Gavin MacLeod from TV's long running 'The Love Boat' dies at 90

THE LOVE BOAT on  ABC (1977-1986). Gavin MacLeod (Captain Merrill Stubing) said in a recent interview that the TV show was considered "awful" by executives. Gavin still predicted that "The Love Boat" would be a massive hit... He was right... The comedy show ran for 9 TV seasons. Plus - 5 more TV specials.

The were only Three Major Networks in 1977 (CBS-NBC-ABC). "The Love Boat" aired every Saturday night on ABC. It peaked in its' Fourth TV season and grabbed 24.3 million TV viewers overall (Number #5). You don't see TV ratings like this in 2021.   

Gavin MacLeod portrayed Murry Slaughter in "The Mary Tyler Moor Show" (1970-77). It aired on CBS and its' highest TV ratings peaked in the Fifth season. It nabbed 24.0 million TV viewers overall (Number #11).

Gavin began his acting career during the 1950's in the early days of Television. He guest starred in many shows, "General Electric Theater", "The Untouchables", "The Munsters", "Perry Mason", "Death Valley Days", "The Big Valley" and "Hawaii Five-0."

What an outstanding career.... RIP - Gavin MacLeod.

(1964 TV show "The Munsters." Gavin MacLeod is on the right with a full head of hair.).

(Life magazine. Gavin MacLeod on bottom left.).

(ABC promo picture of "The Love Boat." Gavin MacLeod front and center.).

"The Love Boat" introduction from 1977 is below.