Think You Could Win 'Too Hot to Handle?' Here's What the Application Process Is Like
Updated July 14 2023, 12:32 p.m. ET
The premise of the Netflix reality series Too Hot to Handle seems innocuous enough: A group of attractive strangers is stranded on an island with the chance to win $200,000. The only caveat? They must refrain from hooking up long enough to secure the funds. In true reality TV fashion, things get messy and wild. But being reality TV, that means there must be a system of application.
Here's everything we know about how to apply to be a contestant on Too Hot To Handle.
Here's what the 'Too Hot To Handle' application process is like.
Too Hot to Handle's application process is similar to that of other reality TV shows — meaning there's an audition and testing process. The producers and creators want to get a good mix of contestants to make sure they mesh well with (or directly conflict with) the other competitors. According to co-creator Louise Peete, however, there are a few traits that will put you on the top of the list.
"When their casting tapes came to us, they sang. They were perfect. They fit the bill in terms of their habits, in terms of their love lives, and their commitment phobia," she told O Magazine of the cast members they chose for the show back in Season 1.
It's not enough to be young and hot. You have to be relationship-adverse as well! After all, it's much harder to try to win $200,000 if you're interested in more than one person in the room.
The first season of Too Hot to Handle had 14 contestants, and Seasons 2–5 all had 10 episodes — so it looks like the more popular the show becomes, the more difficult it is to secure a spot. Most of the contestants had significant social media followings even before the show's release, so it's safe to say it can't hurt to bump up your Instagram followers if you're thinking about auditioning!
Typically, contestants aren't given much information about the actual rules of the show. Marie Claire notes that when the show was first being filmed, they didn't even use the real title to keep contestants totally in the dark. The contestants were told "it would be a partying show with loads of single people in there having sex, having the time of our lives," said Cam Holmes, one of the competitors in Season 1.
Thankfully, when Netflix is searching for contestants, there's an easy way to shoot your shot. Head to Netflixreality.com, select Too Hot to Handle, and simply submit an audition video showcasing your personality and best smile.
Chances are, if you're chosen for Too Hot to Handle, you might not even know it at first. It turns out that the contestants on Season 3 thought they'd auditioned for a program called Pleasure Island, so clearly being adaptable is key!
As of yet, there has been no word on filming for Season 6, but thankfully we've got Season 5 drama to tide us over until then.
Too Hot to Handle is currently streaming on Netflix.