On Sept. 29, 1969, ABC television premiered a zany new comedy format to the American audience in its Friday night line-up with Love American Style. This hour-long program included one to four romantic love stories separated by off-the-wall comical sketches featuring James Hampton (F Troop) and Stuart Margolin (Rockford Files). This new tv venture showcased mega-stars from the period, including Gail Fisher (Mannix), Flip Wilson (Flip Wilson Show), Arte Johnson, Henry Gibson, and Judy Carne (Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In), Larry Storch (F Troop), Dwayne Hickman (Dobey Gillis), Bill Bixby (Courtship of Eddie's Father, The Hulk), Sid Caesar (Grease I and II), Ted Bessell (That Girl), Tina Louise (Gilligan's Island), Shelley Fabares (Coach), Norman Fell (Three's Company) and upcoming stars like Harrison Ford (Star Wars, Indiana Jones film series). Notable writers included such favorites as Henry Winkler, Saul Turtletaub, Garry Marshall, Valerie Harper, Susan Harris, William Hanna and Joseph Barbera.

The signature trademark was an artistically designed double brass bed which would be featured in the stories as well as the interim skits. The title song was originally sung by the Cowsills, but replaced by the Love American Style Singers at a later date. Spin-offs piloted on Love American Style were Barefoot in the Park, Happy Days, Wait Till Your Father Gets Home, Laverne and Shirley and Mork & Mindy, to name just a few. In 1986, The New Love American Style was introduced to another generation in an attempt to revive its popularity. However, this remake failed to capture another generation.

Love American Style was a show that led a major role in opening social communication on moral issues such as birth control, sexual freedom, divorce, love and marriage. I enjoyed these episodes just as much now as I did back in the 60's and 70's. They are innocent, romantic, comical and pleasurable entertainment. Some episodes tackle unusual subjects like "Love and Mother" where a newly honeymooning couple are invaded by a meddling mother-in-law. Then some are so tender like "Love and the Phone Booth" where a young man meets his love by calling a phone number scribbled on the phone booth wall. I look forward with great anticipation to future seasons of this show. I would recommend that parental guidance be observed, but all in all, I think with today's society, Love American Style: Season One - Volume One is just good family fun.