Kamari LoveandBen Crofchickhave taken on the mantel of opening cases alongside hostJoe Manganiello.
It just started."
This show is so much fun.
Image by Zanda Rice
We are here in Season 2.
What has it been like seeing the show take off as it has?
KAMARI: Oh, it’s been so fun.
It’s just exciting.
It’s kind of like me and Kamari’s like baby now.
Because it’s something we got to watch from the humble beginnings of it.
We’re always looking forward to seeing the new episode come out and watch everyone’s reaction.
And the contrast between Season 1 and Season 2, the jump is so large.
That’s been the most fun thing to kind of watch unfold.
And it’s just getting started.
We haven’t even gotten into the chaos yet.
Oh, I can’t wait.
What has it meant to both of you to be a part of this incredible show?
KAMARI: Oh my gosh, it’s really meant the world.
Because truthfully, it’s such a long franchise show, so there’s so much respect behind it.
But then being able to be the first two people to come on an island and do it.
We’re splitting the cases down the middle.
So there’s a little special twist to it.
And Ben’s the first guy, so breaking records!
BEN: I am the first guy.
BEN: That is something.
They really wouldn’t understand what’s actually happening in between.
We don’t know at all.
And it’s truly a shock to everyone.
And they come for us like we know.
I’m like, no, no!
They think we know the cases.
I think even the contestants think we know that sometimes.
Talk to me about working with the incomparable Joe Manganiello.
KAMARI: He’s awesome.
BEN: He’s amazing.
He’s such a good guy.
There’s a saying that you treat the CEO the same as the janitor.
And I feel like Joe is a very good description of that.He’s just a really all-around great guy.
KAMARI: You cannot tell.
BEN: They couldn’t have picked a better person to just come on and throw a show together.
Hosting for the first time.
And super down to earth.
Great experience working with Joe.
You both always look fabulous during the Banker’s Challenge.
What is the best way to serve Island fashion?
KAMARI: Best way to serve on island fashion?
I mean, probably a little bit of dewy skin from all the humidity there always helps.
A little glow, I guess.
I don’t know.
BEN: No ascots.
I’ll tell you what kills.
KAMARI: Island ruffles.
BEN: Yeah, no ruffles and ascots.
KAMARI: A little island dew, and you’re good to go.
We have a lot of bright colors.
You both are masters at it.
What is the secret to opening a case?
KAMARI: I don’t know, it’s that flow.
It’s never been overthought.
We just kind of go to the case, open it, and react.
It’s funny, though, because Ben and I started to learn each other and how we move.
I’ll walk over…
BEN: She does her little hand touch.
KAMARI: Drag the case.
And I’m like, “Dang, I didn’t know I was giving it away.”
But we just know between the two of us.
So it’s a fun little game.
Now you won’t have to ask, “Wait, who’s that?”
Sydnee was a bit of a firecracker.
What was your reaction at the moment when she stopped the game to address the players to apologize?
She’s crazy."
Like, “What do you have to say?”
KAMARI: Yeah, I think it lowkey sealed her ticket because it was just doing too much.
It was kind of just done at that point.
But nice of her to try.
BEN: I mean, admirable.
KAMARI: Part of the game.
It’s part of the game.
You know,
Do you think players likeParvati,Boston Rob, The Golden God,Dr.
Willhave an advantage stepping foot on the Bankers Private Island, having played a competition show before?
And it was just crazy the strategy and stuff that they came in with.
It is just different.
Even Rob last year.
Ben, do you remember the swing challenge and how he went?
And how he went, he was the only person that just swung.
He didn’t throw anything the very first time.
And you could tell he’s like, “Oh, he’s thinking momentum.
He’s thinking he’s getting strategic.”
Nobody else would have thought about that.
And then, boom, on his second throw, he got it perfect.
It’s just a clear difference.
BEN: There is something beautiful about that as well.
There’s odds to that.
I think that kind of evens out the show, too.
KAMARI: Anybody can get it.
My final question for you: how wouldYOUdo if you playedDeal or No Deal Island?
KAMARI: We love this question.
We’d go all the way to the end, c’mon!
BEN: Competition-wise, we’d be dangerous.
Yes, we’d be dangerous.
We’re both true athletes and Southerners.
BEN: We don’t really have a lot of fear.
KAMARI: And just punch in or something.
BEN: Yeah, that’s what we always say.
We’d see to it we both eat.
KAMARI: Listen, we wouldn’t mind the other side of things, okay?
BEN: Yeah, right.
Listen, I wouldn’t be mad.
Deal or No Deal Islandairs Tuesdays at 9:00pm on NBC.
All episodes are available to stream on Peacock.
