Channel 4 to head back to the Virgin Island

Channel 4’s youth series, Virgin Island, has been recommissioned for a second series…

Channel 4’s latest reality format Virgin Island has emerged as the broadcaster’s biggest streaming success of the year, topping the charts for young adult audiences and outperforming several high-profile titles across both scripted and unscripted programming.

Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer:

“Virgin Island is the kind of show only Channel 4 would make, exploring an important but under-discussed social issue with warmth, sensitivity and wit. We’re delighted that it resonated with younger viewers and that the men and women who took part found it such a constructive experience”. 

The unscripted series, which follows 12 adult virgins attending a Mediterranean retreat to confront personal barriers to intimacy, has generated strong viewership and media debate. In the first 28 days following its launch, the opening episode became Channel 4’s most-watched programme of 2025 so far among 16-34-year-olds—beating popular long-running shows including Taskmaster, Gogglebox, and Married at First Sight Australia.

According to Channel 4 data, the series has averaged 1.4 million viewers per episode and amassed nearly nine million total streams to date. It now ranks as the broadcaster’s most successful new unscripted launch for 16-34s since current records began—surpassing recent titles like The Jury: Murder Trial and Late Night Lycett, as well as legacy formats such as Supernanny and the original Married at First Sight.

Virgin Island has also outperformed BBC titles such as Doctor Who, Gladiators, and Race Across the World for total youth viewing volume in 2025 so far.

The show’s premise, which places participants in the care of leading sexologists for a guided programme of emotional and physical self-discovery, has sparked both praise and controversy. While some viewers and critics have lauded its sensitive and humanising approach to intimacy, others have questioned its ethics and tone. Regardless, the series has firmly cemented itself as one of the year’s most talked-about television events.

Virgin Island Commissioning Editor, Jonah Weston:

“It’s been such a thrill to watch this show catch fire. This is a live issue among young people, and from the brave cast to our wonderful experts I don’t think I’ve ever worked on anything quite so bold, warm and well-intentioned. Watch out for season 2 which will be bigger and bolder than ever!” 

Final consolidated figures for later episodes are still to be confirmed, but Channel 4 is expected to continue capitalising on the format’s momentum in the coming months. Those interested in taking part in a second series can find more information at www.channel4.com/4viewers/take-part/virgin-island