The Brady Bunch Variety Hour: A Cult Classic Or A Campy Catastrophe?
Step into a time machine, set the dial to the mid-1970s, and prepare for a television experience unlike any other. We're talking, of course, about The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, a show that transcended typical family sitcom fare to become a peculiar, yet undeniably memorable, footnote in television history. It was a spectacle of song, dance, and questionable comedy, starring the beloved Brady family in a way audiences had never quite seen them before – or since.
For many, the mere mention of The Brady Bunch conjures images of wholesome suburban life, moral lessons, and the iconic split-screen opening. But then came its audacious, bewildering, and often hilarious offshoot: The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. This series took the familiar faces of Florence Henderson, Robert Reed, Ann B. Davis, and the six Brady kids, and thrust them into the world of glitzy variety entertainment, a genre that was already beginning to show its age. It was a bold experiment, a bizarre true story of television ambition, and a show that continues to fascinate and entertain viewers, even decades after its brief run.
The Genesis of a Bizarre Idea
The concept of taking a beloved sitcom family and plopping them into a variety show format was, even for the 1970s, a rather audacious move. The original "Brady Bunch" sitcom had ended its run in 1974, but the family's wholesome image and enduring popularity clearly sparked an idea in the minds of producers. The result was The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, an American variety television series featuring skits and songs, which aired on ABC between 1976 and 1977. This wasn't just another spin-off; it was a complete reimagining, a plunge into the deep end of musical numbers, choreographed dances, and often surreal comedy sketches.
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The premise itself was simple, yet utterly divorced from the original sitcom's reality: The Bradys leave their familiar home for a place on the beach after being chosen to star in their own weekly variety show. This meta-narrative allowed for a continuous stream of "behind-the-scenes" gags and self-referential humor, as the family grappled with the demands of showbiz. The series stars the original cast, including Florence Henderson as Carol Brady, Robert Reed as Mike Brady, Ann B. Davis as Alice Nelson, and the six Brady kids, although the participation of some cast members was, famously, more enthusiastic than others.
The Krofft Touch
A crucial element in understanding the unique flavor of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour is its production team: Sid and Marty Krofft. Known for their distinctive, often psychedelic, children's shows like "H.R. Pufnstuf" and "Land of the Lost," the Kroffts brought their signature blend of elaborate costumes, fantastical sets, and slightly off-kilter sensibility to the Brady family. The show was produced by Sid and Marty Krofft in association with Paramount Television. While the original "Brady Bunch" was a straightforward family sitcom, the Kroffts' involvement imbued the variety hour with a sense of the absurd, pushing it beyond conventional boundaries. This creative partnership resulted in a show that felt both familiar and strangely alien, a testament to the Kroffts' unique vision and their willingness to experiment with established brands. It's often noted that the show was produced without permission by Sid and Marty Krofft, which adds another layer to its unconventional origins, though it ultimately aired on ABC, suggesting some level of network approval.
Casting the Familiar Faces
The return of the original cast was a major draw for The Brady Bunch Variety Hour. Florence Henderson, Robert Reed, and Ann B. Davis were all back, bringing their iconic characters to the variety stage. The Brady family sings, dances, and performs comedy skits, a stark contrast to their sitcom roles. However, the dynamics within the cast were famously strained, particularly concerning Robert Reed. Reed, known for his professionalism and high standards, was reportedly unhappy with the quality of the scripts and the musical numbers. This tension occasionally spilled over, leading to his reluctance to fully participate in some segments. There's even a memorable anecdote where, in one episode, the Brady kids are convinced Mike is untalented, so Bobby recruits Tony Randall to portray their father in the family's new variety show, a thinly veiled nod to Reed's real-life reservations. This internal struggle among the cast, particularly Reed's detachment, inadvertently added to the show's cult appeal, as viewers today can often spot the subtle (or not-so-subtle) cues of discomfort.
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What Made it "Variety"?
At its core, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour was a classic variety show, a format that was a staple of television in the 1970s. These shows were a grab-bag of entertainment: musical performances, dance routines, comedy sketches, and guest star appearances. The Brady family sings, dances, and performs, embracing this format with gusto. Each episode typically featured a series of loosely connected segments, often built around a central theme or a running gag. The show aimed to showcase the "talents" of the Brady cast beyond their sitcom personas, allowing them to sing pop songs, engage in slapstick comedy, and even perform elaborate dance numbers. It ran on ABC from November 1976 as a series of nine specials, airing between November 1976 and May 1977. The very first show or pilot, called The Brady Bunch Variety Hour (then changed to BB Show), set the tone for what was to come, with its blend of family-friendly entertainment and a touch of the bizarre.
Musical Mayhem and Skit Shenanigans
The heart of any variety show lies in its musical performances and comedy skits, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour was no exception. The Brady family sings, dances, and performs comedy skits with varying degrees of success. The musical numbers often featured the entire family, sometimes in elaborate costumes, performing covers of popular songs of the era. These performances ranged from surprisingly competent to endearingly awkward, often reflecting the limitations of some cast members' vocal or dancing abilities. The comedy skits, on the other hand, were a mixed bag. They often leaned into the meta-narrative of the Bradys putting on a show, featuring backstage antics or parodies of other popular cultural phenomena. While some skits landed flat, others, in their sheer earnestness or absurdity, have become iconic for fans of the show. The show's commitment to these elements, even when the execution was less than perfect, is part of its enduring charm. It's a snapshot of a particular era in television where ambition often outweighed polished execution, resulting in something uniquely memorable.
Guest Stars Galore
A hallmark of any successful variety show was its ability to attract big-name guest stars, and The Brady Bunch Variety Hour managed to pull in some impressive talent. The guests were Donny and Marie and Tony Randall in the pilot episode, setting a high bar for star power. Imagine the spectacle of seeing Tina Turner, Milton Berle, and Mrs. Brady in a conga line! This eclectic mix of guests, from established music icons to veteran comedians, added another layer of unpredictability and star power to the show. These guest appearances often led to unique collaborations, with the guest stars participating in musical numbers or comedy skits alongside the Brady family. The inclusion of diverse talents helped to broaden the show's appeal beyond just "Brady Bunch" fans, drawing in viewers who might have tuned in just to see their favorite singers or comedians interact with the wholesome family. The Krofft Dancers and other musical acts also provided professional polish to the performances, helping to elevate the overall production value.
The Critical Reception and Public Opinion
Upon its initial airing, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour received a rather mixed, often negative, critical reception. It was a show that seemed to defy easy categorization, blending nostalgia with a format that was already losing its luster. However, its peculiar charm has grown over time. Watching old episodes on YouTube today, the show is endearingly entertaining and certainly begs cult classic status. Its earnest attempts at entertainment, coupled with its often-unintentional humor, have resonated with a new generation of viewers who appreciate its campy aesthetic and historical significance. The show's short run—airing as a series of nine specials between November 1976 and May 1977—suggests that it didn't achieve widespread critical or commercial success at the time, but its legacy has certainly evolved.
"4th Worst Show in TV History"?
One of the most enduring, albeit unflattering, distinctions of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour is its reputation as one of the worst shows in television history. It was voted 4th worst show in TV history by some polls and critics. While such rankings are subjective, they highlight the initial public and critical perception of the show. The criticisms often focused on the quality of the writing, the sometimes-awkward performances, and the perceived decline of the beloved Brady characters into a parody of themselves. For fans of the original sitcom, seeing their favorite family in such a different, often outlandish, context could be jarring. However, this very "badness" has become a source of its charm for many. It's a show that is so earnest in its attempts, and so spectacularly misses the mark in certain areas, that it becomes compelling viewing. This "so bad it's good" quality is precisely what fuels its cult following today.
The Simpsons' Enduring Legacy
Perhaps the most significant factor in The Brady Bunch Variety Hour's enduring cultural footprint, especially for younger generations, is its ingenious parody on "The Simpsons." People know The Brady Bunch Hour largely, if not exclusively, through The Simpsons’ ingenious parody of it as “The Simpsons Family Smile Time Variety Hour” on the classic eighth season episode “The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase.” This episode perfectly captured the essence of the original show's awkward charm, the strained family dynamics, and the often-bizarre musical numbers. The Simpsons' parody introduced the concept of the Brady variety show to millions who had never seen the original, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone of television oddities. This pop culture reference has undoubtedly contributed to the show's rediscovery and its embrace as a cult classic, proving that sometimes, even a parody can give new life to its source material.
Why the 70s Were Ripe for Such a Show
To truly appreciate The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, one must understand the cultural landscape of the 1970s. Why were the 70's so great? Well, for my two cents, mainly, we were relaxed (remember that word?) enough that shows like this one were produced and enjoyed. The 70s were a period of transition in television, with the variety show format, a staple of earlier decades, slowly beginning to wane. However, there was still a significant appetite for family-friendly entertainment that blended music, comedy, and star power. Networks were willing to experiment, and the concept of bringing back beloved characters in new formats was a common strategy. The era also had a certain innocence and willingness to embrace camp and kitsch, which perfectly aligned with the aesthetic of the Brady variety show. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for shows that might not meet today's stringent production standards but offered genuine, if sometimes unpolished, entertainment. It was a time when television was less fragmented, and a single show could still capture a wide audience, even if only for a brief, bewildering moment.
Its Enduring Cult Status Today
Despite its initial critical drubbing and short run, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour has undeniably achieved cult classic status. Watching old episodes on YouTube today, the show is endearingly entertaining and certainly begs cult classic status. In commemoration of the anniversary of the final episode, May 25, 1977, we can reflect on its peculiar legacy. The show's blend of genuine nostalgia, unintentional comedy, and sheer audacity makes it endlessly rewatchable. Fans delight in dissecting its most bizarre moments, from the awkward musical numbers to the thinly veiled tensions among the cast. The internet, particularly platforms like YouTube, has played a crucial role in its resurgence, allowing new generations to discover this unique piece of television history. It's a show that sparks conversation, laughter, and a sense of wonder at what television once was. It's not just a relic; it's a living, breathing testament to the quirky, experimental spirit of 1970s television.
Conclusion: A Brady Bunch Legacy
The Brady Bunch Variety Hour stands as a fascinating anomaly in television history. It was a bold, sometimes baffling, experiment that took a beloved family sitcom and twisted it into a kaleidoscope of song, dance, and peculiar comedy. With Florence Henderson, Robert Reed, Ann B. Davis, and the entire Brady family singing, dancing, and performing, it was a spectacle that defied easy categorization. From its Sid and Marty Krofft production to its memorable guest stars like Donny and Marie, and its infamous "4th worst show" ranking, every aspect of the show contributes to its unique charm.
While it might not have been a critical darling in its time, its enduring presence in popular culture, amplified by "The Simpsons" parody and its availability on platforms like YouTube, has cemented its place as a cherished cult classic. It's a reminder of a bygone era of television, where creativity, even if misguided, was celebrated. So, instead, buy yourself a copy of Love to Love You Bradys: The Bizarre True Story of The Brady Bunch Variety Hour by Ted Nichelson and Susan Olsen (aka Cindy Brady) to delve deeper into its captivating history. Or, better yet, find an episode online and experience the delightful oddity for yourself. What are your favorite bizarre moments from The Brady Bunch Variety Hour? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with fellow fans of classic TV!
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