CBS orders dating reality competition The Real Love Boat

The Hollywood Reporter

CBS is taking the spirit of ABC's Aaron Spelling-produced 1977-1986 hit romantic dramedy The Love Boat and applying it to a dating reality competition aboard a Princess Cruise ship. CBS is partnering with Australian's Network Ten to consecutively shoot U.S. and Australian versions of The Real Love Boat. “Destination dates, challenges and surprise singles will test the couples’ compatibility and chemistry," reads CBS' official description for The Real Love Boat. "Like the beloved original scripted series, the indispensable crew members including ‘captain’ and ‘cruise director’ will play pivotal roles in the matchmaking and navigation of the romantic (and sometimes turbulent) waters ahead. After almost a month at sea, only one winning couple will make it to the final port and take home a cash prize.” Mitch Graham, CBS' senior vice president of alternative programming, says of The Real Love Boat: "Audiences really connected with the fun and escapism of The Love Boat. The iconic series embodied the many possibilities of people making new, meaningful connections. Reimagining it as a dating show with competition, adventure and romance makes The Real Love Boat an ideal fit for our schedule and viewers.”