After generating buzz and attracting reality TV fans, NBC quietly cancelled Deal or No Deal Island in December 2025 after two seasons.
The reality competition, hosted by True Blood star Joe Manganiello, blended elements of the classic Deal or No Deal gameplay with Survivor-style challenges in a private paradise controlled by a mysterious banker.
However, despite the show’s ambitious format and initial interest, CBC opted not to move forward with a third season.
Let’s break down the reasons behind this cancellation.
Deal or No Deal Island format and debut success
Deal or No Deal Island premiered on NBC in February 2024 as a fresh take on the long-running Deal or No Deal franchise. Transforming the briefcase format into a week-long battle.
Contestants competed in challenges including physical trials, briefcase eliminations, and alliances across a scenic island setting to uncover briefcases filled with prize money of up to $200 million.
Deal or No Deal Island Season 1 features Survivor legend Boston Rob Mariano and model Claudia Jordan. According to Nielsen, the season drew an average of 2.63 million viewers and a 0.27 rating in the 18-49 demo.
Additionally, Deal or No Deal Island Season 2 launched in January 2025, featuring more alums, including Australian Model David Genat, Big Brother’s Dr. Will Kirby, and Survivor’s Parvati Shallow.
It was produced by Endemol Shine North America and executive produced by Howie Mandel and filmed in Panama, amplifying drama with escalating challenges and banker offers.
Although the concept looked promising on paper, NBC ultimately canceled the series in December 2025, meaning there won’t be a third season.
Deal or No Deal Island’s declining viewership and ratings challenges
One of the biggest factors in the show’s cancellation was declining ratings. According to Nielsen data, Deal or No Deal Island lost a significant portion of its audience in its second season compared to its first.
While Season 1 drew fairly strong numbers, Season 2 averaged roughly 2.13 million viewers, a roughly 22% drop from the debut year.
Cost concerns and a record-breaking prize
Another unusual twist in the show’s story was the massive $5 million prize payout in Season 2, the largest game show prize in history.
This payout sparked theories among fans that the high prize money made the format difficult or expensive to sustain.
While NBC hasn’t officially said the payout was a direct factor, fans and some commentators suggested that such a large win across just two seasons may have contributed to rising costs and financial risk for the network.
“The last winner probably single-handedly killed it. I mean I doubt they expected to have to fork over $5.8 million LOL,” one of the fans said on reddit.
Cast reaction
Dr. Will Kirby told TV Insider that the cancellation stung but praised the wild ride.
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that I was a little disappointed that the show was cancelled. There were some editing, formatting, and game issues, as there are with any show. But I wish I had been involved a little bit earlier in the process,” he stated.
“I came in as a late entrant, and again, I was super appreciative of that. But I have a lot of knowledge about this space, and I wish they had brought me in a little bit earlier, so that I could have helped contribute in other ways, from a production perspective.”
On the other hand, Genat stayed silent, focusing on new gigs.