Two ‘Love Island USA’ contestants call GA home. When does season begin?

From dazzling smiles and lustful dates to shocking eliminations and lifelong friendships, Love Island USA is back.

A dozen singles are about to begin their journey on the hit dating show, and this summer is guaranteed to bring more viral moments.

The new season premieres on Tuesday, June 2, and Georgia viewers may recognize two of the new cast members.

Aniya Harvey, 23, and Kenzie Annis, 24, are leaving the Peach State behind for the beaches of Fiji for a chance at love in the villa.

Daughter of NBA player makes television debut

Aniya Harvey, daughter of Shellman-born former NBA player Donnell Harvey, is joining the cast from her home in Tyrone, Georgia.

Harvey graduated from Sandy Creek High School in 2020 and went on to play volleyball at Florida Atlantic University, where she studied marketing. According to her LinkedIn profile, Harvey has worked with the Reconstructing Youth Foundation, an organization started by her father to help at-risk youth in Georgia.

She posts carefully curated images on her social media pages, but very little personal information, instead choosing model-esque photos from various trips and activities.

Harvey says she has been single for six months and she’s “excited about finding … prince charming,” according to a video shared ahead of the premiere.

Recent KSU grad looks for love

Kenzie Annis is a recent graduate of the Kennesaw State University nursing school, finishing her degree just days before being whisked away to Fiji.

“I GRADUATED NURSING SCHOOL! Thank you KSU for some of the hardest, but best years of my life!” Annis said in an Instagram post on May 17. “I am happy to announce, I am now adding BSN to my name!”

Annis has already faced some online backlash after an old photo of her with a “Make America Great Again” cap resurfaced and was shared on social media.

In a now deleted post, Annis’ management team released a statement on TikTok that said older images no longer reflect her current beliefs, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

“Before viewers have even had the opportunity to get to know Kenzie, narratives are already being created based on outdated and selective information. We encourage everyone to approach these conversations with fairness, maturity, and an understanding that people grow and evolve over time … We hope people allow her the space to enter this new chapter without immediate judgment or unnecessary hostility,” the statement read.

In a video posted by Love Island, Annis said she’s been single for a year and a half and strives to find a relationship like her parents, who are still happily married.

Previous online bullying prompts statement

Concern over Annis’ previous affiliations are just the tip of the iceberg of how carefully dissected Love Island contestants become. Online bullying of the cast in previous seasons has warranted comment from Love Island USA, and even prompted a precautionary warning this season.

“The Villa runs on good vibes, and so does this community. We love seeing your reactions, opinions, and debates, but everyone deserves to feel safe and respected,” Love Island USA said in May 27 statement on Instagram. “This is a space for fun, not negativity – and remember: this is LOVE island!”

Another member of the season 8 cast, Vasana Montgomery, has already been removed from the season before it airs, USA TODAY reported. Montgomery, a 25-year-old business owner from Oregon, was accused of using racial slurs in recently resurfaced videos. Two previous contestant on season 7 of the show, Yulissa Escobar and Cierra Ortega, were pulled from the cast mid-season over similar accusations.

Where and when can I watch Love Island USA season 8?

All episodes of season 8 of Love Island USA will be streamed on Peacock. New episodes will drop each night at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Peacock subscriptions can range from $7.99 to $16.99 depending on the package.

Irene Wright is the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.