Gilligan's Island, which originally aired from 1964 to 1967, is both one of the most loved and hated programs in television

(see entry under 1940s—TV and Radio in volume 3) history. Critics claimed that the show was absurd and juvenile, calling it TV at its worst. Audiences, however, responded positively to the wacky characters and the slapstick physical humor. Although the series was in production for only three seasons, the popularity of Gilligan's Island has allowed it to remain in constant syndication (the rebroadcasting of programs on independent television channels). It also inspired several highly rated reunion TV movies, as well as animated programs and countless items of merchandise.

Series creator Sherwood Schwartz (c. 1917–) endured a long struggle to bring his program to television. He tried...