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Fantasy Island (1978)
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Dream-fulfilling show has sexy stuff, stereotypes, drinking.
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Fantasy Island (1978)
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Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
The classic series FANTASY ISLAND (1978-1984) is about people who want their secret desires to come true on an exclusive Pacific island. Ricardo Montalbán stars as the mysterious Mr. Roarke, the island's owner and resort host, who's responsible for arranging each guest's pricey two-day experience. Assisting him is Tattoo (Hervé Villechaize). Each fantasy is designed to be an unforgettable experience, but the unexpected consequences of living their fantasies have the potential to turn visitors' dreams into nightmares.
Is It Any Good?
This fun, classic series features an eclectic cast of characters trying to fulfill their desires by participating in fantastical, but contrived, adventures. From a roller derby skater wanting to become a refined lady to a date with the one that got away, each guest experience feels like a social experiment ultimately designed by Mr. Roarke to serve as a life lesson. These stories are often far-fetched and ridiculous, but they also touch on universal themes that remain relevant today, including the human desire for intimacy, acceptance, wealth, and vengeance.
It's hard not to feel like you're in a time warp when watching Fantasy Island, thanks to the fashions, outmoded production values, and continual guest appearances of popular (and much younger looking) celebrities of the time. Meanwhile, some of the content, including the caricature-like representations of Pacific Islanders and little people (including Tattoo's shouts about seeing "de plane") can be interpreted as stereotypical and insensitive according to contemporary social and cultural standards. But the series still remains a fixture in American popular culture, and continues to entertain audiences who loved it back in the day.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the kinds of fantasies guests want fulfilled on Fantasy Island. Why do they always seem to go wrong? Are these mishaps preplanned? Or do the guests create them thanks to their behavior while there?
Classic shows and movies often contain stereotypes that reflect the social conventions of the time when they were made. Should we still watch them? Can we learn anything from them?
If you had a chance to live your fantasy for two days, would you take it? What would be the consequences of doing so?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 28, 1978
- Cast: Ricardo Montalban , Hervé Villechaize
- Network: ABC
- Genre: Drama
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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