A little over a month ago, Princess Cruises commemorated its upcoming 50th anniversary next year with the christening of its newest vessel, the Regal Princess. Serving as the ship’s godparents was the entire original cast of the romantic 1970s television show, The Love Boat. The naming ceremony was also attended by a number of other high-profile actors from that TV era, including many who made guest appearances on the beloved show. Of course, attendees also enjoyed a live performance of the famous Love Boat theme song, then danced the night away at a Love Boat disco party that evening.
Even today, nearly 30 years after the show concluded its run, The Love Boat clearly has left an impact on American television audiences. Since that show ended in 1987, however, no other cruise-themed television show has made such a lasting impression on pop culture.
In coming months, though, that could change. In an exclusive published by the entertainment news magazine The Hollywood Reporter, television network NBC recently announced that its studios are working on a brand-new comedy series set on a cruise ship. The concept of the show, which is called Port of Miami, has been favorably compared to Cheers, a wildly popular sitcom of the ‘80s and early ‘90s. The new show will center around a jaded cruise bartender and the colorful, international crew members whom he works with, who are all striving to achieve the American Dream.
NBC has released few details about the show, which is already in development. The network has tapped producers Matt Williams and David McFadzean, who are behind the hit TV series Home Improvement, to create the new comedy. The script will be written by Mark Perez, who has worked with Disney and Universal on a variety of projects.
If all goes as planned, cruisers may soon have a new television show to enjoy. Even non-cruisers could have the chance to experience the fun of a modern ocean voyage – right from their own living rooms.
