The idea that some reviewers came to an 80's slapstick comedy tv show looking for a work of art in acting and plot devices is laughable. Who TF cares?! Its a light hearted escape with a few giggles. That's all its intended as. If you were looking for great artistry, and ended up here, that's on you for being an idiot. Its just fun and stupid for no reason, and that's how its meant to be. Lighten up.

I love this series not only for its style, but because I have love for all manner of boats.Especially when this series started, Princess Cruise was using a boat that was made in Germany. For some reason, German made boats has special appeal to me. I think the one they use in the opening scene is really beautiful.The other thing that I love about this series is its theme song. It's a disco type song, but fabulous. Going down the list of things I like about this series, the guest stars that comes on board every week always were interesting. Often serious character actors would come on board and go along with the comedy. It showed the side of them never seen elsewhere. I also liked the port of call the ship makes in each episodes. Many places looked stunningly beautiful.So what's not to like about a series like this ? It's a classic that's still a joy to watch.

Seriously people actually watched and loved this show back in the 1970s? Times must have really changed because I have seen several episodes now and it is just a stupid show. They introduce "guest celebrities" as people taking cruises on the Love Boat and then play out stupid (usually very predictable) romantic stories between them all. The characters are super cheesy and the only one that is cheesy in a fun way is Isaac the frequently parodied bartender. "Hey!" The doctor on the ship is also apparently a womanizer even though he's not exactly handsome or anything, in fact he is usually just plain creepy. I can't believe this show was a huge hit, the only value I get out of it is the unintentional comedy I get from how serious they take these ridiculous stories and how terrible the acting usually is.

I'm enjoying watching "The Love Boat" here in France while on a job for a few months....it's on a regular (non-cable) channel (FR3) every morning from 10:30 till 11:30....the French have never taken it off, and it still gets good ratings! It's great seeing all the old stars, and getting a taste of home, too! Bon voyage! Also, for those who are I Love Lucy fans, join www.lucyfan.com the Lucy fan site...or go visit the Lucy-Desi museum in her hometown of Jamestown, New York...conventions of Lucyfans are held there twice a year! Happy travels! P.S. 4 US soap operas are also shown on French TV (but from 3 years ago!)--Young and Restless, Bold and Beautiful, Days of our Lives, and Guiding Light!