In an exciting twist destined to spark nostalgia, Brooke Shields is set to star alongside David Spade in a new sitcom titled Almost Paradise, which revisits the tropical setting that famously launched her career in the 1980 film The Blue Lagoon. The project, currently in development with Fox, promises to infuse comedy into themes of survival and romance, merging the elements of The Blue Lagoon with a family-friendly twist reminiscent of classic shows like Gilligan’s Island.
According to reports from Deadline, Almost Paradise centers around a long-married couple marooned on a deserted island, highlighting what the creators describe as “just your everyday, normal challenges of being stranded on a desert island for decades.” The pitch originated during a meeting between Shields and producer Aaron Kaplan, who subsequently approached Spade to join this unique venture.
Speaking on the concept, the logline encapsulates the show’s premise: "Just your everyday, normal married couple facing all the everyday, normal challenges of being stranded on a desert island for decades. Think Blue Lagoon, the family sitcom," effectively summing up the comedic essence intended for the series. Although no formal deals have been established yet with Shields and Spade, they are actively involved in the project's development and have participated in pitch meetings.
Almost Paradise marks a reunion of sorts for these seasoned comedy veterans. Brooke Shields is well-remembered for her lead role in NBC's Suddenly Susan during the 1990s, while David Spade gained recognition from shows such as Just Shoot Me! and Saturday Night Live. Both actors have a shared history, having previously worked together when Shields guest-starred on Spade’s sitcom. The sitcom is being helmed by Danny Zuker, a veteran writer known for his contributions to Modern Family, with production by Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment.
Fox’s push for a multi-camera sitcom aligns with their broader strategy to reinvigorate their comedy slate after leaning heavily on single-camera formats. The network had previously launched shows like Animal Control and freshman series Going Dutch. With a confirmed two-script order for Almost Paradise, Fox is evidently striving to breathe new life into its comedy roster, hoping to capture audiences with this nostalgic yet refreshing approach.
The Blue Lagoon, directed by Randal Kleiser, was a significant film in Shields’ career. Released in 1980, it told the story of young cousins navigating the trials of adolescence while stranded on a tropical island. Although criticized at the time, the film became a box office success, grossing approximately $58.8 million USD against a production budget of just $4.5 million. The film's themes and content have persisted in popular culture, contributing to this new iteration as a family sitcom.
Its legacy includes other adaptations of the novel, such as a 1991 sequel, Return to the Blue Lagoon, which encountered a less favorable reception. The 1949 version starring Jean Simmons had to tone down the sensuality of the original narrative due to societal norms at the time, while a 1923 silent film adaptation is now considered lost. The evolving treatment of the story across generations reflects both societal changes and entertainment industry trends, making the new sitcom an interesting addition to the legacy.
If officially greenlit, Almost Paradise could potentially mark Fox’s triumphant return to multi-camera sitcoms, appealing to a generation of viewers with a blend of humor and nostalgia. As fans await further updates on this intriguing project, the chemistry between Shields and Spade, combined with Zuker’s proven comedic skills, sets high expectations for the series. Observers will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how the development unfolds, and whether Almost Paradise will emerge as a defining comedy offering for the network.
With the entertainment landscape evolving, shows like these remind audiences of the enduring power of nostalgia while adapting classic storylines for modern-day appeal. Stay tuned for more updates as the series progresses through its development stages and potentially heads for a green light from Fox.
