Should it have ended when it did?

[James]

Should "The Brady Bunch" have ended when it did? Or were there fans out there that wanted to see Greg, Marcia, and the rest go through college?

[Scoobiedoo30]

I Think The Brady Bunch ended when it did since Robert was not Hasppy Robert Reed was not even in The Series Finale.

[scott_bolger2001]

I think it might have been intresting to see how things went on from that point, but the show did have a five year run and ended at an as logically as possible point (Greg's Grad). Most of the children were no longer children, so the show was really starting to lose most of its original structure though, and besides, when you go at a show long enough, the writers just naturally run out of ideas anyway, some faster than others.

[Tweety]

Six episodes was MORE than enough for Cousin Oliver!

Would they have kept that punk around for a sixth season?


I've seen some interviews with Robbie Rist recently (one was given in a link in one of these threads), and I'm actually glad to see that he seems to be very happy these days... he seems to have a great sense of humor about his eternal link with the demise of the Brady Bunch, and I'm glad he can joke about it today.

The show really was at its end in 1974, and they did, imo, end it at the right time (i.e. with Greg graduating from high school in the last episode). I think it would have been just too strange without Robert Reed.

The only thing that would have made a sixth season worth it is if Kym Karath could reprise her role as Kerry Hathaway, and hung out with Jan a lot more :eyes::eyes:

But, seriously, yes, I think they ended it at the right time.

[TV Guy]

In betwen the end of the regular series and the variety hour, there was talk of a two-hour TV-movie that would have taken the Bradys on vacation to Europe or someplace. This talk began right after the show hit syndication and did so well. I would have liked to have seen that, because the kids would have still been young enough for it to work.

[gilligan fanatic]

I am glad it ended when it did. It would have been very stale. Now maybe a spinoff with Greg might work. "Brady Goes to College" because that way the whole family could visit every once in a while one or two at a time.

[Jack1000]

Yes,

It appears from all reports that everyone wanted out and the difficulty in working with Robert Reed, contractual demands for everyone, and the stress, would have been too much. This is certainly true for the kids, who by Season 5 were doing their music tours, requests for interviews. They became more "celeb oriented" than this regular nice little sitcom about family problems and growing up.

If Robert Reed would have been killed off or replaced, the show would not have survived. The kids were now entering or well into teen years and weren't kids anymore. Cindy would have been about 13, and Sherwood might have still tried to keep her "cute" and "stupid." But the antics that work for a six year old that people think are funny and cute, aren't funny and cute when your dealing with teenagers.

This was the mistake that was often unlearned on other sitcomes like Leave it to Beaver. Jerry Mathers was 14-15 at the end, and the producers still had him doing things in selected episodes of Seasons 5-6 that would be better suited for an 8-10 year old.

When the stars of the series were designated children and are no longer children, after all the storylines have been told, it's time to move on.

Jack

[Rich3]

It couldn't have gone on the way it was. The kids outgrew the show. It would have had to change drastically.

The real star of the show was Sherwood Schwartz, the creator. When he gave it up, it was over. The actors could have gone on to another show if they had truly been popular or talented enough as a whole. But the group as a whole was nothing without their leader.

[friendsfan77]

IMO, instead of having Oliver on, they should have been working on ways to have a proper finale.

[Tweety]

IMO, instead of having Oliver on, they should have been working on ways to have a proper finale.

At the time that the final episodes for season five were being written, the writers did not know that this would be the show's final season. In fact, Barry Williams has said that, because the show was cancelled during the summer (after the last episode had been filmed), the cast never got to really say good bye to each other on the set, as they had gone their separate was for the summer, assuming they would be back in the fall.

I think that, had the writers know that this would be the last season, they probably could have done some kind of a respectable final episode. But everyone at the time thought they would get another season.

And actually, I don't think that most shows, at that time, knew when they would be ending... popular shows such as Gilligan's Island, Gomer Pyle, Green Acres, Beverly Hillbilies, Petticoat Junction never had a 'series finale', because they were cancelled without advance notice to the actors and writers. Happened all the time back then.

In terms of shows that had a final episode, and KNEW it was the final episode, there were very few... "The Dick van Dyke Show" and "The Fugitive" were two examples, but they were definitely the exception, not the rule. I don't know of any other shows, really, that knew in advance what their final episode would be... that in itself might be a good topic for a discussion board.

[Rich3]

The Partridge Family had even less of a finale. The actors were not even contacted, or at least some of them weren't. They didn't find out it was cancelled until they tried to go back to the studios after the summer break.

[Tweety]

The Partridge Family had even less of a finale. The actors were not even contacted, or at least some of them weren't. They didn't find out it was cancelled until they tried to go back to the studios after the summer break.


I can just see the guard at the gate now... "I'm sorry Mr. Bonaduce...I can't let you in...you don't work here any more!"

[mykel]

D'oh!

[CTLucyfan]

I think there have been a number of shows throughout history that have gone on longer than it should. Also, with Robert Reed unhappy and unwilling to continue, I don't see any sense in continuing. Just like on All In the Family, the show really went down hill when Edith died (and on to Archie Bunker's Place). That is one of the best shows of all time that simply went on too long.

[sixfingers]

...
In terms of shows that had a final episode, and KNEW it was the final episode, there were very few... "The Dick van Dyke Show" and "The Fugitive" were two examples, but they were definitely the exception, not the rule. I don't know of any other shows, really, that knew in advance what their final episode would be... that in itself might be a good topic for a discussion board.

There are a few that come to mind:

Barney Miller
Cheers
Mary Tyler Moore
Dallas
Happy Days
3rd Rock from the sun
Mash
King of the hill (if animated shows count)

I'm sure there are others, but it was certainly rare in the days of Brady Bunch

[Tweety]

There are a few that come to mind:

Barney Miller
Cheers
Mary Tyler Moore
Dallas
Happy Days
3rd Rock from the sun
Mash
King of the hill (if animated shows count)

I'm sure there are others, but it was certainly rare in the days of Brady Bunch


Yes, I think it probably wasn't until the 80s that shows consciously started thinking about how to "end" a series (with those few exceptions from earlier times). Prior to that, shows just went on until they were canceled, but very few shows prior to the 80s/90s had a "proper" finale.

I'm sure that "Leave it to Beaver" was one of the first (if not the first) series to deliberately film a final episode with the full intention of making it the final episode (1963). Although in the case of LITB, the final episode was little more than a series of flashbacks.

[retroTVfan4ever]

Should "The Brady Bunch" have ended when it did? Or were there fans out there that wanted to see Greg, Marcia, and the rest go through college?

Robert Reed was making things difficult, and I think the rest of the cast was also ready to move on. So it was decided to stop the series after season five. But under different circumstances, I think the series would have had another two or three seasons of life left in it. The script writers would have had to make some changes to the original premise of the show, as Greg had just graduated from high school and the other kids were getting older too. I believe they could have made it work, but sadly it wasn't meant to be. If Robert Reed definitely wanted out of the show, would have been interesting to see how the writers handled that situation. They could have had Mike and Carol divorce, or hire another actor to take Reed's place, or they could have had Reed's character killed off like they did with the father figure in Good Times. Anyway you look at it, had the Brady Bunch continued on for a sixth season and beyond it's safe to say the series would have had a different look compared to the first five seasons.

[catlover79]

I personally think it ended at the right time.

[tvparadise]

It certainly ended at the right time. The later part of season 5 was not of the same quality as the rest of the series IMO.

Killing off Mike Brady would have been a huge mistake (as killing off James on Good Times was). Replacing Robert Reed would have likely not worked. Whether or not someone could play the part as well or not doesn't really matter to me. It's hard to make someone be the same character when it's not the same actor behind the character (I think there's good evidence of this in Bewitched).

[catlover79]

It certainly ended at the right time. The later part of season 5 was not of the same quality as the rest of the series IMO.

Killing off Mike Brady would have been a huge mistake (as killing off James on Good Times was). Replacing Robert Reed would have likely not worked. Whether or not someone could play the part as well or not doesn't really matter to me. It's hard to make someone be the same character when it's not the same actor behind the character (I think there's good evidence of this in Bewitched).
Good Times was also a Norman Lear show, which meant it was a more realistic sitcom. The Brady Bunch was such a sunny show that killing off the dad (or even replacing him ala Dick York/Dick Sargent) would've been a MAJOR mistake.

[biffbronson]

I was thinking that maybe Robert could have been back in a reduced role, such as Mike having to go overseas for a spell to take on an architectural project (while the Brady kids were in school session). I can't recall, but I think there might have been something similar on Family Affair where Bill (Brian Keith) was working on a bridge or something in South America, and they filmed the character doing phone calls home. Tough to do for an entire season, but there were ways if not precedents to do something without killing Mike off.

I guess though the time had come for its end. To be honest though, one more year of Eve Plumb would have been enjoyable -- very hot.

[retroTVfan4ever]

Good Times was also a Norman Lear show, which meant it was a more realistic sitcom. The Brady Bunch was such a sunny show that killing off the dad (or even replacing him ala Dick York/Dick Sargent) would've been a MAJOR mistake.

Have to agree with this statement except I would say killing off Mr. Brady or having the Brady's divorce would have been more of a shock rather than a mistake. TV shows are known to go through cast changes, but the Brady Bunch being such an upbeat family show any change in casting would have taken some time getting used to. But it's safe to say the show would have had some changes if there was a 6th season.

[catlover79]

Have to agree with this statement except I would say killing off Mr. Brady or having the Brady's divorce would have been more of a shock rather than a mistake. TV shows are known to go through cast changes, but the Brady Bunch being such an upbeat family show any change in casting would have taken some time getting used to. But it's safe to say the show would have had some changes if there was a 6th season.
Well, it would've been a shock AND a mistake. But in any case, I think the show had simply run its course. A sixth season would've been a major mistake in any case.

[Jude The Obscure]

And the show's innocence could not be maintained without losing all sense of credibility.....like in the episode where Greg kidnapped Rachel the goat....there was a scene where Mike assumed Greg had a girl in his room overnight and that they had sex! A sixth season would have only brought more "grown up" issues into the mix and a Norman Lear type of view that the Bradys could not convincingly portray.

[catlover79]

And the show's innocence could not be maintained without losing all sense of credibility.....like in the episode where Greg kidnapped Rachel the goat....there was a scene where Mike assumed Greg had a girl in his room overnight and that they had sex! A sixth season would have only brought more "grown up" issues into the mix and a Norman Lear type of view that the Bradys could not convincingly portray.
Hey, I liked the Raquel the Goat episode. Sandra Gould (Bewitched) was the guest star. I kept expecting her to run out into the street screaming, "ABNER!!" :rofl: The whole premise was like something you'd see on Three's Company. :cool:

[Jude The Obscure]

I enjoy the episode too, Monika, but that isn't what I was driving at....:)
Barry Williams himself stated that the dialogue reminded him of something Jack Tripper and Mr. Roper would be saying on Three's Company :D

[catlover79]

I enjoy the episode too, Monika, but that isn't what I was driving at....:)
Barry Williams himself stated that the dialogue reminded him of something Jack Tripper and Mr. Roper would be saying on Three's Company :D
Yeah, I understand what you mean, Jude. :lol: I think Susan Olsen said once she was glad the show ended before they had to deal with Cindy's first period, etc. Would they still have had the older kids living at home even though they were in college? Thanks goodness they ended after 5 seasons.

[retroTVfan4ever]

I think it would have been interesting to see the show continue a few more seasons and become a more "mature" and "realistic" sitcom. The Brady kids were getting older, they weren't going to remain young and innocent forever. They still could have kept the show mostly on the light side but mix in a few episodes with a more serious theme. Would have been an interesting transition to see. Maybe could have worked if given a chance.

[Marvo301]

Yeah, I understand what you mean, Jude. :lol: I think Susan Olsen said once she was glad the show ended before they had to deal with Cindy's first period, etc. Would they still have had the older kids living at home even though they were in college? Thanks goodness they ended after 5 seasons.
As far as the older kids living at home while going to college that has been done on other shows. Ritchie Cunningham on Happy Days and Kevin Owens on Mr. Belvedere come to mind as does Mike Seaver on Growing Pains. Even if Greg went away to college there would still be three boys and three girls in the Brady house with cousin Oliver around.

[Marvo301]

I think it would have been interesting to see the show continue a few more seasons and become a more "mature" and "realistic" sitcom. The Brady kids were getting older, they weren't going to remain young and innocent forever. They still could have kept the show mostly on the light side but mix in a few episodes with a more serious theme. Would have been an interesting transition to see. Maybe could have worked if given a chance.
That's almost exactly what they did years later with "The Bradys" and it wasn't popular with audiences. (Although I enjoyed it.) It only lasted for six episodes.

[retroTVfan4ever]

That's almost exactly what they did years later with "The Bradys" and it wasn't popular with audiences. (Although I enjoyed it.) It only lasted for six episodes.

True, but The Bradys aired a handful of years after the original series ended. So any momentum they might have had from five years as the Brady Bunch was long gone. And wasn't The Bradys an hour long show? Mostly on the dramatic side too from what I remember of it.

Had they continued on with the Brady Bunch, made a few subtle changes and kept the show mainly on the light side with a few dramatic touches, it might have survived a few more seasons. Would have been interesting to see what they would have done with Greg, maybe they would have had him moving away to college and become a part time character in the series and make an appearance now and then. And what about good ol cousin Oliver? Would he have stayed with the family and taken Greg's place as a main character? There could have been an episode with Marcia and Jan competing for the same boyfriend, an episode about Peter trying for his drivers license, etc. Too bad the series ended when it did, I think there was still life in it but Robert Reed wanted out and it seems much of the cast was ready to move on also. Had they decided to continue with the series, there probably (and thankfully) would have been no Brady Bunch Variety Hour.

The original series ended in 1974, but there was still public demand for the Brady clan. So the variety hour was created, followed by The Bradys and The Brady Brides. All of which were inferior to the original series. That's why I think they should have let the original series continue beyond the fifth season, if properly done it likely would have been successful.

[biffbronson]

As far as the older kids living at home while going to college that has been done on other shows. Ritchie Cunningham on Happy Days and Kevin Owens on Mr. Belvedere come to mind as does Mike Seaver on Growing Pains. Even if Greg went away to college there would still be three boys and three girls in the Brady house with cousin Oliver around.

Going back even further, Robbie Douglas was a live-at-home college student on My Three Sons who acquired triplets after his marriage. There were lots of interesting scenarios taken on by the writers, such as the moving out and having to deal with new apartment neighbors (one of which was played by Jerry Mathers), having the big family over to eat in a small apartment, etc. Prior to his marriage, he tries living and working on campus and discovers that home life is much better for him.

Anyway, I think by the final season or two, Chip was also in college, though he and Polly got an apartment before long (IIRC). And much earlier, Mike was a college student who finally got married. The series is a good example of the high school to college transition, and even beyond as far as post-college.

[jehobden]

I enjoy the episode too, Monika, but that isn't what I was driving at....:)
Barry Williams himself stated that the dialogue reminded him of something Jack Tripper and Mr. Roper would be saying on Three's Company :D

The interesting thing about Three's Company is, even though the characters hinted at or talked about sex a lot, the girls never did it, and I only remember one episode where Jack thought he may have gotten his girlfriend pregnant, but the woman was someone else that Larry had messed with. Larry messed around more than the other characters put together, but he was portrayed as being pretty sleazy. Also that show never showed Larry or anyone else actually in bed with anyone else in a romantic setting.

[Smartboy]

What makes you think that the females on "Three's Company" never had sex? I do not remember that ever being said or even implied anywhere!

[Jude The Obscure]

Janet herself commented on Chrissy's vulnerability in falling for guys' lines to get her in bed, in the early episodes.....and Janet herself didn't pretend to be a virgin.........loose, no, but still not a virgin.

[sixfingers]

I think there have been a number of shows throughout history that have gone on longer than it should. Also, with Robert Reed unhappy and unwilling to continue, I don't see any sense in continuing. Just like on All In the Family, the show really went down hill when Edith died (and on to Archie Bunker's Place). That is one of the best shows of all time that simply went on too long.


IT was supposed to end when Mike and Gloria moved away. Too bad it didn't.

[Tweety]

IT was supposed to end when Mike and Gloria moved away. Too bad it didn't.


Well, AITF really did end when M&G moved. They still had the same cast for a while, but it sure wasn't "All in the Family", even though they called it that!

After M&G moved, that would have been the perfect time to cease production.

[sixfingers]

Well, AITF really did end when M&G moved. They still had the same cast for a while, but it sure wasn't "All in the Family", even though they called it that!

After M&G moved, that would have been the perfect time to cease production.

I would tend to agree. Though I did think that girl they brought into the show was cute.