The Swiss Family Robinson

The TV series "Swiss Family Robinson" which premiered on Canadian television in 1976 was a short lived but precious family drama that gave its network, CTV, some credibility in terms of TV productions. The parts of the parents were ideal for veteran stage and screen icons Diane LeBlanc(now a respectable director) and the ever popular Chris Wiggins. The child actor Ricky O'Neill played Franz starred in the TV film "Tom Sawyer" with Wiggins three years earlier. The other two child actors are virtual unknowns but will stay forever young(albeit forever marooned)thanks to syndication. The plots were certainly hackneyed with danger every episode but the charm of this series is undeniable and is a throwback to the days when TV series were actually made for children.

My husband and I vividly recall watching this show as kids. They had the best imaginable tree-house - anything slapped together by ourselves and/or our parents could never really come close. I only realize now that it was in reruns by the point we watched, as it began the year I was born. I was surprised and pleased to discover it at my local Wal-Mart tonight, the complete series for an affordable $40. Almost 10 hours worth of family-friendly fun, a hard thing to come by these days. I'd rather be popping this in for my toddler as he grows than some stupid purple dinosaur, annoying baby geniuses or boring reality TV for kids. Being marooned is the next best thing to true pirating - AAARGHHH! We 'ave to lern de boy right!

this comment refers to the 1976 television series which lasted 26 episodes although on this site it is shows just 10 episodes.y sister & i watched this show when we were young kids.and really liked it.fast forward thirty years,and we still enjoy it.this is one show where the appeal doesn't wear off like many shows of the time.i mean ,the acting is great,the scenery is very nice.the show may be dated,but it doesn't feel that way at all.i recently bought the complete series and i'm really glad i did.of all the actor sin the show,as far as i can tell,only Diana Leblanc,who played the mother Elizabeth, and Chris Wiggins,who played the father Johan(he was actually referred to as simply John on the show)actually acted much, before and after the show,although Ricky O'Neil who played Franz was in TV show episode and TV movie before then.anyway,as for "Swiss Family Robinson"i can't say enough for this show.it's family friendly,quality television.(very young children may be a bit frightened by some scenes)my vote for this show:10/10

I was in grade 3 in 1993 when I watched this show. I got to say, The Swiss brothers are hot! Especially the blond one! This show has good suspense, family values, and beautiful scenery.I think children around 5-11 might find it scary, but I found this show thrilling!

Me and my family used to watch it years ago. I am watching it again now I used to call my brother Franz My sister Dana remembers the episode with the ants I'd ask my sister Jolene if she remembers it also but she never answers the phone jolene's kids remind me of Ernest and Franz. A bad Ernest and a chubby Franz

It's a wonderful show.

Abba.