The Fortune Hotel

Whoever first dreamt up The Fortune Hotel deserves a standing ovation in the hotel lobby. The concept - a sun-soaked paradise concealing a high-stakes game of deception and deduction - is as clever as it is addictive. Series 2 proves that the idea wasn't a one-hit wonder, but the foundation for a show that thrives on innovation.

From the very first episode, it's clear the creative team aren't content to simply repeat past successes. That opening gambit - where more contestant pairs arrive than there are rooms - is pure television genius. It sets the tone for a series where comfort zones are demolished before the first cocktail is even poured.

The execution of the twists is where the show truly shines. Each reveal, from shock early eliminations to devious new "Day Trip" challenges, feels perfectly timed to keep both players and viewers off balance. The mechanics are intricate enough to reward strategic thinking, yet accessible enough to pull in casual viewers - the mark of a well-engineered format.

But perhaps the greatest triumph is how seamlessly the tension builds. The "Night Cap" remains a masterpiece of suspense, as briefcases - and the fortune inside - are swapped under the warm Caribbean night sky. By the time the final case is opened, you're left marvelling at how every turn was meticulously designed to lead here.

Series 2 confirms that The Fortune Hotel is more than a tropical backdrop for game-play. It's a precision-built machine of drama and surprise, fuelled by the vision of its creators and delivered with exceptional flair. In the world of reality competition, this is the kind of clever, twist-filled experience that keeps the audience begging for a late check-out.

Well, I suppose I'll begin with saying, I am currently enjoying this show. There are 8 episodes, and they are playing Mon-Thurs for 2 weeks.

I'm on the first Thursday right now, and am hating that I've got to wait so long for next episode.

Anyway, more to the point... It's got a bit of a slow start, but if you stick it out to the end of the first couple of episodes, you'll find the couple you want to win.

I've found mine, and they are still there,.. but,...for how long?

It's a very well structured series, and it's clever.

I find the tasks that were set for the couples to be very well thought out.

I enjoy the host also. I wasn't blown away by him, but I think he is playing his role nicely.

Slow start, but worth the wait.

Alarm bells must have been ringing all around ITV.

"We need our own version of The Traitors, NOW".

"People like White Lotus too, boss" "Great. Make a mash-up of those two things".

So this was the result.

It's not good, it's amiable, it's fine, but it's certainly not anything more than good.

Stephen Mangan is an odd choice of host, and to be honest, this looks like the sort of show that the fake Matt LeBlanc from his show 'Episodes' might well have ended up hosting.

Nice try, ITV, but this is like when Tesco make a mistake on your food shop online and try to palm you off with a suitable substitute.

It doesn't work.

Save judgement until you've watched it all.

Yes, there are aspects of "The Traitors" but you'll find it's also very different as the game progresses. There is no vote out at the end of each day, the tasks aren't to add to the pot, but to be in the best position for the nightly swaps so it's all about personal performance, logic and luck.

The tasks are fun and the production keeps you hooked. And I personally loved Stephen Mangan at the helm. I found him witty, charismatic and warm towards the hosts. He is the friendly, slightly ditsy hotel concierge opposed to Claudia's mysterious and aloof lady of the manor.

As the episodes progress, you get to find out more about the couples and become more attached to the remaining pairs as their personalities and personal circumstances are shared and their game plays are called out and developed.

I wasn't entirely sure after the first episode, I did think "oh it's a rip off of that other BBC show" but I then binged it in 2 sittings and my views drastically changed. Perhaps this is a better way so you get fully immersed into the narrative.

Really heats up once you get to Episode 3 and 4.

The daily challenges are a lot better than The Traitors - as whoever wins gets a real advantage for the overall game, so it feels like must-watch TV rather than a phone/toilet break.

The cast are a great mix, and the location looks absolutely stunning.

The Traitors comparisons are just lazy, in my opinion. Some of the music and editing choices are maybe a bit reminiscent, but the game itself and the strategy involved is entirely different.

Stephen's a really fun host too - leans into the camp nature of it at times and lets the game flow.

Would really recommend this.