By 2 min readApril 3, 2026 – 5:47PMAFP
Publication Date: 2026-04-03 06:47:00
Millions of people have been gripped by the exciting twists and turns of an AI-generated TikTok micro-series based on the TV hit Love Island – except all the contestants are sexy, human-like fruits.
The exploits of bizarre cartoon characters, including “Strawberina” and the ripped, open-shirted “Bananito,” parody reality TV tropes, from love triangles to emotional reconnections.
Each short clip is hosted by a luscious green apple, and the most popular, “Episode 15: New Dates… New Doubts,” has been viewed 39 million times since its release two weeks ago.
For comparison: The Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which had a large budget, said it reached 166 million people.
Many have dismissed the fruity videos as so-called artificial intelligence “junk” – low-quality content aimed at the lowest common denominator.
But their mass consumption also signals “demand for media that helps people switch off, laugh or relax for a few minutes,” says Ludmila Lupinacci, lecturer in digital…
