The Fantasy Island reboot show has finally arrived, and TV watchers have a lot of thoughts about it. The new Fox series is somewhat of a sequel, as it stars Roselyn Sánchez as Elena Roark, a grandniece of the original series’ Mr. Roark, who was played by Ricardo Montalbán. The retro TV show became widely recognized for Roark’s assistant, Tattoo — played by Hervé Villechaize — running up and yelling “The Plane! The Plane!” when announcing new guests to the island.
In addition to Sánchez, the new Fantasy Island also stars Kiara Barnes and John Gabriel Rodriquez. Among its guest stars are Bellamy Young (Prodigal Son), Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters), Odette Annable (Cloverfield), Laura Leighton (Pretty Little Liars), Josie Bissett (Melrose Place), and Daphne Zuniga (Spaceballs). The show debuted on Tuesday and, very quickly, had social media talking. Scroll down to see what people are saying!
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FOX’S reimagined “Fantasy Island” plays tribute to the original series while opening the door to a potential great new one. #elenaroarke #tattoo #fantasyisland #fantasyislandseries #fox #newfoxseries #novacorpsguy pic.twitter.com/4acTwRTktv
— novacorpsguy (@novacorpsguy) August 11, 2021
“I liked the episode ok last night,” one watcher tweeted. “The Bellamy Young story didn’t go as dark as I thought it might or as deep as I’d have liked. The show will hinge on the writing, just like in the original. But I like Roselyn Sanchez, so I’ll continue to watch for her.”
This version of #FantasyIsland hews much closer to the original, and thanks to a fine lead performance from @Roselyn_Sanchez, it more than reminds us of Aaron Spelling’s hit from the 1970s: https://t.co/2Q67vs0fgf pic.twitter.com/IG0ptDxKtp
— Decider (@decider) August 10, 2021
“Fantasy Island wasn’t spectacular but worth a second viewing,” someone else offered. “And I like Roselyn Sanchez. So…onto episode 2.”
#ICYMI @Roselyn_Sanchez @BellamyYoung @KiaraBarnes_ put on a good performance in the series premiere of #FantasyIsland #WomanCrushWednesday drink the magic 🍹 😀 https://t.co/RKfq6QFwA8
— Andrew Sanchez (@andrewsancheztx) August 11, 2021
“I’m into it & will watch next week,” another Twitter user added. “I also was a fan of the original, a guilty pleasure.”
That fruit on desk could be a clue who she is @Roselyn_Sanchez ? #FantasyIsland Poison Fruit = Eve? 👀 Anyway it was great start so far! So mystery story. Looking forward to watch the rest of season! 👍🏻 @FantasyIslandTV
— Tabitha Viselli (@TabithaViselli) August 11, 2021
“Fantasy Island is a treasure, no pun intended. I cannot wait to see more!!!” one fan tweeted to Sanchez. “You are amazing!!! Thank you for bringing an amazing story to life!!!”
Loved it it was so good . #FantasyIsland
— Mrs Jen koutroumpis® 🍣🍱 (@Missjen325) August 11, 2021
“Loved Ruby’s storyline on the new [Fantasy Island] but could’ve gone w/out having eating disorders be triggered w/the female newscaster’s plotline,” someone noted. “let’s hope next week’s episode will be better.”
Me watching #FantasyIsland cause Roselyn and well the island is my home 🇵🇷
— Christle Marie 🇵🇷 (@msm_021498) August 11, 2021
“I loved how this reboot ties into the original show by Mr. Roarke’s niece Elena Roarke taking over running the island,” one other person wrote in a tweet. “Of course a lovely twist as guest Ruby takes on the role as Tattoo. Her eyes are stunning!”
“I have a therapist, thanks. I came here for cheeseburgers.” 😂😂😂 #FantasyIsland
— Sam ✨ (@chxstainiac2) August 11, 2021
Fantasy Island airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET, on Fox.