The joy of surprise guest stars returns to television with new shows

Television guest stars once provided genuine surprises, enhancing the viewing experience with unexpected appearances. Shows like *The Love Boat* and *Fantasy Island* featured stars like Don Knotts and Michelle Pfeiffer, making each episode feel special and unpredictable. In contrast, the 1990s and early 2000s saw guest appearances become heavily promoted events, diminishing the element of surprise. While shows like *Friends* showcased big names, the thrill of unexpected cameos faded with marketing strategies. Recently, *Only Murders in the Building* has revived the excitement of surprise guest stars, featuring actors like Tina Fey and Meryl Streep without extensive promotion. However, the pure joy of unexpected appearances is now rare, as social media often reveals surprises in advance.