10 Shows & Movies Like The Love Boat (1977)

Description: Dallas shares with The Love Boat the element of escapism and the portrayal of a glamorous lifestyle, albeit in a very different setting. While The Love Boat offers romantic escapades on the high seas, Dallas provides a glimpse into the high-stakes world of Texas oil tycoons. Both shows are emblematic of their era, offering viewers a mix of drama, romance, and larger-than-life characters. The storytelling in both shows is serialized, keeping audiences hooked week after week.

Fact: Dallas is famous for the 'Who shot J.R.?' cliffhanger, which became a cultural phenomenon. The show was one of the first to use the 'season finale cliffhanger' technique. Larry Hagman's portrayal of J.R. Ewing is one of the most iconic villain roles in television history.

Description: Hart to Hart shares with The Love Boat a blend of romance, adventure, and light-hearted drama. Both shows feature glamorous settings and attractive leads who navigate various escapades. While The Love Boat's romance is spread among its passengers, Hart to Hart focuses on the romantic and crime-solving adventures of a wealthy couple. The tone of both shows is playful and designed to entertain without heavy drama.

Fact: Hart to Hart starred Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers as the wealthy couple Jonathan and Jennifer Hart. The show was created by Sidney Sheldon, who also created The Patty Duke Show and I Dream of Jeannie. The Harts' loyal butler, Max, was played by Lionel Stander, who was blacklisted during the McCarthy era.

Description: Knots Landing, a spin-off of Dallas, shares with The Love Boat a focus on interpersonal relationships and drama. While The Love Boat's setting is a cruise ship, Knots Landing takes place in a suburban cul-de-sac, but both shows explore the complexities of love, friendship, and betrayal. The ensemble cast and episodic yet serialized storytelling are also similarities between the two shows.

Fact: Knots Landing was one of the longest-running primetime dramas, lasting 14 seasons. The show was known for tackling serious social issues, such as alcoholism and domestic violence, which was unusual for its time. Michele Lee, who played Karen Fairgate, is the only actor to appear in all 344 episodes.

Description: Magnum, P.I. shares with The Love Boat a sense of adventure and escapism, though in a very different context. While The Love Boat offers romantic escapades on a cruise ship, Magnum, P.I. provides action and mystery in the exotic setting of Hawaii. Both shows feature charismatic leads and a mix of episodic and serialized storytelling that was popular in the 1980s.

Fact: Magnum, P.I. starred Tom Selleck, who became a major sex symbol because of the role. The show was known for its iconic theme music and Magnum's famous mustache. Higgins, played by John Hillerman, was originally intended to be a minor character but became a fan favorite.

Description: Like The Love Boat, Dynasty is a prime example of 1980s television glamour and escapism. Both shows feature ensemble casts, dramatic storylines, and a focus on the lives of the wealthy and glamorous. While The Love Boat focuses on romance and light-hearted drama on a cruise ship, Dynasty delves into the power struggles and scandals of a wealthy oil family. Both shows were iconic for their time and provided viewers with a form of entertainment that was both visually appealing and emotionally engaging.

Fact: Dynasty was known for its over-the-top fashion, especially the shoulder pads worn by Joan Collins' character, Alexis Carrington. The show also featured one of the first major prime-time soap opera catfights between Alexis and Krystle Carrington. Dynasty was so popular that it even had a spin-off, The Colbys.

Description: Falcon Crest, like The Love Boat, is a product of the early 1980s television landscape that favored glamour and drama. While The Love Boat offers light-hearted romance, Falcon Crest provides a darker, more intense look at the power struggles within a wealthy wine-making family. Both shows, however, are quintessential examples of their respective genres and eras, offering viewers a form of escapism through their engaging storylines and charismatic characters.

Fact: Falcon Crest was set in the fictional Tuscany Valley of California and was known for its lush vineyard settings. Jane Wyman, who played Angela Channing, won a Golden Globe for her performance. The show also featured a young Lorenzo Lamas as Lance Cumson.

Description: Remington Steele, like The Love Boat, combines elements of romance and adventure with a touch of glamour. Both shows feature charismatic leads and a mix of episodic and serialized storytelling. While The Love Boat's setting is a cruise ship, Remington Steele takes place in the world of private investigation, but both shows maintain a light, entertaining tone that was characteristic of 1980s television.

Fact: Remington Steele starred Pierce Brosnan in the role that eventually led to him being cast as James Bond. The show was created by Michael Gleason, who also worked on Murder, She Wrote. Stephanie Zimbalist, who played Laura Holt, is the daughter of Efrem Zimbalist Jr., star of The F.B.I.

Description: Murder, She Wrote, like The Love Boat, is a light-hearted drama with a focus on storytelling and character interaction. While The Love Boat's episodes revolve around romantic escapades, Murder, She Wrote centers on mystery-solving, but both shows maintain a gentle, engaging tone. Angela Lansbury's Jessica Fletcher is as much a beloved television icon as The Love Boat's Captain Stubing.

Fact: Murder, She Wrote was one of the most successful and longest-running detective series in television history. Angela Lansbury was nominated for 12 Emmy Awards for her role as Jessica Fletcher but never won. The show was set in the fictional town of Cabot Cove, Maine, which had an improbably high murder rate.

Description: Moonlighting shares with The Love Boat a blend of romance, comedy, and drama, though with a more modern and self-aware twist. Both shows feature will-they-won't-they romantic tension between the leads, a hallmark of 1980s television. The witty banter and playful tone of Moonlighting are reminiscent of the light-hearted romance found in The Love Boat.

Fact: Moonlighting starred Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis, who became a major movie star after the show. The show was known for breaking the fourth wall and its innovative use of camera techniques. Moonlighting is often credited with popularizing the romantic comedy-drama genre on television.

Description: The A-Team, like The Love Boat, is a quintessential 1980s television show that offers escapism and entertainment. While The Love Boat focuses on romance and light-hearted drama, The A-Team provides action and adventure, but both shows are emblematic of their era. The ensemble casts and episodic storytelling are also similarities between the two shows.

Fact: The A-Team was known for its over-the-top action sequences and the catchphrase 'I love it when a plan comes together.' Mr. T, who played B.A. Baracus, was a professional wrestler before becoming an actor. The show was famous for its use of improvised weapons and the team's ability to avoid killing anyone despite the constant gunfire.