By Janice Malone
NBC’s new hit reality show Deal or No Deal Island is a spinoff of the original Deal or No Deal show. In this new version, 13 players are transported to the Banker’s private island, somewhere in Panama. It’s intense “Survivor” type competitions, overseen by an often enigmatic “Banker-person.” Twists are behind every palm tree and up to $200,000,000 is split among cases scattered across Banker’s Island. Players must retrieve the cases to add them to the game boards against the Banker.
Initially there were 13, and now there are only 5 remaining players competing to win the final grand prize money that could be in the millions! Nashville resident Jordan Fowler is one of the five contestants in the running for that grand prize money. The lovely Ms. Fowler describes herself as being “A strong-willed, straight shooter who’s unafraid to call herself a type-A perfectionist.” She has no practiced survival skills but is hoping she’ll be guided by her Jamaican roots, healthy lifestyle and glamping experience. It’s time for 5 Questions with Nashville’s own Jordan Fowler about competing on Deal or No Deal Island.
TRIBUNE: You’re originally from the Bay area. How did you end up on this show? You don’t seem to be a survivalist competitive type of person.
Photo by Patrick Ecclesine/NBC
J. FOWLER: That’s exactly why I needed to do this. I’ve always believed in the power of competition game shows to be a transformative experience. So, I saw an ad on TikTok, for a casting call. I went through the steps because I wanted to do this so badly. I didn’t hear back from casting for a while. But one day, while I was on a walk, I got a call from the casting team, saying I was selected! It’s been a rollercoaster of a journey just to even get to the island. It was quite the process.
TRIBUNE: Did you have to go through some kind of fitness training before filming began?
J. FOWLER: I went into things a little bit blind, and you don’t know what to expect. I have always been active, and I truly believe in working out and being active, but I took it totally up a notch. We were doing trail runs. I don’t love swimming, but I was at the pool. I did everything I could to be in control. I wouldn’t say they necessarily briefed us or told us what to expect, but I wanted to be prepared for any scenario that was going to present itself.
TRIBUNE. Have you and your husband thought about what you’re going to do if you win the grand prize money?
J. FOWLER: My husband and I did talk about what our life could look like if I were to win the grand prize money, it will definitely be about family. Between my mom’s health situation, my dad losing his job, and right before I went on the show, I had a miscarriage. There’s just a lot of elements of life that financial support like that could benefit us.
TRIBUNE: That’s wonderful. Has appearing on the show caused you to want to do more reality TV shows?
J. FOWLER: I do think reality tv gets a bad rap and my experience could not have been more positive. I truly think that time to yourself away from the outside world gives you a fresh, new narrative. It’s been so mentally beneficial for me. I’m already craving the next opportunity…I’m excited for what’s to come. I will not turn down any opportunities. I have many other strategies in my belt that I’d love to put into practice if another show makes me an offer.
TRIBUNE: Any people around Nashville recognize you from the show yet?
J. FOWLER: A few people here and there, which was so awesome. It’s amazing to see people rally and support the show. I think it speaks to the awesome format and the nostalgia of the game show Deal or No Deal, that so many of us grew up watching. When people recognize me, it still catches me off guard. I’m like, ‘How do I know you?’ They’re like, ‘We know you from the Deal or No Deal Island show.’ It’s so wild and so much fun. I’m very honored to be a part of this show.
Monday nights on NBC. All episodes will be available the next day on Peacock.
