Love American Style - Sitcoms Online Photo Galleries

Bob Denver, Howard Storm and Joey Heatherton

Love American Style ran from September 1969 until January 1974 on ABC.

This imaginative anthology was a collection collection of short comedy skits starring all sorts of big names and dealt with the all-important subject of love. Love was seen from all sides - young and old, rich and poor, just-married, unmarried, long-time married and multi-married! Usually 3 or 4 skits were presented on each episode, intertwined with short, comic "blackouts" by a repertory company of six or seven performers. In 1972, a "Lovemate of the Week" centerfold was added - featuring a different girl each week.

A few of the celebrities to stop by "Love, American Style" were: Milton Berle, Tammy Grimes, Ann Sothern, Nanette Fabray, Phyllis Diller, Paul Ford, Pat Paulsen, Sonny & Cher, the Lemon Sisters, Rich Little, George Gobel, Dorothy Lamour, Burt Reynolds, Harry Morgan, Wally Cox, Paul Lynde, Ozzie & Harriet, Tiny Tim, Imogene Coca, Martha Raye and Cid Caesar. Ronnie Howard and Anson Williams appeared in a skit entitled "Love and the Happy Days" which served as the pilot for the hit series, Happy Days.

The very first show was broadcast was typical of the show's format: Act I, "Love and a Couple of Couples." Michael Callan was a suitor about to propose when his ex-wife turns up, sees the ring, tries it on - and can't get it off. Act II, "Love and the Hustler." Flip Wilson is pool shark "Big Red," who agrees to instruct a young lady in the finer points of billiards. Act III, "Love and the Pill." Bob Cummings and Jane Wyatt are parents worried about their daughter's plans to take off on a "swinger's tour" of Europe with her boyfriend.

An updated version, titled New Love, American Style was produced for ABC's daytime lineup from December 1985 to August 1986.

Here's how Time Magazine described the premiere of Love American Style ( September 28, 1969)

LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE (ABC, 10-11 p.m.). A compendium on the subject, with stories of various lengths and guest stars in each. Flip Wilson in "Love and the Hustler," Robert Cummings and Jane Wyatt in "Love and the Pill," Michael Callan, Penny Fuller and Yvonne Craig in "Love and a Couple of Couples." Premiere

For another review of Love American Style go to http://www.televisionheaven.co.uk/loveam.htm