As the brain behind hit shows like The Brady Bunch and Gilligan's Island, Sherwood Schwartz earned his place in television history. But he didn't achieve that success by playing it safe and following the rules.

Fervent fans of Gilligan's Island might remember that the show wasn't well-received by critics when it began airing in 1964. While many might have interpreted those bad reviews as an omen, Schwartz instead chose to remain optimistic. The director put his faith where it actually mattered: In the viewers.

"Well, the critics didn't enjoy the show when we first came out," said Schwartz during an interview with the Portland Press Herald. "But there are more public than there are critics."

Watch Gilligan's Island on MeTV!

Sundays 3 & 3:30 PM

*available in most MeTV markets

Schwartz was also a seasoned pro in the entertainment industry; he knew that just because something wasn't popular today doesn't mean it won't be appreciated tomorrow.

"Next year, the intellectual critics will probably take another look at Gilligan's Island," said Schwartz. "Then they'll write treatises on our 'social satire on many levels.'...Maybe the professors will look for deeper satire."

But Schwartz wasn't looking to make any grand moral statements with his shows. He just wanted to bring joy to his audience.

"All I want is for everybody to have a little fun and not get gray-headed," said Schwartz. "The first time I explained my idea of the island and the people to a bunch of agency executives, I happened— just happened, mind you— to use the word 'microcosm,' a world in miniature, which is what Gilligan's Island is. There was a hasty shuffling of seats and a tentative clearing of executive throats. A MICROCOSM? 'Mmmmm,' said one. 'Isn't that too lofty?' To think that somebody once considered Gilligan's Island too lofty!"