NBC just shut the briefcase on 'Deal or No Deal Island' after two seasons, and fans are not taking it well. The network pulled the plug despite a pretty wild format swing that tried to turn a classic studio game into a sweaty island competition. Honestly, the reason it got axed is not exactly mysterious.
What got canceled and why
'Deal or No Deal Island' is done at NBC after two seasons. Deadline reports the cancellation at the Comcast-owned network, and the numbers back up why: Season 2 averaged a 0.24 rating among adults 18-49, per Nielsen, which was a drop from Season 1. Translation: the audience slid, and NBC made the call.
The show, in a nutshell
Hosted by Joe Manganiello, the series launched in February 2024 and came back for Season 2 in January 2025. Produced by Endemol Shine North America, it was a reworked take on the Dutch-origin game show — except now contestants were dropped on an island where they had to muscle through physical and mental challenges to grab prize-filled briefcases. The contestant who snagged the highest-value case earned immunity and then picked someone to enter 'The Temple' to play a classic round of 'Deal or No Deal'.
The show claimed there was more than $200 million hidden around the island in briefcases. Each episode, players fought for case access, then used those cases in the Banker showdown. Winners added their haul to a season-long prize pot that kept growing, while the Banker tossed in strategic curveballs to mess with the players.
- Status: Canceled at NBC after two seasons (reported by Deadline)
- Ratings: Season 2 averaged a 0.24 in adults 18-49, down from Season 1 (Nielsen)
- Premiere: February 2024; Season 2 return: January 2025
- Host: Joe Manganiello
- Format: Island competition feeding into traditional 'Deal or No Deal' rounds inside 'The Temple'
- Cash on the island: More than $200 million hidden in briefcases
- Prize structure: Episode winners added money to a collective pot that grew all season
- The Banker: Introduced twists to raise pressure and shake up strategy
- Producers: Endemol Shine North America
- Executive producers: Joe Manganiello, Matt Kunitz, Vittoria Cacciatore, Jeffrey Breeden, Howie Mandel, Sharon Levy, Michael Heyerman, Sean Loughlin
- Where to watch now: Both seasons are streaming on Peacock
Fans took it hard
As the cancellation news spread on December 3, 2025, social feeds filled up with variations on 'noooo' and 'bring it back.' One viewer said they only caught two episodes but thought it was 'crazy.' Another joked that David won too much money, complete with a meltdown of emojis. The vibe was: unexpected, loud, and a little unhinged in the comments.
'Nooo! It was such a fun show'
Bottom line: the format was bold and messy in a fun way, but the ratings math just did not break the right way. If NBC has a change of heart down the line, great — but for now, the briefcases are closed.
Where it lives now
If you missed it or want to relive the chaos, both seasons of 'Deal or No Deal Island' are up on Peacock.