PHOTO BY MONTY BRINTON / NBC

Joe Manganiello has a pretty good gig.

He’s the host of “Deal or No Deal Island,” a remix of the favorite game show set and filmed in a tropical paradise somewhere off the coast of Panama. And while the competitors must endure physical challenges and social maneuvering, Manganiello can enjoy the atmosphere and competition — even if he doesn’t necessarily enjoy the heat.

“It’s like 100 degrees — before humidity,” the Pittsburgh native says. “But it’s awesome. I love it.”

The show combines the drama of the mystery-prize game show “Deal or No Deal” with the challenges and setting of longtime reality-television favorite “Survivor.” That caught Manganiello’s interest; the Mt. Lebanon High School graduate is a longtime fan of the latter series.

“I’ve seen almost every single episode of ‘Survivor’ … A lot of times when I’m on set in a foreign location, I watch ‘Survivor’ episodes to keep me company.”

Manganiello cites Jeff Probst as an ideal reality-show host — but also shouts out another local influence: “Dan Cortese, MTV Sports. Pittsburgh’s own. Quaker Valley quarterback, let’s go.”

“Deal or No Deal Island” is in its second season; as of this writing, just five contestants remain, including “Survivor” veteran Parvati Shallow. The game operates much like “Survivor,” with a game of “Deal or No Deal” replacing the classic show’s tribal council; as the season progresses, a final cash prize grows.

Manganiello says the game differentiates itself by being a combination of skill, strategy and — vitally — luck.

“Everybody has that friend of theirs that’s the luckiest person they’ve ever met. Our show tests why. I get to watch that every day at work — and understand what makes someone lucky and what doesn’t … I’m really fascinated with that metaphysical principle of luck, because some people have it and some people don’t.”

The show airs Tuesdays on NBC (and streams the following day on Peacock). Manganiello promises fireworks (and a remarkable display of luck) as the season wraps up. He hopes to come back home soon, especially since his girlfriend, Caitlin O’Connor, is another Western Pennsylvania native; the pair’s last visit came when she was inducted into the Uniontown High School Hall of Fame.

“Everyone couldn’t have been nicer. I mean, there was some fun ribbing about me being from Mt. Lebanon — which I expect when I go home, or meet anyone from Pittsburgh.

“We had a great time in Uniontown — and I love Nemacolin, I love Fallingwater. I love the Laurel Highlands … I love that part of the world, and I was very proud of Caitlin.”