For 3 seasons we watched them do their best to get off that island. But is it really what we wanted to see? I mean think about it. If they had gotten rescued the show would have ended. Even after its ending, we watched in reruns over and over again until the late 70s when Rescue from Gilligan's Island was aired. But by that time, the show was in syndication so long, we were ready for the rescue. And as I recall. The made for TV movie, was the biggest hit of that week at the time.

The show was like the movie Titantic. You knew it was gonna sink but you always hoped it wouldn't even though you knew the outcome every time.

Gilligan's Island was the same thing (and they were 1st ones to do it)
You knew the castaways would never be rescued or the show would be over but you kept watching it anyway, hoping but always knowing the outcome. They always teased you, and left you wanting more and I believe that was the kicker. The show was true genius and 30 minutes was the perfect formula. Although I liked the Rescue movie it was not as good as the show. Perhaps because they were all older? Or because it dragged.

The show was the best. I only wished they made a season 4 and even more. But to be rescued? No, except for a dream scenario maybe?

To be honest, I loved the re-unions the actors had where they basically just sat around the studio, reminisced and talked about the shows they did, their memories about that time, favorite episodes, stuff like that. Inside information straight from the actors themselves. That to me was more enjoyable then those movies made in the late 70s and early 80s.

Sherwood Shwartz had a 4th season script ready to go, but the wife of the new CBS exec in charge of programming loved Gunsmoke more. Gilligan with the other 6 castaways got the boot so they could put James Arness back on the air.

But if the networks knew then what Gilligans Island would become in reruns, I bet ABC or NBC would have picked it up. Or maybe even CBS would have not canceled it.

Sherwood Shwartz had a 4th season script ready to go, but the wife of the new CBS exec in charge of programming loved Gunsmoke more. Gilligan with the other 6 castaways got the boot so they could put James Arness back on the air.

But if the networks knew then what Gilligans Island would become in reruns, I bet ABC or NBC would have picked it up. Or maybe even CBS would have not canceled it.

I think the show was cancelled last minute to make room for that AWFUL Gunsmoke show and there wasn't enough time for NBC or ABC to pick it up. They already had their slots filled. But yes, that is what NBC or ABC should have done! Perhaps they could not do it in 1967 but should have picked it up the following season. I know they did that with the TV show TAXI. It was on for 5 years from 1978–1983. It was from 1978 to 1982 on ABC and from 1982 to 1983 on NBC. I liked it, and was surprised it did not last longer than 1 year on NBC, so I dunno?

I wonder if that woman who wanted her AWFUL Gunsmoke gets hate mail. She should. (head shaking) It kills me one person could have so much power and ruin so many peoples lives. The actors, the fans, all those involved with G.I. :mad:

Season 4 might not have been "legendary" if they lost Tina Louise and "tweaked " it to accommodate NBC or ABC = True. But then again, IMO Cheers got better with Rebecca than with Diane. Sometimes change is good, so you never know? Then again Darren #2 in Bewitched was kinda weird so we will never no for sure I guess?

Gunsmoke: OH I HATED ALL those HORRIBLE 60s Westerns. I tried watching them a few times on TVLAND even Bonanza I can't watch. Just so BORING and never authentic or accurate. AND+ I don't hate all Westerns though. I LOVED the movie Unforgiven with Clint Eastwood. Probably because it was very well done.