Passion Distribution has announced the second international commission of Virgin Island, the groundbreaking social-experiment format that has become one of TV’s most talked-about formats.
Following record-breaking streaming performances (season 1 in 2025, season 2 in 2026) on Channel 4 (UK) and its first international commission by Dutch public broadcaster BNNVARA, the format has now been adapted for Germany. Produced by RTL Studios for RTL+, the series recently completed filming at a beachfront location in Mexico and follows ten young men and women as they confront their intimacy issues. Several further international versions are currently in development and will be announced in due course.
Originally produced by Double Act for Channel 4, Virgin Island delivered the broadcaster’s biggest streaming launch in its history across any genre. The series achieved Channel 4’s highest consolidated share among 16–34-year-olds since modern records, delivering four times the channel’s benchmark for the demographic.
In May 2026, season 2 has gone on to new heights by building the 16-34 segment by 11% year on year. It was the most-watched show of the month for this audience across all UK commercial channels, outperforming hit programmes such as Gogglebox, The Great Pottery Throw Down and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins.
The series has also received significant industry recognition, having won the 2026 Broadcast Award in the category ‘Best Factual Entertainment Programme’, as well as the 2025 National Reality TV Awards in the category ‘Best Social Experiment Show’. The series was also nominated for a BAFTA TV Award and a Grierson Award. Exec Producer, Rob Davis, from Double Act added: “It’s a privilege to be working with RTL on the German version of Virgin Island, and I wish them every success. The format’s growing international appeal reflects the fact that intimacy and connection are defining issues for many young people today. Virgin Island proves these stories can be told with warmth, humour, and authenticity, creating television that is both emotionally engaging and culturally relevant.”
Nick Tanner, Director of Sales and Co-Productions at Passion Distribution, commented: “Virgin Island is a tonic for TV social experiments and proven to engage young audiences in streaming and linear. The German adaptation will be a bold, emotional and enthralling edition!”
