Unpacking The Magic Of Classic TV: A Deep Dive Into Gilligan's Island And Beyond

In our latest episode of CloserWeekly.com’s Classic TV podcast, we sat down with Lloyd Schwartz, the son of the legendary Sherwood Schwartz. If you're a fan of classic TV, you know Sherwood as the creator of both The Brady Bunch and Gilligan’s Island. Lloyd was deeply involved in these iconic shows, and today, we're shining the spotlight on Gilligan and the rest of those unforgettable castaways. But first, let's rewind to a lesser-known gem from Lloyd's career.

Big John, Little John: A Forgotten Gem

Let’s take a trip back to 1976 with Lloyd Schwartz’s Saturday morning live-action TV show, Big John, Little John. This quirky series focuses on John Martin, a 40-year-old middle school science teacher played by Herb Edelman. During a vacation in Florida, John drinks from a mysterious water spring, only to discover it's the legendary Fountain of Youth that Juan Ponce de Leon spent his life searching for. The twist? John doesn’t stay young forever. Instead, he bounces back and forth between his adult self and a 12-year-old version of himself, portrayed by Robbie Rist, who you might recognize as Cousin Oliver from The Brady Bunch. Imagine this as a quirky take on The Incredible Hulk, but with a lot more humor and heart.

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It’s About Time: Another Schwartz Creation

Before we dive deeper into Gilligan’s Island, let’s pause for another fascinating detour. Lloyd’s father also produced It’s About Time, a quirky series about two astronauts who accidentally travel back to prehistoric times. They encounter a cave family and create some hilarious situations. But when the ratings started to dip, the show took an unexpected turn. The astronauts returned to the present day, bringing two cave people with them. As Lloyd notes, this show might not be as memorable as some of his father’s other hits, but its catchy theme song has stuck with fans over the years. If you haven’t heard it, trust me, it’s worth a listen on YouTube.

Classic TV Podcast: A Journey Through TV History

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Gilligan’s Island. This beloved show has captured the hearts of fans for generations. In our conversation with Lloyd Schwartz, we explore the fascinating backstory of the three reunion movies that brought the castaways back together. We also delve into a wild idea that almost happened: a crossover between The Brady Bunch and Gilligan’s Island. Former NBC executive Fred Silverman was determined to make it happen, but it never came to fruition. And for those who’ve wondered, Lloyd shares the ongoing struggle to bring a big-budget Gilligan’s Island: The Motion Picture to life. He describes it as an “epic comedy adventure” that fans have been waiting for since 1998.

So, grab a seat, sit back, and enjoy this delightful journey through the world of classic TV. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the magic of Gilligan’s Island, there’s something here for everyone.