For many of us, this week will see us mark a month in lockdown. With the exception of supermarket trips and government-sanctioned runs, we have not been out since mid-March. Have not had dinner with friends, had a glass of wine at our local or visited our parents. It’s tough. We have never been in more need of escapism. Thankfully, Netflix had a bundle of binge-worthy goodness primed and ready to go. Too Hot To Handle is a perfect tonic for the time, and you’re going to want to spend all day watching it.
Debuting tomorrow, Too Hot To Handle sees ten beautiful singletons land on a tropical beach. They are all frank: they know they are hot, and they are hoping to make sweet music with their fellow attractive contestants. But, obviously, there’s a twist. Hours into the experience, which starts along the same lines as Love Island (hot man approaches hot woman as she lies on a sun longer, asks for a chat, leans in for a snog) but then turns things around: the ten participants may not kiss, hug, have sex, masturbate or engage in any romantic physical activity. Their faces drop. It’s an excellent TV moment.
The twist provides a natural, enjoyable new element to a tired concept. It is genuinely fun to watch these people act like they have received a telegram saying their family dog has been hit by a lawnmower, rather than be asked to dispense with fellation for a fortnight. It is priceless television.
The mix is, also, well constructed. Chloe, from Essex, is an immediate champion, even ignoring national loyalty. She’s charming and sweet and is an earnest foil to the slightly less sincere Americans. Kez, a Londoner, is a clear charmer. Haley is honest to a fault – ‘What language is your tattoo in?’ ‘I don’t know’. Sharron has a short man complex. Matthew is more full of himself than a man wearing a beanie hat on a beach has any right to be. I question whether, as a group, they are likable enough to sustain interest for an entire series, but don’t we always say that about Love Island before falling for our favourites?
Is it perfect? No. There are shades of slut-shaming, and there are ethical implications in recruiting people for a programme then announcing that the rules have changed. At some point the world is going to get tired of watching beautiful people snog on a sandy beach. But, for now, the format is safe. I prescribe all episodes of Too Hot To Handle, to combat lockdown ennui.
You're going to want to book the afternoon off.
Too Hot to Handle launches on Netflix 17th April
READ MORE: Everything You Need To Know About Too Hot To Handle, Netflix's Wild New Dating Show