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.

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.

They almost aired a first season of a show, where the

• most honest and clueless,
• the least tactical,
• and the brawn

could match up against each other in a final of who deserved it least - until the producer janked the emergency break and threw a win to the only couple of two that wasnt a total waste of airtime.

In a chalange - explicitly designed for them not to get last place (which banked them their finals slot).

With a preceding game clearly designed to screw them as much as possible.

With a preceding game to that, clearly designed to screw two other candidates as much as possible.

Within a larger game ruleset - where the producers can change rules and outcomes whenever they want to.

The first season was so close to ending in an absolute disaster and the show not being continued because of it - that its worth watching it just for that. Just delightfully amusing.

The second season starts out with the best possible start a duo of contenstants could get - getting so much better its just comical - and then them blundering all of it through slip ups and not thinking about the only obvious backstory that makes sense for their actions. And its them not only slipping up twice, but then also drawing maximalist attention to them changing their mind in a first position (where they have control of the game), while just not drawing any attention was the play to make.

This blunderfest is only topped by the couple in the first series, that at least could be proud to have played the entire game "honestly".

When the core setup is to get you to behave peak machiavellian.

(One couple you trust early on - and thats it, is a viable game strategy. Because information changes hands so frequently, its almost certain that its going to get used against you if you play open powerplays, or obvious delays, or try to widen your alliance too much, or...)

But then, at least the producers fixed the second season, by only getting two "like to stick to the truth because its simpler" duos in their - so now at least the production team is safe...

I really laughed. For all the wrong reasons.

Highly entertaining.

Its really something. All the humanity, ...

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.