Deal or No Deal Island is back for a second season. Kamari Love and Ben Crofchick have returned as the lovely Banker’s Assistants, and I chatted with them about this season. What was it like coming back after the success of the first season, and what are the challenges they’re looking forward to fans watching play out?
Deal or No Deal Island brings a mixture of the OG series and Survivor. Challengers need to complete a series of tasks, and then they get to choose briefcases that they will eliminate or keep throughout the series. It adds a lot more excitement and stress to the game.
Kamari Love and Ben Crofchick talk coming back for Deal or No Deal Island season 2
Hidden Remote: When you first came into the show, was it the challenges that made you want this gig?
Kamari Love: I think when they were casting us, they were like “How are you with adventurous things?” and Ben and I were like “Yes, across the board. Anything.” So, I think the Survivor aspect of it is what made just jump right on it.
Ben Crofchick: Being from Florida and Kamari being from Louisiana, it’s in our blood to be outdoors, so the elements definitely don’t scare us at all.
HR: Did you ever want to do the challenges?
KL: Yes, we did!
HR: Have you had a chance to do them after the first season ended?
BC: I think they can’t risk us getting injured.
KL: At one point, I think they toyed about us giving an example just to demonstrate how to do it. But exactly, they couldn’t risk it.
HR: How has the experience been going into the second season? I guess the first season got the hiccups out of the way.
BC: The first season, for a first season of a show, went really smoothly. You would almost think that everyone had been there for multiple seasons already. So, to go with the same team into season 2—there were a few new faces—we couldn’t ask for a better team. There were really never any hiccups and no weather problems. Even the rain. We dealt with the rain so well!
KL: There’s not a bad apple in the group, and that’s hard to come across. I can honestly say through two seasons that’s remained the same. The only chaos that ensued was with the castmates, and there was a lot!
Only getting part of the drama in Deal or No Deal Island
HR: You don’t get to see all the drama play out as it does. What’s it like just getting those snippets as the players reach you?
BC: Oh, I can remember in season 1, Karami and I weren’t there for the challenge that Stephanie and Alyssa really started going at it. We show up at Temple one night and they’re going at each other, and we’re just side-eyeing each other. We weren’t aware of any of it. We’re just like the fans of the show!
KL: During season 2, if you just focus on Ben and I’s reaction, every once in a while, you can tell that we just figured this out too. This is new information. We had no idea y’all were beefing! It’s definitely carrying that same energy into this season!
HR: When you’re watching it back to see the drama play out, how does it feel to be able to place it all?
KL: Honestly, awesome. There are so many gaps while we’re filming that watching it all come together, especially watching it with your people and they’re asking you questions the whole time, it’s super fun for us. It’s kind of a nice little surprise.
BC: And this season, I had some gut-wrenching emotion and stress. Kamari and I would be literally sweating real tears. I forgot to take a case off the stand once because it was just so stressful. Season 1 was chaotic, but this is like a whole new level with season 2. There are some jaw-dropping moments.
KL: This is no shade to season 1. Season 1 was amazing. The castmates were amazing, but it was child’s play compared to what’s coming. The team of contestants are fiery.
HR: Is it easier opening up the briefcases this season? I know you never know the numbers before you open them.
BC: I think it got worse this season.
KL: Yeah, because we’re more conditioned for it.
BC: I would find myself in my bed at night rethinking the whole thing.
Favorite moments from the Deal or No Deal Island season 2 premiere
At the time of the interview, there had only been one episode of the season released. We focused on that episode for the interview.
HR: What was your favorite and least favorite moment from the Deal or No Deal Island season 2 premiere?
KL: My favorite is obviously Dr. Will coming in, because that’s just about to set everything off.
BC: For the premiere, I think we challenged a lot of weather issues that you might not see fully. There was never anything like really negative, but I just had to get used to being back on the island and seeing everything that’s new. But yeah, Dr. Will explodes everything.
HR: Can you tease any of that? What should we be ready for?
KL: It becomes his game, and it is aggressive.
BC: You’re gonna know his presence, andit will be there. He’s a character for sure.
KL: You’re either gonna love him or hate him or a little bit of both. He does talk very well.
HR: Every show, even reality, needs a good villain.
BC: And he plays it well. He really does.
HR: Do you ever find yourself rooting for particular players?
KL: We’re not allowed to play favorites, but it naturally happens. From the first season, my favorites were Aaron and Jordan. Aaron was just the underdog and so sweet and cute. We still love you, Aaron! Jordan is just the most beautiful spirit, most beautiful person. She played a good game. She played an honest game, and she won in the end. I thought it was just perfect.
BC: Yeah, I agree with that completely.
HR: Do you prefer it when they play a clean and honest game?
BC: I like it when there’s a bit of deception. It’s a game. I think if you notice in season 1 and now in season 2, the first two people to go home were trying to do the nice thing. I don’t really like the nice approach. You came for yourself and for the money that you can bring home to your family and your life. I’d rather se them shake it up and be a little deceitful and backstab a little.
KL: And for TV, we absolutely need the drama.
HR: So, is that how you would play it if you were in there?
BC: For sure, yeah! I wouldn’t try to manipulate, but I would do as much as I can. I don’t need to try to look like the good guy on television if I was in that position. Kamari and I have always said if we were in there together, we would end up being the final two against each other.
KL: And just cut each other in.
HR: Maybe you need to go on The Traitors
KL: Not a bad idea!
Get ready for a big challenge in Deal or No Deal Island season 2
HR: So, just to finish, is there a particular challenge you’re looking forward to people watch play out? Just tease what you can?
KL: Yes, there’s one a little bit toward the end, where everybody just splits. It’s wild, and they think they’re on a team, and by the end, they are not in the alliances they think. The true colors will be shown, and the excursions through that challenge are gut-wrenching.
BC: I know exactly what she’s talking about, and that’s going to be a nail biter for a lot of people.
Deal or No Deal Island season 2 airs on Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC. Catch up on the series so far on Peacock.
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