‘Love Boat’ Features TV Land Stars

There was a time we could recall the clever lyrics from a wealth of Warner Bros. westerns and private eye shows of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

A few of our old favorites, in no particular order, were “Maverick,” “Sugarfoot,” “77 Sunset Strip” and “Surfside Six.”

Those catchy, kitschy tunes came to mind while perusing tonight’s eclectic schedule headed by “The Love Boat,” producer Aaron Spelling’s lighthearted and often lightheaded romantic comedy hit of Saturdays past. The series docks on TV Land from 8 to 10 p.m. each night this week and then steams into its weeknight berth on the nostalgic network starting next Monday.

Not one to bypass a promotional opportunity, the brand-happy programmers at TV Land will package episodes featuring cast members from the golden oldies now carried by the network, as in Jaclyn Smith (“Charlie’s Angels”), Jim Nabors (“Gomer Pyle”), Don Adams (“Get Smart”) and Don Knotts (“The Andy Griffith Show”).

Love it or loathe it, this was one surprisingly seaworthy “Boat” that remained afloat for nine seasons on ABC (1977-1986) thanks in large part to the easygoing camaraderie of its wholesome cast and rafts upon rafts of guest stars, many of whom were famous faces from Hollywood’s bygone era.

Each schmaltzy episode was set aboard the Pacific Princess, an elegant cruise ship overseen by steady Capt. Stubing, portrayed by Gavin MacLeod, who had just completed a successful seven-year run on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” as witty news writer Murray Slaughter.

Stubing’s reliable staff included Bernie Kopell, Ted Lange, Lauren Tewes (most recently seen on CBS’ canceled remake of “The Fugitive”), Jill Whelan and Fred Grandy, who left Hollywood to represent Iowa in Congress.

So for old times’ sake, sing along with us on the show’s upbeat theme song, written by Paul Williams and Charles Fox, which opened with “Love, exciting and new. Come aboard. We’re expecting you.”

See, we knew you remembered.