Arielle Vandenberg Love Island: What Really Happened to the Show’s Original Host

If you were watching Love Island USA back when it first hit our screens in 2019, you remember the energy. It was a little chaotic, very bright, and anchored by a host who seemed like she was actually having as much fun as the viewers. Arielle Vandenberg wasn't just a face on the screen; she was the vibe.

Then, suddenly, she wasn't.

One day we’re watching her slow-walk into a Fiji villa, and the next, there’s a major network shift and a new face at the helm. It felt abrupt. For many fans, Arielle Vandenberg and Love Island were synonymous, so the transition left a lot of people wondering if she was pushed out or if she chose to walk away from the biggest gig of her career.

The unexpected exit from the villa

Let's be real: network television is a brutal business. Arielle hosted three seasons of the show while it lived on CBS. She survived the "bubble" season in Las Vegas during the pandemic and the move to Hawaii. She was the one who welcomed the very first American islanders.

But in 2022, everything changed.

The show moved from CBS to Peacock. Usually, when a show switches platforms, the new owners want to pee on the fire and mark their territory. They call it "rebranding." In this case, that meant replacing Arielle with Sarah Hyland.

✨ Don't miss: Austin & Ally Maddie Ziegler Episode: What Really Happened in Homework & Hidden Talents

Arielle was incredibly classy about the whole thing. She posted on Instagram that she was "truly sad" to be leaving. It wasn't some calculated "mutual decision" corporate-speak—she actually loved the job. She’d worked her buns off to get there. Honestly, it’s rare to see a host be that vulnerable about losing a role they cared about. She basically told fans that the new network just wanted a fresh start.

Why Arielle Vandenberg was the "Fan Favorite" host

There is a specific kind of magic required to host Love Island. You have to be authoritative enough to command a room of hot, screaming 22-year-olds, but cool enough that they want to talk to you. Arielle had that. Maybe it was her background in comedy.

Before the villa, she was a Vine legend. Remember Vine? Six seconds of pure, unhinged comedy. She brought that "cool older sister" energy to the show.

• The Comedy Chops: She didn't take herself too seriously. If an islander said something stupid, her facial expressions said everything the audience was thinking.
• The Wardrobe: Let's talk about the fits. Arielle’s style was effortless. It didn't feel like she was wearing a costume; it felt like her.
• Genuine Connection: Fans on Reddit still talk about how she seemed to actually give a damn about the couples. When a brutal dumping happened, you could see it on her face.

Some viewers felt that later hosts—while talented—lacked that specific, quirky comedic timing that Arielle perfected during those first three seasons. She wasn't just reading a teleprompter; she was part of the family.

Life after the island: Rel Beauty and more

So, what do you do after you leave one of the biggest reality franchises on the planet? If you're Arielle, you build an empire.

🔗 Read more: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby

She didn't just sit around moping. In 2022, she launched Rel Beauty, her own clean cosmetics line. It's very on-brand for her: simple, effective, and focused on that "glowy" look she became known for in the villa. It's a move that makes sense. She spent years in the Fiji sun; she knows what a good lip tint needs to do.

She also stayed busy with:

1. The Only Child Podcast: Where she leans into her personality without the constraints of a TV script.
2. Social Media Mastery: She and her husband, Matt Cutshall (the "emo" video guy), are basically the king and queen of relatable couple content.
3. Acting: She’s continued to pick up roles, appearing in projects like Young, Sexy & Dead in 2023.

It’s clear she didn't need the villa to stay relevant. If anything, the show was just one chapter in a much longer career that started way back in 2006 with guest spots on CSI and How I Met Your Mother.

The Sarah Hyland and Ariana Madix transitions

It’s impossible to talk about Arielle's legacy without acknowledging who came after. Sarah Hyland took the reins for two seasons, bringing a more "polished Hollywood" feel. Then, in a massive power move, Peacock brought in Ariana Madix for Season 6.

Each host has brought a different flavor. Sarah was the pro. Ariana is the ultimate fan-turned-host. But Arielle was the pioneer. She set the blueprint for what Love Island USA should look like. She proved that the US version could have its own identity, separate from the UK powerhouse.

💡 You might also like: Kate Moss Family Guy: What Most People Get Wrong About That Cutaway

What we can learn from Arielle's journey

Transitioning out of a high-profile job is never easy, especially when it’s due to a "rebrand" you have no control over. Arielle’s exit is a masterclass in professional grace. She supported her successor, Sarah Hyland, publicly and immediately. No shade. No bitter tweets. Just a "thanks for the memories" and on to the next thing.

If you’re missing that Arielle energy, you don't have to look far. Her Instagram is still a goldmine of the same humor that made her a star on Vine and a hit in the villa.

Next Steps for Fans:

• Check out Rel Beauty: If you want that villa glow, her "Creamy Lip & Cheek Tint" is usually the go-to recommendation.
• Watch the early seasons: If you’re a new fan who started with Ariana Madix, go back to Season 1 and 2. Seeing Arielle navigate the early days of the show gives you a whole new appreciation for how far the franchise has come.
• Follow "The Cuties": Her content with Matt Cutshall is arguably some of the funniest stuff on the internet right now.

The villa might have new owners and new hosts, but for the OG fans, Arielle Vandenberg will always be the one who got the fire started.

Actionable Insight: When a major brand or show you love undergoes a "rebrand," look at the original creators' current projects. Often, the "soul" of what you liked about the original show has simply moved to a new platform—like Arielle’s transition to beauty and independent content creation. Support the person, not just the brand.