When Love Island USA debuted its first season on CBS in the summer of 2019, viewers watched a group of singles couple up in a Fiji villa under constant surveillance. Hosted by Arielle Vandenberg and narrated by Matthew Hoffman, that inaugural season introduced fans to a format that later exploded into a massive pop-culture phenomenon on Peacock. None of the couples who formed during that original run managed to make their relationships last, proving that villa chemistry rarely survives the real world.
The search intent behind tracking these early contestants centers on nostalgia and curiosity. Fans want to know which pairings fractured immediately, who managed to pivot their screen time into lasting careers, and where the main finalists landed years after the cameras stopped rolling. This breakdown examines the primary couples from season one, detailing how their post-villa paths unfolded and what they're up to today.
Elizabeth Weber and Zac Mirabelli
As the undisputed winners of season one, Elizabeth Weber and Zac Mirabelli captured America's attention from day one. They coupled up early, remained loyal to each other, and walked away splitting the $100,000 grand prize. Viewers rooted for their seemingly genuine connection, hoping they would beat the reality TV odds.
The romance didn't last. The pair announced their breakup toward the end of 2019, just months after the finale. Zac cited that they simply wanted different things. Since the split, Zac stepped away from the intense media spotlight, shifting his focus away from constant public appearances. Elizabeth stayed active in the public eye, building a career as an influencer and brand strategist. She also moved on personally, announcing her engagement to Gianni Settino.
Alexandra Stewart and Dylan Curry
Alexandra Stewart and Dylan Curry finished as the runners-up of season one, winning over fans with their steady compatibility. Dylan entered the villa as a bombshell on day six and quickly locked down a secure partnership with Alexandra, steering clear of major villa drama.
Despite looking like a strong match for the long haul, cracks showed soon after they returned home. The relationship fizzled out late in 2019, with both confirming the split via social media. Alexandra transitioned into lifestyle content creation and digital media work in Los Angeles, occasionally collaborating with fellow alumni. Dylan returned to a corporate career path, working as an account executive while staying largely removed from the reality television circuit.
Caro Viehweg and Ray Gantt
Caro Viehweg and Ray Gantt secured third place following a rollercoaster journey in the villa. Their intense bond carried them past the finale, and they even attempted a long-distance dynamic while competing together on The Amazing Race.
The pressure proved too high, and they broke up in mid-2020, with Caro citing issues regarding commitment. Both cast members leaned heavily into subsequent reality television opportunities, appearing on spinoffs like Ex on the Beach and Love Island Games. Caro eventually stepped back from the franchise circus, launching entrepreneurial projects and building a family life after marrying Rene Lacad. Ray continued working as a digital creator and model, dabbling in music and returning to reality dating formats.
Emily Salch and Weston Richey
Weston Richey and Emily Salch made it to the final four despite Weston causing significant early-season turbulence with his shifting affections. Once Weston and Emily paired up, they rode out the rest of the season as a stable unit, though skepticism lingered among the audience.
They stayed together for several months after the show before calling it quits in 2020. Post-breakup, Weston focused on digital entrepreneurship, fitness coaching, and managing personal anxiety through health advocacy. Emily continued modeling, traveling, and managing lifestyle ventures, occasionally dipping back into the network crossover ecosystem.
Other Notable Islanders: Kyra Green and Cashel Burnett
Though they missed the final four, Kyra Green and Cashel Burnett provided some of the most memorable dramatic beats of the entire season. Their on-again, off-again trajectory captured viewer attention before they split for good early in 2020.
Kyra became a franchise staple, appearing across multiple network competition shows like The Challenge USA and Love Island Games. She later embraced a major personal milestone, publicly coming out and building a life in New York with her partner Tal Sahar.
Common Reality TV Post-Show Patterns
Tracking the season one roster highlights several recurring trends in the influencer economy:
- The Rapid Burnout: High-stress environments create artificial intimacy. Once couples face normal life pressures, differing career goals usually cause splits within six months.
- The Spinoff Circuit: Producers frequently recycle popular singles for multi-show crossovers like Ex on the Beach or Perfect Match, extending their relevancy window.
- The Pivot to Corporate or Entrepreneurship: While a few cast members sustain long-term influencing careers, many quietly transition back to regular corporate roles, fitness coaching, or private business ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any Love Island USA Season 1 couples still together?
No. Every single couple from the inaugural 2019 season broke up, with most splitting within the first year.
Who won Love Island USA Season 1?
Elizabeth Weber and Zac Mirabelli won the first season after receiving the highest number of public votes, choosing to split the $100,000 prize.
Which season 1 contestants appeared on other reality shows?
Cast members like Caro Viehweg, Ray Gantt, and Kyra Green went on to compete in franchise expansions such as Love Island Games, The Challenge, and Ex on the Beach.
What happened to the cash prize from season one?
Elizabeth drew the envelope containing the $100,000 during the finale ceremony and elected to share half of it with Zac.
