Season 2 of Deal or No Deal Island is bigger and better than the first season. This time, 14 contestants journeyed to the Banker’s private island to compete for millions of dollars. The excursions always have a twist, spinning the game in an unforeseen direction. In addition, the contestants started forming alliances and playing the social game from the jump. Once again, Joe Manganiello, the show’s dynamic host and Game Master, will star.
Joe not only explains the challenges to the guests but also functions as the Banker’s liaison during Temple. Joe also serves as an executive producer for Season 2 of Deal or No Deal Island.
Recently, Reality Tea caught up with Joe to chat about this season. What does he enjoy most about being an executive producer? Was he surprised by the Family alliance’s success? And does Joe stay in touch with the contestants once filming wraps? Here’s what Joe had to say about all that, and more!
Joe likes having “behind-the-scenes access” as an executive producer on Deal or No Deal Island
Fans of Deal or No Deal Island can tell that Joe is passionate about being the host of the show. And he has carried the same enthusiasm into his new role as an executive producer. “I love having all of the behind-the-scenes access, and I love watching the game unfold while intuiting where to be at the right moment,” Joe explained. “I get to set the tables for the guests as the host and then shape the story for the audience as a producer.”
Of course, the game itself combines physical and mental challenges with social strategy. However, other factors are at play when the players face off against the Banker in The Temple. So, which of these ideas does Joe find most fascinating?
“All of it. You just touched on the three main aspects of the game: the physical/strategic side of the excursions, the social experiment, and luck. I’m fascinated by what luck is,” the author and actor stated. “It’s like trying to throw flour on the invisible man. So elusive, but you can’t argue that it’s not real.”
And from the sounds of it, the Deal or No Deal Island Season 2 finale is going to feature something mind-blowing. “I’m looking forward to the conversations that are going to take place after this season’s finale. It’s one of the most unbelievable things I’ve ever witnessed…” Joe said.
How does Joe feel about the Family alliance?
Survivor legend Parvati Shallow teamed up this season with Survivor Australia winner David Genat. While Parvati’s resume was outed early on, David was able to coast under the radar. Along with their island son and daughter, Dickson Wong and Maria-Grace Cook (MG), the tight-knit group dominated the game. In fact, David and Parvati made it to the final four.
Joe, who is a fan of competition shows, weighed in on the Family’s success. “I think The Family will go down as one of the most notorious alliances in reality competition history. Love them or root against them, they’ve been so great to watch this season,” Joe said.
Also great to watch was the game itself, and Joe’s interactions with the contestants. How does Joe stay impartial as the Game Master while still fostering bonds with the competitors?
“Well, let’s be clear: I am not bonding when I’m out there running the game. For example, I knew who Parvati and David were prior to this season getting started because I’m involved with the casting process, but it’s not for me to reveal their resumes to the other players,” Joe explained. “Because that would interfere with how they choose to play the game.”
He continued, “There has to be an amount of space between myself and the contestants. My job is to lay out the rules and then serve as a referee once the action starts. Once that happens, the game belongs to them.”
Joe added, “You can’t help but root for certain people, but as the host and executive producer, I’m confident that no matter what happens, we can turn in an exciting and dramatic show for the folks at home. I’m as excited as everyone to see how things play out.”
Does Joe stay in touch with the Deal or No Deal Island contestants?
When Reality Tea spoke with Deal or No Deal Island contestants from Season 1, several mentioned that they had formed friendships with Joe after the show wrapped. So, is Joe still in touch with any of the Season 2 competitors?
“I just guested on Parvati’s podcast, so I see her around LA. I sent a pair of sunglasses to Dickson,” Joe stated. “I throw viewing parties at my house throughout the season and David, [Alexis] Lete, and MG have shown up to them. So yes, sometimes I see some of them.”
And what does this busy host and executive producer do on the island when the cameras are down? “Meet with the story team, train at my hotel, handle any sort of promotional materials we need to capture while on the island,” Joe said. “And I usually have a couple of hours one night a week to go into town and grab dinner.”
Of course, Joe has his favorite traveling companion by his side, his rescue Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix, Bubbles. “Bubbles is not a huge fan of 100-degree humidity, but she does like playing in the sand. She’s a California girl so she prefers a desert climate but as long as I’m there, she puts up with it,” Joe said. “She’s a trooper.”
This interview was edited for conciseness and clarity.
Deal or No Deal Island is streaming on Peacock.
