CBS will soon be driving once again to revive The love boat – this time as a dating competition series.
The network has ordered The real love boata reality series where a group of singles are looking for love while they are all aboard a Princess Cruise ship.
The official description reads: “Destination dates, challenges and surprise singles will test the couples’ compatibility and chemistry. Like the beloved original script series, the indispensable crew members, including ‘captain’ and ‘cruise director’, will play key roles in matchmaking and navigation in the romantic (and sometimes turbulent) waters ahead. After almost a month at sea, only one winning pair will reach the last port and take home a cash prize. ”
“The audience was really connected to the fun and escapism of The love boat, “said Mitch Graham, senior vice president, alternative programming, CBS.” The iconic series embodied the many opportunities for people to create new, meaningful connections. Perceive it as a dating show with competition, adventure and romance The real love boat an ideal fit for our schedule and viewers. “
The original manuscript Love boat launched in 1977 was executive produced by Aaron Spelling and ran for nine seasons on ABC. Each episode featured a different group of guests looking for romance aboard the MS Pacific Princess. The show spawned a 1990 CBS reunion film (The Love Boat: A Valentine Voyage) and then a short-lived restart series in 1998 on UPN (Love Boat: The Next Wave). The original is perhaps best remembered for having one of the more memorable Golden Age TV theme songs.
And here is the opening for Next wave.
CBS is working with Australian broadcaster Network 10 on The real love boat with production beginning on consecutive US and Australian versions this summer, and both to be released later this year.