MovieChat Forums > The Brady Bunch (1969) Discussion > I Don't Get It

I Don't Get It

posted 6 years ago by [email protected] (1732)
61 replies | jump to latest

I am completely baffled as to why this series has become "iconic." I simply don't get it.

Don't get me wrong. I watched the series mid-way through its first run, and regularly
in reruns in the mid-'70's. But I can't, for the life of me, sit through it now. Why? Because
while it's a cute show for kids, I don't think the series has - or EVER had - any appeal for
adults. And that's fine, as it was not meant to. As Florence Henderson said, it was told
from the kids' point of view. So, I'm not among those who trash this sweet little show; I
just don't get why full-grown adults watch and comment on such a kiddie show.

The reason I came to post this baffling question (which has baffled me for years) is that
I read that the house (one-story, but that's another thread) is for sale. Apparently, it
is the SECOND MOST PHOTOGRAPHED HOUSE IN THE U.S. (after the White House).

But why????????? How on earth would that even be possible? I get that most TV show
exteriors used backlot facades, and this house can be easily accessed, but WHY would
so many people care??? I've lived within twenty miles of this house ALL OF MY LIFE, and
even as a kid, watching and enjoying the series, I never had even a REMOTE interest
in this house! Furthermore, if it's the second most photographed house, that would mean
that most of the people photographing it, would be TOURISTS!

Maybe I'm wrong, and most of the posters here are kids, but if most are, say, over 40,
why so much interest in this bland show?

I love reruns, too (and several current shows on Netflix), but the shows I watch - "I Love
Lucy", "Mary Tyler Moore", "Rhoda", "All in the Family", "The Honeymooners" - appeal to
either adults, or at least kids AND adults (Lucy). I simply don't get why TBB would
satisfy people over 18.

Side note: My stepsister (yes, I come from a "blended" family, so please don't try and use
THAT as a reason to watch as an adult) went to college with Eve Plumb, and I went to
college (briefly) with Susan Olsen (we were in acting class, and did a scene together). My
stepsister said Plumb was pleasant but extremely quiet, and I found Olsen to be very
sweet and outgoing. She discussed the show a lot, but she talked about technical things,
like how the sets were lined up, and how many shooting days per episode, etc.

Again, as a kid, and through personal experience, I have some nice memories. But I
still don't get the massive nostalgia for a show that was neither great nor terrible.

Anyone care to explain it to me?

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

44 here and still love the show. Maybe because watching the reruns after school was such a big part of my childhood but I can (and sometimes still do) sit through any episode.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

But how is it satisfying? It isn't funny to adults (again, this is not a put-down, as it's not supposed to be). I just
don't buy that you sit there laughing, so, why are you watching? Could it be less about the show itself, and just
the web of the endless nostalgia?? (but if so, even that can't make this a satisfying rerun for adults). I get watching
a clip of it for giggles (Jan crashing her bike into the garage is a howler), but sitting down from beginning to end?
Repeatedly?

I would bet you're a very intelligent person, who leads a normal life (and "normal" means different things to different
people, I know), so I don't mean to come across condescending. I could say the same thing about "The Partridge
Family", but at least we can see David Cassidy sing some very pleasant songs, and he was a talented performer whose
songs have aged pretty well. But The Brady Bunch???

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Well my intelligence is debatable. And of course nostalgia plays a part but it's just enjoyable mindless entertainment to me. It's a lot like Seinfeld in that I'm so familiar with each episode that it's the type of thing I'll occasionally put on for background while I'm messing around on my iPad and I can look up at any time and know exactly what's going on. And at times I find that even though I've put it on for background, I end up paying attention through the whole thing. The same can be said for many 80s and 90s sitcoms for me. Man I've watched a lot of TV......I digress..

I'll add that I'm also the type to enjoy really bad movies for their sheer awfulness so take that for what it's worth.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

I understand, although "Seinfeld" is a classic and FUNNY, and not a kiddie show.

I do get the "awful movie" thing. Although I have stuff like "Double Indemnity" and Bogart's "In a Lonely
Place" on Blu Ray, I also have "The Brain That Wouldn't Die" on Blu Ray. If you're familiar with that film,
you'll get why I'm in no position to question adults who watch "The Brady Bunch."

[–] kathykato (97) 4 years ago

I know this response is three years late, but here goes. If a person can’t understand why other people like a show, there’s no real way to explain it to him or her. You either enjoy a show or you don’t. I was never a fan of “Friends” or “The office,” though these shows had a wide fan base. I’m actually watching through TBB series now on Hulu to unwind with a glass of wine because work is so stressful now. I do find some of these episodes funny (the one where the broken vase starts leaking during dinner and the episode where Bobby opens an umbrella in the car and punctures the top still make me laugh). So I do still find the show entertaining. Second, although I am middle-aged, I enjoy watching shows about kids for the nostalgia and because many of them are well-written. Wonder Years, Malcolm in the Middke, My So-Called Life, Fresh Off the Boat, Freaks and Geeks are all enjoyable to me. I suspect you dislike those shows, but that brings me to the point that everyone has their tastes and preferences and it’s ok if I don’t understand yours and you don’t understand mine.

[–] stevewyzard (1583) 6 years ago

I grew up watching the show, and saw every episode multiple times. The best reasons for the nostalgia are:

1) It was relentlessly upbeat and positive at a time when so much on TV and in the movies was relentlessly negative or took itself far too seriously.
2) The blended family: we loved the concept a lot better than the actual execution of the idea.
3) Along with Star Trek, one of the first shows to capitalize on the after-school, before dinner-time viewing times of syndication.
4) It ended at just the right time: while the last season has its faults, the quality hadn't noticeably deteriorated, and the actors had not yet outgrown their intended audience. Also take into account that the sequels and reunions were far less better received by the fan base.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

I still don't get it, but both of the replies have been straight to the point, thoughtful, and intelligent. I also prefer
upbeat comedy, but I can get that from "Mary Tyler Moore" and "I Love Lucy", both of which, are brilliant pieces
of TV.

I can't comment on "Star Trek", as I never sat through one entire episode in my life. Ever. So I have zero frame
of reference. But I would think that "Trek" is not just a kiddie show. Campy? Yes. But still imaginative for adults.

One other note: I also don't get the extreme criticism of the show. I don't see TBB as
"campy", even though I did laugh at the first BB movie. But, to me, they created THEIR
OWN camp by having the Brady's live '70s' lives in the '90's. That IS funny, but it has
nothing to do with the original series, so one can neither CREDIT nor CRITICIZE the series
for the choices made for the movie.

[–] Wuchak (8731) 6 years ago

But I would think that "Trek" is not just a kiddie show. Campy? Yes. But still imaginative for adults.

I guess you never have watched the original Star Trek because it's not campy (although there are three comedic episodes in three seasons and one campy character who appeared in two segments, Harry Mudd). It's serious adult-oriented space fiction (whereas Star Wars is space fantasy and more kiddie-oriented). Before you disagree, watch the bulk of the 1st season and get back to me. Some good episodes to start with are "Where No Man Has Gone Before," "The Corbomite Maneuver," "Space Seed," "The Naked Time," "The Galileo Seven," "Arena," "The Menagerie" (both parts), "This Side of Paradise," "The Devil in the Dark" and "The City on the Edge of Forever."

The appeal of The Brady Bunch for adults can be summed up in its innocence, great cast/stories/setting and its kid/teen perspective on things wherein viewers can go back to a simpler time with less responsibilities. It's just a bright/fun 70's show.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

"The appeal of The Brady Bunch for adults can be summed up in its innocence, great cast/stories/setting and its
kid/teen perspective on things wherein viewers can go back to a simpler time..." yeah, KIDS can. Wouldn't you
agree that you can have the above, plus a GREATER cast, GREATER writing, sophistication and "a simpler time"
with "Mary Tyler Moore?" I'm not saying that everyone should like that show just because it's a great show
(I hate "Murphy Brown", but I recognize its great cast/writing and appeal to adults).

I stand corrected on Star Trek. I haven't seen a full episode, so I have no right to call it campy.

[–] Wuchak (8731) 6 years ago

I've never watched Mary Tyler Moore, although my mom did, but I've seen enough clips of it to understand that it's a G-rated adult-oriented 70's sitcom taking place in Minneapolis whereas, like I said, The Brady Bunch focuses on the 70's teen/kid-perspective within the family/school/neighborhood environment. You don't get that with Mary Tyler Moore.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

No, you just get far more sophisticated, adult-themed scripts and a REAL studio audience laughing.

But, again, you prefer The Brady Bunch, and to quote another classic TV character, "Not that there's
anything wrong with that."

One thing I always felt about the TBB: I felt that some of the kids were hired because they were cute,
but - to me - I felt Eve Plumb and Maureen McCormick were actually talented child actors. Plumb,
especially, played her scenes with great emotion.

[–] Wuchak (8731) 6 years ago

Speaking of Mary Tyler Moore, I'll occasionally watch The Dick Van Dyke Show. And Seinfeld is brilliant as a more adult-oriented 90's sitcom. The King of Queens is another favorite.

But when I want the heartwarming growing pains & lessons of adolescence and the tween years I go to The Brady Bunch (TBB). It's a great show for what it is.

Adults watch it for the same reason they might watch "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" or "Clueless." Those excellent movies (for their genre) takes them back to their teen years and all the glory and shame thereof. Of course TBB is less edgy (or more wholesome, however you want to put it) and includes a prepubescent element due to Cindy and Bobby.

Another attraction of TBB for people like me is that I grew up in a severely dysfunctional home. When I was a kid watching & rewatching reruns of TBB it provided a window into a more normal, healthy home. I wished my home life was more like that and I suppose it somehow helped me get through.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

Okay. Now I get it. And you don't owe anyone an explanation of what you like, watch or don't
watch.

I started this thread, and tried to just keep it honest with "I don't get it", but also pointing out
that I also don't get why people trash the show, which I wasn't trying to do. I think it still holds
up for young people. And I was confused about its appeal to the over 40 crowd. But I think
I get it now. I was foolishly thinking that just because people enjoy watching it, and remembering
a piece of their childhood, doesn't mean it's the ONLY show they watch, and what they watch,
has various levels of respect. But, who cares? As long as you're enjoying it.

I hope I didn't come across as a troll, which I loathe...people who come and attack something that
everyone else on a discussion board likes.

So...peace to all.

[–] Wuchak (8731) 6 years ago

You didn't come across as a troll at all; you were just asking an honest question.

I know what you're talking about. In the last couple of months I watched four episodes of I Dream of Jeanie, which I loved as a kid. Two of the episodes were okay -- nothing great, but okay -- while the other two were so kiddie-oriented I was having a hard time appreciating them as an adult. But TBB I can still enjoy for reasons explained.

[–] WickedStorm (405) 6 years ago

**"Not that there's
anything wrong with that." **

What TV character said that?

[–] chilidoggg (14262) 5 years ago

Robert Reed

[–] davebuffalo (3442) 4 years ago

Jerry Seinfeld.

[–] strntz (12223) 6 years ago

Maybe I'm wrong, and most of the posters here are kids, but if most are, say, over 40,
why so much interest in this bland show?

Maybe because they like the way they feel when they watch it again. Just like some songs transport me back to 1975 when I hear them on the radio.

Speaking of music, I can't understand how anyone can stand country music. I'd rather push toothpicks under my fingernails than be subjected to that crap.

BUT, I also understand that there are folks that do like it and listen to it. It's an exercise in futility to try to understand why they like or question them about it. It is what it is. I understand that there are people who eat and enjoy liver....

As for your examples, I never loved (or even liked) Lucy. Not funny and boring to me with but a few examples. Rhoda stank and while All in the Family was kind of fun when it was fresh, I can't stand to watch it now.

You'll sleep better if you just accept that people's tastes vary greatly.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

Please, you don't have to "like" or "love" Lucy to be sensible enough to recognize that this was a brilliant show, and
The Brady Bunch was not. I don't mean to say that you "should" watch Lucy, and not TBB. But wouldn't a more
adult show bring you greater satisfaction?? For instance, I HATE "South Park", but I get the brilliance behind the
concept and writing. I also loathe "The Simpsons" but I GET its brilliance also, even though it's not my thing.

Also, read my posts carefully. I also don't understand the extreme criticisms of TBB. I feel it has aged fairly well,
and I think kids and tweens can still get a kick out of it. But only kids.

[–] strntz (12223) 6 years ago

Never saw the brilliance of Lucy... maybe in the context of the 50s but I never found the show funny or brilliant.

But TBB doesn't have to be brilliant or even particularly good. It only needs be nostalgic for those who do watch it (I don't) to give them enjoyment.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

Lucille Ball is to television what Chaplin and The Marx Brothers were to movies. Without question, "I Love Lucy"
is the single most successful and influential sitcom of all time. A three year-old can watch and laugh, and
a 90-year-old retired college professor can too. Lucy Ricardo may be wearing '50's clothes, and smoking in the
living room, but her character is timeless. And I'm not trying to compare ILL to TBB, as that would be unfair
and silly. I'm merely pointing out that it appeals to all ages, of all generations.

Like I said, I don't laugh at "South Park" or "The Simpson's" but I recognize their brilliance. Odd that you cannot do
likewise with such an outstanding series as "I Love Lucy."

[–] strntz (12223) 6 years ago

Odd that you cannot do likewise with such an outstanding series as "I Love Lucy."

Meh. Nothing odd about it; I just don't see any brilliance. Occasionally funny, but not brilliant. Perhaps our definitions or at least our baseline is different. My wife thinks she's hilarious but I just see an average comedienne. I think Gracie Allen was far funnier.

As for the 50s, I find the original 39 episodes of the Honeymooners brilliant from top to bottom. You may not agree, and if you don't, I'm fine with that.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

I stopped reading at "Meh." Kind of defines your ignorance right there - no reason for you to have written
further, or for me to have read further.

I think you'd better go for a walk outside...the sunshine's calling your name.

My thanks to the other thoughtful, intelligent posters.

[–] strntz (12223) 6 years ago

Meh...

[–] AnubisRaydeen (7897) 6 years ago

I see that OP can impugn someone else's favorite but takes umbrage to the reverse. Perfectly fine to go on and on and on about how you "don't get" TBB and that it lacks sophistication, brilliance, etc and then get frosted when someone levels the same opinions about your bland, poorly written shows.
You say that you aren't a troll but you are trolling. Perhaps you are not aware.
So I'd like to add my own "meh" to the discourse.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

Nope. You're wrong I have stated REPEATEDLY that I don't get the ADULT interest in TBB, but
I also don't get the attacks either. I don't think the show is so bad that it's worthy of continual
bombastic comments, but I don't see the appeal for adults.

I have also stated that I think the show holds up beautifully - for YOUNGSTERS! As the late,
lovely Florence Henderson said, the show was told from the KIDS' point of view (something
the late, crabby, Robert Reed couldn't grasp).

The Mary Tyler Moore shows is for all ages, but mostly adults. I'm sure there's creaks
in this show, too (time can be mean), but isn't a KIDDIE series.

My only question is, how do people over 18 buy and watch entire episodes, not to mention entire
seasons?? Nostalgia is cool, but for a CLIP, not a 25 minute show/or whole season.

Once more, I do NOT think TBB is "bad" television. It just lacks appeal to adults. At least to me.

[–] AnubisRaydeen (7897) 6 years ago

strntz merely turned it back on your precious ILL and you bit him.
Maybe he too cannot understand how an adult could like ILL.
And before you start, no need to write an essay about the merrits of ILL.

[–] [email protected] (5854) 5 years ago

Funny you should call Robert Reed "crabby". One of the most interesting celebrity books that I've ever read was " Growing Up Brady:I Was a Teenage Greg" written by Barry Williams.

He had a great affection and respect for Robert Reed, but he told many anecdotes about how Reed absolutely hated the writing of the show. He thought the comedy was silly and totally unbelievable. When he signed on, he expected a more sophisticated comedy.

As Barry Williams wrote, the opening line of the song is, "Here's a story of a man named Brady..."

Robert Reed thought the show would be largely about him, sort of a Father Knows Best with a blended family. You think he would've figured it out since the show was entitled The Brady BUNCH, not The Brady DAD!

Barry Williams had a lot of praise for him though. He said that Robert Reed was very generous. He took all the "Brady kids" on vacation (and paid)when he took a vacation with his own daughter.

The cast loved him. Sherwood Schwartz, not so much! lol Robert Reed wrote him endless memos on what was wrong with the scripts.

As for the show itself, I watched it as a child. But that was the thing to do. I watched the shows aimed at the adolescents in the audience including The Partridge Family. I never thought either show was very funny. The characters didn't make me laugh with the exception of Danny Partridge the wisecracking redhead.

[–] PaladinNJ (21509) 6 years ago

I'm far from a kid. This is the prototype for the feel good family sitcoms.

[–] Ken12602 (498) 6 years ago

I see you can't handle the truth.

Go ahead and report my post again, it will just prove to me that I'm right.

[–] captkirk42 (51) 6 years ago

I think a lot of it is the family values it showed. The Brady's were a functional family, not the dysfunctional type we see in sit-coms now days.

The kids would do all sorts of "bad" things sometimes just something slightly immoral. Usually they would feel bad about what they did and eventually tell Mom & Dad about it, or one of the siblings would blab about it during an argument. Mom and Dad would explain why what they did was wrong and set an appropriate punishment for the offence.

The kids respected their parents, they didn't constantly try to things behind their backs just to get at them. Like kids from all time periods yes the would often do something and try to hide it from their parents sometimes, but mostly they would do what is right or at least think about what they were going to do before doing it.

[–] Costumer (1821) 6 years ago

The reason you don't get it is that people have different tastes and different ideas of humor. To you it is just a sweet show that is somewhat funny to children. Others see it differently and find it funny and insightful. And others don't care one way or another.

The thing to understand is that all these people are right and none of them are wrong. Tastes differ and that is normal.

[–] kenburke (2369) 6 years ago

Probably the same reason a lot of the fifties shows (like Leave It To Beaver) became iconic - they remind you of the time you grew up in, how everything seemed simpler way back when.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

You're right, I guess, but like I wrote (and risking to sound like a broken record - you remember records, right?...:) I
think the BB is wonderful for KIDS of all ages, but I don't get the adult appeal (other than a clip). By contrast,
"feel good" shows like Mary Tyler Moore have enough sophistication for adult laughs, and hit the nostalgia button.

But, hey, who am I to tell people where to get their "feel goods", right?

[–] kenburke (2369) 6 years ago

I'm glad you mentioned The Mary Tyler Moore show. That was one of my favorites too.

[–] hyperjet (719) 6 years ago

I'd add the aesthetics were just cool. The mid-century modern architecture of the house, the colorful clothes, the clean yard. It was all very groovy. The Norman Lear shows were more successful I guess, but dang they were ugly.

[–] [email protected] (1732) 6 years ago

When I watch Norman Lear's "All in the Family" or "Maude", I laugh my behind off. I could never sit through an entire
ep of TBB as a middle-aged man. It simply isn't funny or involving enough.

As for the sets, the Bunkers were supposed to live in a working-class section of Queens, and the set brilliantly
reflects that. So the does the poor, drab apartment in the equally brilliant "The Honeymooners."

HOWEVER, I will give you this: Even though Maude and Walter Finley were NOT poor, I think the set for their home
is perhaps the ugliest in TV history. That awful blue wallpaper and the hideous kitchen! You got me there. Yuck!!