September 4, 1967
 

On this date 40 years ago, Gilligan's Island ended its run on CBS's nighttime line-up. Its first season was entirely in black-and-white.

It was practically hated by critics nationwide, but creator Sherwood Schwartz meant for the show to be a microcosm of society in the form of seven people and how they cope with being stranded on an island. What Schwartz never explained is how the Howells, Ginger and Mary Ann managed to bring a wardrobe with them when their original boating tour was meant to be just three hours.

It ran three years on CBS and would spawn two cartoon shows (The New Adventures Of Gilligan for ABC in 1974, and Gilligan's Planet for CBS in 1982) and some three made-for-TV movies.

"Oh Jilligan!"

as Fez would say 8D

Part of me really wants to add a "Ginger vs. Mary Ann" poll to this thread but the rest of me knows better. 8D

I never understood why the critics hated this show so much. Granted it was a little stupid but it was harmless, and it did have some funny moments. My favorite episode was one of the old black-and-white ones titled "Goodbye Old Paint", the one where the castaways encountered an eccentric painter named Dubov. Still cracks me up. :)

It only had three seasons? I could never get into the show but I always assumed that it had almost as many seasons as The Simpson's since it's so popular. Still, the show gets my respect just for bringing so much happiness to so many people.

wasn't there one with a Communist version of Gilligan on the island?

8D

*Russian accent* No not Gilligan's Island! Fecastro's Island!

That's the Cuban dictator right? I forgot the Russian dictator from WWII.

That was a Russian spy doppelganger of Gilligan who was planted on the island ("Gilligan Vs. Gilligan," aired September 19, 1966) because his superiors believe the castaways are on a secret mission for the U.S. government.

Fidel was/is the Cuban. Stalin was the Rusky.

and thanks Ccook :D