The Real Gilligan’s Island

Network: TBS
Episodes: 15 (hour)
Seasons: Two

TV show dates: November 30, 2004 — June 29, 2005
Series status: Cancelled/ended

Performers include: (contestants only)

TV show description:
Sherwood Schwartz’s classic is brought to life in this show that combines the plot lines and characters of the original sitcom with a reality series competition.

The 14 contestant’s real life occupations match those of the famous characters — professor, actress, millionaire, etc. The contestants are divided into two teams of seven, with each team having its own Gilligan, Mary Ann, Ginger, Skipper, Professor, Millionaire, and Millionaire’s Wife.

In the first round, like characters compete against each other individually, such as Skipper against Skipper. A treasure chest in “Voodoo Village” reveals the opponents in the next stage of the contest, as the voodoo doll inside resemble one of the seven characters.

Once the finalists have been narrowed to one set of seven characters, the show takes on Survivor-like play, as they compete for prizes and immunity.

Many of the challenges that the contestants face are modeled after the situations that occurred in the original sitcom, such as building a sea-worthy raft or knocking coconuts out of trees to get the juice. Other challenges include the millionaire couple eating a gourmet meal of mysterious island items and the first mate proving he has “sea legs.”

The original show’s castaways worked together and there’s plenty of room for strategy and alliances on this show. A voting ceremony at Voodoo Village is like a tribal council when players vote each other out. When the game is reduced to just three characters, they compete directly against each other to determine the winner of the show.

The last castaway standing is rescued and given a big cash prize to bring home with them.