including a no-sexual-contact fantasy suite—are presented as tests to see if the contestants have done any puritanical introspection. The rules are enforced by around-the-clock cameras and an Alexa-like AI named Lana, who announces penalties, date night couplings, and other assorted dramatics.
Is Too Hot to Handle a worthwhile time investment?
There are eight episodes, each of which is roughly 40 minutes, which feels like the ideal length for a reality show right now. Other than the occasional empowerment-centered workshop, where the producers encourage the contestants to pretend they’re learning and growing, the footage is mostly breezy and laugh-out-loud funny. Finishing the whole series in a weekend is easily achievable, and even better, you’ll have no regrets.
Who are the breakout stars?
By far the most charming participant is Chloe, a 20-year-old from Essex, England, who makes it very clear from the get-go how badly she’s willing to break the rules for the right man. Her requirements, expressed in wonderful Britishisms, are simple enough: Good banter and chat, and if/when she kisses someone, she wants to feel something immediately, or she’s onto the next guy (and regretting the loss of money from the prize pool).
There’s also Matthew, whose name you will quickly forget, because he looks like—and is referred to—as Jesus. He is prone to expressing Matthew-isms, which aren’t quite as charming as what Chloe has to offer, though they’re equally entertaining.
Remarkably, almost everyone who appears on the show has something to contribute, whether they’re trouble-makers or seeking reality TV-levels of love. Without spoiling anything, I can only think of two real villains—one who very much leans into that role, and another who genuinely seems like an awful person.
Will my life be enriched at all for having watched Too Hot to Handle?
Absolutely not, which is why you should give it a shot. At its core, Too Hot to Handle is a straightforward, bingeable, raunchy reality show, one you can enjoy without feeling like you’re facing down a Black Mirror-inspired moral dilemma.
The star of Netflix’s surprise hit moved to L.A. at 18 to pursue his real dream: filmmaking.
