Casting Calls Open for ‘The Real Love Boat’

Inspired by the classic hit scripted series The Love Boat, a new reality romance series sets sail on Princess Cruises in the U.S. and Australia in 2022.

U.S. network CBS and Australian broadcaster Network 10 jointly announced they have ordered local versions of The Real Love Boat, a reality dating competition series inspired by The Love Boat, the hit 1970s scripted series that used Princess Cruises ships as its setting. Production begins this summer, and both versions are expected to air in the U.S. and Australia later this year.

Two separate casting calls have been launched to find a diverse mix of passengers for the U.S. version and the Australian version of The Real Love Boat. The casting call form includes “non-binary” as a gender identity option and it also asks applicants their sexual orientation. At a time when we celebrate the phrase, “Love is love,” it only makes sense that the casting call is open to LGBTQ+ folks looking for love, too!

“The Love Boat is a timeless, romantic concept with universal appeal, and we’re excited to reimagine this popular series for audiences in two different countries,” said George Cheeks, president and CEO of CBS, and head of global content strategy for Paramount’s free-to-air networks, including Network 10. 

The Real Love Boat brings singles together on a luxury cruise in the Mediterranean while looking for love. Destination dates, challenges, and surprise singles will test the couples’ compatibility and chemistry. Like the beloved original scripted series, the indispensable crew members including the captain and cruise director will play pivotal roles in the matchmaking and navigation of the romantic (and sometimes turbulent) waters ahead.

After almost a month at sea, only one winning couple will make it to the final port and take home a cash prize plus a once-in-a-lifetime trip courtesy of Princess Cruises, the series’ exclusive cruise line partner.

“The Love Boat was synonymous with exotic locations, glamour, excitement, and of course, romantic connections underpinned by wonderful comic tales,” said Beverley McGarvey, executive vice president and chief content officer of Paramount Australia and New Zealand. The Real Love Boat will encompass all of this and more. A dating show showcasing suspense, exhilaration, humor, and love as it sets sail for romantic adventures.”

“Audiences really connected with the fun and escapism of The Love Boat,” said Mitch Graham, senior vice president, alternative programming, CBS. “The iconic series embodied the many possibilities of people making new, meaningful connections. Reimagining it as a dating show with competition, adventure and romance makes The Real Love Boat an ideal fit for our schedule and viewers.”

“The classic 70s show has been synonymous with the Princess brand for more than 45 years since the world was introduced to glamour and elegance of the Princess experience,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. “We look forward to millions coming aboard our iconic ships as we are expecting you on The Real Love Boat.”

The Love Boat IP is owned by CBS Studios which, along with CBS and Network 10, are Paramount Global brands.

The Real Love Boat is produced by Eureka Productions in association with Buster Productions. Chris Culvenor, Paul Franklin, and Wes Dening serve as executive producers for Eureka.

CBS and Network 10 are casting for their local versions. Click HERE for CBS casting information (U.S.), or click HERE for Network 10 casting information (Australia).