IT’S one of the few TV dating shows that challenged Love Island – but I can reveal Too Hot To Handle is now officially “on hold”.
Netflix has put the steamy fun on ice, after five years, but not confirmed why — or whether it will return.
From 2020 to 2024, there was a new series on average every nine months.
But the expected season this summer never materialised, leaving fans fearing the worst.
A TV insider said: “Execs at both terrestrial channels and streamers are increasingly using terms such as “on hold” and “resting” for shows that do not repeat as expected — and many never return.
“And a lot of entertainment shows on Netflix have bitten the dust already this year, ranging from Celebrity Bear Hunt to Cheat: Unfinished Business.
“So, although Too Hot To Handle may return, the signs are not good in the current environment, where competition for viewers is fierce and other dating shows like Netflix’s Love Is Blind are doing very well.”
Too Hot To Handle was similar to Love Island in that it saw a bunch of men and women put together in a sunshine destination, with the promise of romance.
But any smooching or other sexual contact was banned — and the show’s cash jackpot diminished every time this rule is broken.
After series one, in 2020, Netflix were so pleased by the reception that they ordered two more seasons.
Both were made during the Covid pandemic and aired in 2021 and in 2022.
There was also a series four in 2022, then a season five the following year and the sixth and final series ran in 2024.
Netflix was approached for a comment.