Just sit right back and you’ll hear a tale of the newest concept in reality programming. With audiences still lapping up everything reality based, and kitschy retro properties hotter than ever, imaginative network execs have come up with the idea that rivals the invention of the coconut radio in terms of sheer ingenuity. The result is a combination of the two genres to form the new medium that some are calling ‘retroality’.
Starting Dec. 5 at 10 p.m. (and continuing the following Sunday at its regular 11 p.m. timeslot), The Real Gilligan’s Island joins PRIME to bring several unique twists to the original Gilligan’s Island series. Half S.S. Minnow, half Noah’s ark, TRGI stars two real-life skippers, two first mates, two millionaire couples, two movie stars, two professors, and two Midwest farm girls and pits each character against their counterpart for a spot in the final cast of seven… all of whom are hoping that they are all more successful than their predecessors in getting of the island. The original Gilligan’s Island immediately became a breakout hit when it premiered in 1964 and has attained cult classic status with people of all ages thanks to its timeless appeal and almost four decades in syndication. The original series has also spawned an animated series, several television movies and, unfortunately, Bob Denver’s ill-fated parcel delivery service.
