“Love Island USA”’s Nic and Olandria Coupling Up Has the Internet Divided: Is the Chemistry Real or Strategic?

If there’s one thing Love Island is going to do, it’s bring the drama — and season 7 of Love Island USA is no exception.

Right off the bat, the annual twist that brings couples to their knees, Casa Amor, had a different structure than it usually does, as Ariana Madix told the Islanders that they’d all be recoupling for the week — and that every single Islander would be returning to the villa at the end of the week, regardless of their relationship status.

An even bigger twist came on the June 24 episode, when OGs Olandria Carthen and Nic Vansteenberghe were both told to pack their things, under the impression they’d been dumped from the island. In reality, though, they never left at all. Instead, they were sent on a romantic, candle-lit date and then given the choice to either remain single and leave the show or couple up with each other and return to the villa.

Naturally, they chose the latter, but whether that was for survival or rooted in some unexplored feelings is what has fans divided.

Nic and Olandria shared some steamy kisses earlier in the season during challenges, but on their date, Nic took Olandria by surprise when he told her he’d had his eye on her from the beginning — comparing his interest to a “secret admirer” — and had been wanting to get to know her on a romantic level for weeks.

For some fans, Nic and Olandria — sweetly dubbed “Nicolandria” online — is a couple that was a long time coming. For others, it feels contrived and like a survival tactic to stay in the game.

The internet is divided, and so is the PEOPLE staff. Here’s a roundup of what our newsroom is thinking about Nicolandria:

Ariel Nagi (Associate Director, Audience Engagement): Taylor’s audacity to treat Olandria like he’s not that into her and then tongue down Clarke immediately? Like Olandria is a literal goddess and I just find Taylor to have no depth. I do think Olandria is probably just only physically attracted to Nic and it feels forced, but they are kinda cute. Curious to see where it goes! And I feel like even though Nic was all over Cierra, his behavior during the challenges (butt-grabbing, etc.) proves otherwise. He’s always been open and ready.

Breanne L. Heldman (Executive Editor, TV and Events): Honestly, I think I’m team Cierra and Chelley. None of these guys are worth the goddesses that are Cierra, Chelley and Olandria

Charna Flam (Staff Writer, News Team): It feels clear that those two weren’t supposed to be dumped. But because fans, like myself, saw their chemistry, production clearly took the opportunity. However, that doesn’t negate their chemistry! Nic is smitten, and seemed to be since day 1, that blindfold challenge! Last thing, I think because she was SO focused on a country man, she wrote him off too quick (and to Taylor’s advantage 😫).

Laney Crawley (Intern): I love Olandria and Nic soo much and we need to give them more time to be together 🙏🏾

Lizzie Hyman (Writer/Reporter): The chemistry is real, but Nic scares me for Olandria. He has a past with cheating, and hasn’t been able to keep his eye from wandering this whole season, even willing to go for one of Cierra’s closest friends. I don’t want Olandria to get hurt

Liza Esquibias (Writer-Reporter, TV):  I fully see the chemistry between them but I didn’t get it before when everyone online wanted to see them together — and the fact that they were voted favorite guy and girl and were supposed to get to go on a date but never did until they just happened to be the only two sent off the other night… It feels orchestrated.

Jordan Greene (Writer-Reporter, Society & Culture): It literally feels forced in my opinion. And it feels like they just are playing along to still be in (and maybe win?) the game. I’m still team Taylor and Olandria.

Jordana Comiter (Associate Editor, Evergreen): I’ve been a Nicolandria stan since he kissed her in the blindfold challenge, so I’m happy they are finally exploring their obvious chemistry. I mean, him carrying her out of the log cabin…. HELLO!!! But at the same time, it all feels a little tooooo producer planned. If it’s real, I’m here for it (and tbh, anyone would be better for Olandria than Taylor). But it’s also going to break me when Cierra finds out!!!

Julia Moore (Writer-Reporter, TV): I don’t blame Nic or Olandria for making the most of the situation (obviously they weren’t gonna choose to go home over returning to the villa) and I do think they have some undeniable chemistry, but I can’t help but feel it’s a little too convenient that the couple all of social media wanted together has somehow, against all odds, ended up coupled up in the most random twist of all time. No question, Olandria deserves better than Taylor, but I do think Nic will choose Cierra when the time comes.

Kayla Grant (Writer): This entire season has been very weird in the sense that it seems like everyone is there for the money and not the romance. I think it feels so forced in my opinion. I think it was either get dumped from the island or couple up, so who wouldn’t couple up? I don’t think Olandria likes him truly, but we shall see.

Valerie Mesa (Staff Writer): I am pleasantly surprised by Nicolandria, and I think hindsight is 20/20 when considering all the times Nic chose her (to kiss) throughout the challenges. I think Nic brings out a side of Olandria we haven’t seen with Taylor, and I also think Olandria’s mystery and strength is a huge turn-on for Nic.

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New episodes of Love Island USA drop every day except Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on Peacock.

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