Watch Too Hot to Handle

Too Hot to Handle is a reality television series from Netflix that takes a group of beautiful, single people and puts them in a villa on a tropical island. While this seems like a recipe for a steamy love fest, there's a catch—the contestants are not allowed to engage in any sexual activity, including kissing or even self-gratification.

The series is hosted by comedian Desiree Burch, who introduces the contestants to the show's quirky and love-deterring virtual assistant, Lana. It's Lana who lays out the rules of the game: if any of the contestants break the "no touching" rule, they will lose a portion of the $100,000 prize money. Each infraction results in a deduction, and the more connections the contestants make, the less money they'll take home.

The contestants include Chloe Veitch, David Birtwistle, Francesca Farago, Haley Cureton, Harry Jowsey, Kelechi "Kelz" Dyke, Matthew Smith, Nicole O'Brien, Rhonda Paul, Bryce Hirschberg, and Sharron Townsend. Each of them has their own unique personality and dating history, and some are more willing to buy into the game's premise than others.

Over the course of eight episodes, viewers watch as the contestants try to resist their attraction to each other while participating in various challenges that test their self-control and communication skills. Some challenges include "Sensual Yoga," in which contestants must perform yoga poses together without touching; "Kiss and Tell," in which participants confess their past intimate experiences; and "The Workshop," in which they receive relationship advice from a sex therapist.

As the season progresses, certain contestants stand out for their struggles or successes in following the rules. Harry Jowsey, a self-proclaimed player who frequently flirts with other contestants, often finds himself in the hot seat with Lana. Meanwhile, Rhonda and Sharron form a close emotional bond, despite not being able to physically express their attraction.

Carly Lawrence and Chase de Moor also make appearances as guest hosts, challenging the contestants to confront their emotions and explore their relationships in a deeper way.

Throughout the series, viewers see the contestants struggle with their desires and emotions, as well as their own personal growth. Many confront past traumas or relationship patterns that have held them back, while others learn to communicate more effectively with their partners.

Despite the frustration that some viewers may have at seeing the contestants constantly resist their attraction to each other, the show offers a refreshing take on reality dating series. It encourages self-reflection and emotional work, rather than just physical gratification. The series raises questions about our reliance on physical intimacy and how it can be a barrier to real emotional connection.

In the end, audiences are left wondering if any of the contestants will be able to break through their sexual tension and pursue real, lasting relationships, or if the prize money will ultimately triumph over love. As Desiree Burch humorously notes in the opening episode, "This is basically a chastity retreat...in paradise."

Too Hot to Handle is a series that ran for 6 seasons (59 episodes) between April 17, 2020 and on Netflix