“The Brady Bunch” was a popular American sitcom that aired from 1969 to 1974, and it has remained a beloved TV classic to this day. While fans of the show may think they know everything there is to know about the Brady family, there are some secrets that even the most devoted fans may not be aware of. Here are some secrets you never knew about “The Brady Bunch.”
- The Brady Bunch House Is a Real House
The Brady house, which was used for exterior shots in the show, is an actual house located in Studio City, California. The house was put up for sale in 2018 and was eventually purchased by HGTV, which renovated the house to look exactly like the set of the show.
- The Original Theme Song Was Different
The iconic theme song of “The Brady Bunch” that fans know and love today was not the original theme song. The first season featured a different theme song called “Sunshine Day.”
- Mike Brady Was Almost Played by Gene Hackman
Robert Reed, who played Mike Brady, was not the first choice for the role. Gene Hackman was originally considered for the part but was deemed too unknown for the role.
- The Cast Had a Crush on Florence Henderson
Florence Henderson, who played the beloved matriarch Carol Brady, was not only adored by audiences but also by the cast. The male cast members had a crush on her, and even the actresses were impressed by her beauty and poise.
- The Kids’ Hair Was a Challenge
Maintaining the hairstyles of the six Brady kids was a constant challenge for the show’s hairdresser. The actors’ hair grew quickly, and the hairstyles had to remain consistent throughout the show’s run.
- The Show Was Not a Critical Success
Despite being a fan favorite, “The Brady Bunch” was not well received by critics during its initial run. It was often criticized for being too simplistic and lacking depth.
- The Show Was Canceled Due to Low Ratings
Despite being a cultural phenomenon, “The Brady Bunch” was canceled after five seasons due to low ratings. However, the show’s popularity continued to grow in syndication, and it has since become a cultural icon.
- The Cast Members Were Paid Unequally
Despite being equal members of the Brady family, the child actors were paid differently based on their age and experience. The older actors were paid more than the younger actors, and the boys were paid more than the girls.
- Maureen McCormick Struggled with Addiction
Maureen McCormick, who played Marcia Brady, struggled with addiction during and after the show’s run. She has since been open about her struggles and has used her experience to help others.
- The Brady Kids Were Close Off-Screen
The actors who played the six Brady kids were close off-screen and formed a real bond during the show’s run. They remained friends long after the show ended, and some of them even appeared in the spinoff series “The Brady Brides” and “The Bradys.”
Finally, “The Brady Bunch” may have ended over 40 years ago, but its impact on popular culture continues to be felt to this day. These secrets offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of one of the most beloved TV shows of all time.
