Fantasy Island

[Monzo]

The original Fantasy Island aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984. In 1998, Fantasy Island returned to ABC, and Malcolm McDowell played Mr. Roarke in the short-lived revival. A so-called horror prequel adaptation of Fantasy Island hit theaters in 2020, this time starring Michael Peña as Mr. Roarke. In 2021, Fox brought Fantasy Island back to television for the first time with a female lead, Roselyn Sánchez, that version lasted two seasons.

Which version of Fantasy Island did you like? Was there a version that wasn't good at all?

 

[Carrie Fairchild]

I voted for the 1998 version as it’s the only version that I’ve watched. In saying that, my recollections of it are pretty vague beyond the fact that Madchen and Malcolm McDowell were in it. Some day, I will dip into the original series, based on whatever guest stars I’m interested in. I’ll also lookup the Melrose Place mini reunion on the now cancelled 2021 version.

 

[Barbara Fan]

Definitely the original series Da plane, Da plane with Mr Montablan and Herve V (whose name i cant spell)

I bought S1 and quite a few Dallas cast star including Miss Principal in the opening epiosde and she looks stunning

Some of it was rather scary and sinister if i recall

 

[AndyB2008]

The 1983-1984 season which saw Christopher Hewett replace Herve Villechaize would turn out to be the final season.

Aaron Spelling took umbridge to Herve requesting parity on a par with Ricardo Montalban (same reason with Catherine Oxenberg later on Dynasty, hence that recast), hence no Tattoo in the last season.

I voted for the 1998 version as it’s the only version that I’ve watched. In saying that, my recollections of it are pretty vague beyond the fact that Madchen and Malcolm McDowell were in it. Some day, I will dip into the original series, based on whatever guest stars I’m interested in. I’ll also lookup the Melrose Place mini reunion on the now cancelled 2021 version.

Interestingly the 1998 Fantasy Island aired on Saturday nights like the original series had. The original had aired at 10\9 Central after the Love Boat, whereas the 1998 version aired at 9/8 Central.

The Malcolm McDowell version suffered from obvious comparisons to the original, but timeslot and a lead in hurt it too.

Whereas the original series benefited from Aaron Spelling's power at ABC, as it was in a block of his shows, the 1998 Fantasy Island was against established NBC series The Pretender and freshman CBS show Martial Law (the latter becoming a quick hit out of the gate), not to mention the lead in was America's Funniest Home Videos, then presented by John Fugelsang and Daisy Fuentes, which was struggling ratings wise - not helped by ABC constantly bouncing the timeslot, due to the normal Sunday slot being occupied.

 

[Seaviewer]

The original, of course. Never saw the Malcolm McDowell version or the 2020 movie, but I don't mind the new one. Canceled already, is it?

 

[Carrie Fairchild]

Canceled already, is it?

It was axed on Tuesday. Reportedly, out of all of FOX’s dramas this season, it ranked last in total audience and tied with Monarch for last in the demo.

 

[Chris2]

The early episodes of the original series were the best. It had a more sinister tone. That was pretty much gone by the time season 2 rolled around; Roarke was a benevolent person by then.

The 1998 take was back to its dark roots and should have lasted longer.

The new Fox version had potential but was terminally cheap.

 

[Seaviewer]

The early episodes of the original series were the best. It had a more sinister tone.

Yes, the original telemovie/pilot was quite dark. The second one Return to Fantasy Island had lighter tone which the series only increased as it went on.

 

[Jock Ewing Fan]

With respect, no contest. Ricardo Montalban was iconic as Mr. Roarke, there is no replacing him. Didn't see the recent remake, it has no appeal to me.
The MM version, a little darker, had some possible merits, but again, RM is Mr Roarke. The horror movie version - a complete mistake

 

[Monzo]

Many episodes of Fantasy Island—including some from the 1998 version—are currently being uploaded to YouTube in surprisingly good quality.

This playlist features four consecutive episodes per video. Here are four videos from season 4. In the final episode, Charlene Tilton (as a figure skater) and Dack Rambo are love interests.

In this playlist, you will find content from 1998 alongside episodes of the original series. Here is the pilot of Fantasy Island 1998.