Aaron Spelling Leaves a Lasting TV Dynasty

Copyright © 2009 National Public Radio®. For personal, noncommercial use only. See Terms of Use. For other uses, prior permission required.

DEBBIE ELLIOTT, host:

There's nothing like a TV theme song to send you into nostalgic reverie. If you're a Baby Boomer, this one might do the trick.

(Soundbite of "The Mod Squad" theme)

ELLIOTT: A child of the '70s? It could be this.

(Soundbite of "The Love Boat" theme)

ELLIOTT: What about Generation X?

(Soundbite of "Beverly Hills 90210" theme)

ELLIOTT: The Mod Squad, Love Boat, Beverly Hills 90210 and dozens of other TV shows were all created by the same man, Aaron Spelling. He died yesterday at the age of 83 from complications following a stroke. Spelling was the most prolific producer in television history. He created over 5,000 hours of programming in his career. Melrose Place, Dynasty, Hart to Hart, Charlie's Angels, Starsky and Hutch, Fantasy Island, and Daniel Boone were among his greatest hits. Aaron Spelling's Productions may not have been high art, but he helped shape popular culture for five decades. Perhaps this says it all.

(Soundbite of TV show "Charlie's Angels")

Mr. JOHN FORSYTHE (Actor): (As Charlie) Once upon a time there were three little girls who went to the police academy.

(Soundbite of TV show "Hart to Hart")

Mr. LIONEL STANDER (Actor): (As Max) This is my boss, Jonathan Hart, a self-made millionaire. He's quite a guy. This is Mrs. H. She's gorgeous. What a terrific lady.

(Soundbite of various theme music)

ELLIOTT: Aaron Spelling died yesterday at the age of 83, but his television dynasty continues. His program Seventh Heaven begins its eleventh season this fall, and a new show, Split Decision, is currently in pre-production.

(Soundbite of TV show "Fantasy Island")

Mr. HERVE VILLACHAIZE (Actor): (As Tattoo) The plane, the plane...

ELLIOTT: That's ALL THINGS CONSIDERED from NPR News. I'm Debbie Elliott.

Copyright ©2009 National Public Radio®. All rights reserved. No quotes from the materials contained herein may be used in any media without attribution to National Public Radio. This transcript is provided for personal, noncommercial use only, pursuant to our Terms of Use. Any other use requires NPR's prior permission. Visit our permissions page for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by a contractor for NPR, and accuracy and availability may vary. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Please be aware that the authoritative record of NPR's programming is the audio.