There are plenty of fish in the sea — even if it means having to walk the plank to catch them.
“Love Overboard” is a new dating show, which premiered on Thursday, and features Santa Clarita native Bradley Johnson as one of the participants.
For the show set in the Mediterranean Sea, singles from throughout the country gathered on a yacht to find love. Those who initially paired up, otherwise known as the “topsiders,” were able to enjoy the luxurious amenities on the top of the yacht. Those who remained single, the “downsiders,” remained on the bottom deck, taking care of the cabin chores.
The only way back to the top? Breaking up another couple.
Participants competed to not only have a chance at love, but also a chance to win a $100,000 trip; anyone who was eliminated had to walk the plank.
Johnson took on the role of one of the “shipwreckers,” who was intended to come in later in the series and break up the established couples.
A comedian, Johnson was raised in Santa Clarita and graduated from Hart High School in 2017.
“I went to Malta at the beginning of June. I was trapped in a hotel room for a couple of weeks. I didn’t talk to anyone. They took my phone away. More importantly than that, they took my vape away. Then I started eating and gained 15 pounds. The show documents how fat I got, because I didn’t have nicotine. I came into the show, and I have a six-pack. By the time I leave, my abs are gone,” Johnson said.
Johnson, who was scouted through Instagram and went through a few interviews, received a call the day before he was slated to travel. That called for a last-minute Old Navy trip.
“I went to Old Navy and bought some outfits, and then I lost four shirts when I was out there. I still don’t know what happened to those,” Johnson said. “They had me in the hotel room for 14 days. Then they had me mix it up and break up the couples. And I’m like, ‘What? I’m a good guy.’ I didn’t know if I could do this, because I’m such a respectful young man … I was on the boat for a couple of weeks.”
Not having access to his phone for a month, Johnson described being disconnected as “peaceful.”
“I remember my rent was due in a couple of days, and I was like, ‘Well, I guess I’m not paying rent this month.’ I was happy about that,” Johnson said. “I was technically part of the crew on the yacht. I had to do the work and clean the toilets. I thought everyone was cool and friendly. Did I fall in love or not? Who knows. I guess you’ll have to see if I fall in love.”
Johnson found being on his first major show as a great experience, encouraging viewers to watch the fourth episode.
“It was cool seeing myself on TV for a little bit. People should watch the show. They should mainly watch episode 4, which is the one that I’m mainly in,” Johnson said. “I learned not to relapse on bread. That’s a big thing. When it comes to my comedy, come out and see me, and then you’ll know the lore of what actually happened.”
“Love Overboard” is now available for streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
