"The Love Boat" (1977) TV series 1977-1986

User Rating:

5.6/10   

Directors:

Ray Austin
Earl Bellamy

Writers:

Buddy Akinson (writer)
Lee Aronsohn (writer)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

Release Date:

24 September 1977 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Plot:

The romantic and comic tales of the passengers and crew of the cruise ship, Pacific Princess.

Plot Keywords:

Ship | Sea | Cruise Ship | Captain | Famous Opening Theme

Awards:

Nominated for 8 Golden Globes. Another 4 wins & 13 nominations

Cast

Gavin MacLeod

...

Captain Merrill Stubing / ... (246 episodes, 1977-1987)

Runtime:

60 min | USA:60 min (249 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:TV-G | Australia:PG | Argentina:Atp

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Studios - 10201 Pico Blvd., Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Aaron Spelling Productions

Trivia:

This series was based upon Jeraldine Saunders' novel titled, "The Love Boats". She wrote the book from her personal observations while serving as a hostess on a cruise ship.

Movie Connections:

Featured in Lost Islands (2008)

Soundtrack:

The Love Boat

There's So Much More I Should Have Said!

I just commented on "The Love Boat", but I just realized there is so much I forgot to say about it. There are so many great episodes that have touched my heart. I was reminded of this when one of my favorites came on TV Land tonight. In it, a young girl (Maureen "Marcia Brady" Mc Cormick) falls in love, and then learns she may only have monthes to live. It is exceptional, real entertaiment that has a wonderful life lesson attached to it. There is another one where the crew is critical of an apparent relationship between an older man and a younger woman that turns out to be not what they imagined at all. Also, there is an episode that features first love between a pair of teenagers (Scott Baio and Kristy Mc Nichol) that rings true. I also enjoy the episode where Vicki's T.V. idol (Alison "Nellie Oleson" Arngrim) comes on board,and turns out to be not what she appears, either.

The series is exceptional in that it was able to deal with serious, sometimes even controversial themes, and balance it out with good, old fashioned screwball and sophisticated comedy. Contrary to many people's belief that the show's quality went down as it matured, I would have to disaggree. I have enjoyed every episode of this show I have ever seen, early or late in the series. And I find Charo to be adorable and funny.

"The Love Boat" has a permanent place on my favorite shows list, and a permanent spot in my heart, as well.