Format

Passion Distribution has announced the second international commission of the social experiment format Virgin Island, which continues to be one of the most talked-about formats on television. Following record-breaking streaming performance across its first two seasons (2025 and 2026) on Channel 4 (UK), and its first international adaptation by Dutch public broadcaster BNNVARA, the format has now been adapted in 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.

Originally produced by Double Act for Channel 4, Virgin Island delivered the broadcaster’s biggest streaming launch in its history across all genres. It also achieved Channel 4’s highest consolidated share among 16–34-year-olds since modern records began, delivering four times the channel’s benchmark for the demographic. In May 2026, season two continued its strong performance, growing the 16–34 audience by 11% year on year.
The format has also received significant industry recognition, winning the 2026 Broadcast Award for Best Factual Entertainment Programme and the 2025 National Reality TV Award for Best Social Experiment Show. It was also nominated for a BAFTA TV Award and a Grierson Award.

Executive Producer Rob Davis from Double Act said: “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!”