Which Show Was Really Dumber: The Love Boat or Fantasy Island?

The eternal debate between purists and enthusiasts of classic television continues. While the show 'Fantasy Island' has been widely criticized for its shallowness, another show, 'The Love Boat,' often receives a softer criticism. Despite both shows being taboos in the world of classic TV, let's dive into a detailed comparison to determine which one was actually the dumber show.

The Love Boat: Cotton Candy Sweetness and Light

Tomalley has firmly established "The Love Boat" as a classic of '70s television. It was a prime time series that aired on NBC from 1977 to 1986. The show followed the crew and passengers of the luxurious Pacific Princess cruise liner. Controversy surrounded the show due to its idealistic portrayal of a magical cruise, however, it was genuinely based on real-world cruises and locations.

I had the distinct honor of working on the Pacific Princess for the 50th anniversary cruise on December 3, 2015. It was a fourteen-night adventure along the Mexican Riviera, following the same itinerary as the first cruise. The original cast of 'The Love Boat' was present, alongside notable guests like Jack Jones, who was known for singing the show's theme song, and Jeraldine Saunders, the author of 'Love Boats,' which was the inspiration behind the show.

The original cast of 'The Love Boat' hosted a disco night onboard, where they not only danced and sang but also interacted with the regular passengers, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Fantasy Island: The Shallow Elements

On the opposite end of the spectrum, 'Fantasy Island' has been maligned for its superfluous and unrealistic plot lines. The show, which aired from 1977 to 1984, was a prime-time series that ended up being much less grounded than 'The Love Boat.' It was set on a mysterious island that could grant wishes to its visitors, making it a medley of far-fetched and often ridiculous scenarios.

The show's campy nature, involving handsome heroes, gorgeous heroines, and an enigmatic island owner, made it a blast to watch in a postmodern, "anything goes" context. However, some critics argue that these elements make the show less relatable and more difficult to take seriously. Some notable moments from the show like the brick-sized bananas and the absurd rule of bringing only one wish desire, are simply too over the top to be considered anything but hollow entertainment.

Comparing the Two Shows: Deeper Undercurrents and Depth

While 'The Love Boat' may be sweet and indulgent, it's rooted in reality. The show's real-world setting and the genuine cruises facilitated by the Pacific Princess gave it a level of authenticity that is now hard to find in many TV series. 'Fantasy Island' was, however, a more abstract concept, relying heavily on its fantastical and whimsical storyline.

Although 'Fantasy Island' had its fair share of dumb moments, it had a depth that 'The Love Boat' lacked. It offered a platform for exploring a variety of genres, including horror, detective, and even religious themes. In the long run, if 'Fantasy Island' were redo today, it could cater even more to its audience by providing a richer and more nuanced experience.

Both shows have left a lasting impact on television, but which one was truly dumber? That's debatable. 'The Love Boat' may have had its cotton candy appeal, but 'Fantasy Island' had a level of imagination and versatility that made it stand out. At the end of the day, the dumbness of a show can be a matter of perspective and personal taste.