The Good Guys
1968-70
After Gilligan’s Island was unexpectedly cancelled (yes, the scripts were written and ready to go for Season 4), Bob found himself once again strolling the CBS lot. This time as cabdriver Rufus Butterworth in The Good Guys, which ran from 1968-1970. The series also starred Herb Edelman, who later appeared as Dorothy’s ex in The Golden Girls, and Joyce Van Patten, sister of Eight is Enough’s Dick Van Patten. Unfortunately, The Good Guys never became a ratings success and ran for only 42 episodes, but that didn’t end Bob’s series streak.
Dusty’s Trail
1973-74
Two coachmen and five passengers separated from their wagon train and lost on their way to California in the 1870s. Sound familiar? Dusty’s Trail was basically a revamp of Gilligan‘s Island and as the theme song said, “Dusty’s the reason for their plight. Thanks to Dusty - nothing‘s right”.
This comedy/western, created by Sherwood Schwartz, gave Bob the chance to play a cowboy, ride a horse and work with Forrest Tucker, three things he loved!
Far Out Space Nuts
1975 (15 episodes)
This Sid and Marty Krofft Saturday morning children’s series ran for one season, producing only 15 episodes, but it made Bob’s dream of doing a series exclusively for kids a reality and gave him the chance to costar with Chuck McCann and work with amazing talents like John Carradine.
Bob never ceased to be amazed at the number of adults who came up to him to tell him how his Saturday morning series had been a staple in their childhoods . . . And with only 15 episodes!!!