'Too Hot To Handle' Season 5: Fans accuse Dre Woodard of being 'manipulative' and exaggerating financial struggles for prize money

While Dre Woodard did not win the show, he got half the prize money because the winner believed it could make a positive impact on his life
Dre emerged as the runner-up for 'Too Hot To Handle' Season 5 (@drewoodard/Instagram)
Dre emerged as the runner-up for 'Too Hot To Handle' Season 5 (@drewoodard/Instagram)

PUNTA MITA, MEXICO: The exciting 'Too Hot To Handle' series on Netflix has come to a fantastic ending. The show took us on a wild ride of self-discovery and rule-breaking, keeping us hooked until only two finalists remained, both vying for the big prize. One of them was Dre Woodard, who AI host Lana chose as one of the top contenders. Throughout the series, he acted like a detective, trying to catch rule-breakers and solve mysteries.

However, some fans weren't happy with Dre's behavior, labeling him manipulative. They also felt uncomfortable with how he talked about his family, suspecting he might have been doing it all just for the prize money.

Dre opens up about his large family and his financial responsibilities 

In 'THTH' Season 5, Lana made a promise that the $100,000 prize fund wouldn't necessarily go to a couple, and she chose Elys Hutchinson and Dre as the final two contestants. Elys, the stunning Scandinavian contestant, disliked commitment and kept her personal life guarded. In the end, she won the journey of self-discovery but surprised everyone by deciding to split the prize money with Dre. Dre had been open about his genuine need for the prize money right from the start.

Throughout the show, he acted like a vigilant detective, trying to protect the fund from rule-breakers. Although he faced his own challenges and even broke a rule with Linzy Luu himself, he courageously admitted his mistake, showing personal growth during his time on the show. Elys understood Dre's struggles, as he had mentioned his large family numerous times, revealing that he had "more siblings than fingers" on one hand, making the financial support even more meaningful. She believed that the money could make a positive impact on his life and on the lives of his loved ones.


 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Netflix UK & Ireland (@netflixuk)


 

'He's manipulative AF'

Fans of the show, however, strongly believed that Dre had been highly manipulative concerning the prize money. On a Reddit thread discussing the winner of the show, One person commented, "Happy for Dre for being a runner up but I think he knew he wasn't going to make it unless he did something, kissing Linzy and then pretending to grow from it was honestly a great move on his part," while another agreed, saying, "Yep ever since the beginning of the show he talked about that money and he knows what this game is. I commend him on at least trying to play the game." Another person, however, called him out, saying, "Dre was the least attractive dude on the show and had no women into him. Not saying he shouldn’t have won but he had it pretty easy until he decided on that weird kiss to someone that wasn’t even his type." Another person shared their perspective, noting, "I didnt like Dre to be honest. Most of the time he on watching others, rather than creating lasting relationships. Then he kissed Linzy and afterwards kind of ghosted her, until the workshop. Plus I found his reactions to be over the top and not genuine. I preferred Elys, or actually most other candidates (except Louis and Isaac, obviously). Kind of love how Hunter was just sweet and chill with Elys moving on for example." Another Redditor also said, "I really liked dre in the beginning but ever since the beginning he talked about needing that money so when he started to cry the last episode I felt it was heavily acted. He laid it on thick." Another fan of the show speculated, "So, uh, we not gonna talk about the fact that after the retreat, Dre's heading right to the strip club." One person also added, "Yeah it gives me the ick. I have to say that all this „I’m gonna help my family, I’ve grown sooo much” talk and him crying didn’t sit right with me and he didn’t look genuine at all." Another avid viewer said, "He's manipulative AF, reminds me of the bullshit he was feeding Linzy," clearly not happy about Dre being runner-up.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Stephen Graham, who plays a serial killer in Apple TV’s new adaptation of Lars Kepler's novel, led by Liev Schreiber, finally has a release date.
6 hours ago
John Oliver’s three-episode arc on ‘General Hospital’ fulfills all his wishes in Port Charles.
15 hours ago
‘All American’ Season 8 is scheduled to premiere with its first two episodes on Monday, July 13
16 hours ago
The ‘Yellowstone’ spin-off has become a fan favorite, but an unexpected technicality has kept it out of one of TV’s biggest awards races.
21 hours ago
The wait is over for Harlan Coben fans as Netflix has officially locked in the lead cast for its newest mystery drama
21 hours ago
Caleb Groen from California faced off against Lee Ann McGuire Whitlock and Owen Harrington on Monday's episode of 'Jeopardy!'.
22 hours ago
The Emmy nominations announcement will be made by Liza Colon-Zayas and Jeff Hiller
22 hours ago
'High Potential' Season 3 finally gets an update as the show appears to be moving forward with ABC holding the procedural for 2027.
1 day ago
'The Greatest,' following Ali's journey from rags to riches, is set to arrive on Amazon Prime Video sooner than you think.
1 day ago
‘The Simpsons’ predicted decades ago that two particular countries would face each other in an all-important match.
1 day ago