Disowned Adaptation: Sherwood Schwartz had no involvement with the show and let it be known how much he loathed it. Ironically, this is the only Brady project Robert Reed (actor) actually enjoyed doing, specifically because the Schwartzes weren't involved.
The Other Darrin: Eve Plumb, the original Jan Brady, initially agreed to take part, but balked at ABC's contract demand requiring her to commit to 13 episodes, with a possible 5-year deal beyond that. Unable to work out a compromise, Plumb left. Geri Reischl was chosen out of 1,500 auditionees to take over as Jan.note One of the other finalists was Kathy Richards, future mother of Paris Hilton Since the show only lasted nine episodes, Plumb was ultimately vindicated. Reischl is "fondly" remembered to this day as Fake Jan, even referring to herself as such on her own website!
Troubled Production: To the extent that there was a book written about it. Besides the usual struggles in mounting a variety show, and the questionable quality of the material, there was also Hostility on the Set. Florence Henderson, with her Broadway background, viewed the show as an important showcase for her talents, and created some tension when she accused the others of not taking things seriously enough. Deeply religious Ann B. Davis resented working with flamboyantly bisexual Rip Taylor. And Maureen McCormick began behaving erratically, leading to rumors of drug problems (which she later confirmed in her autobiography). After an incident where McCormick just didn't even bother showing up for a taping, Marty Krofft gave a her long "The Reason You Suck" Speech in front of the rest of the cast and crew.
Keep Circulating the Tapes: From 2007 to 2018, this show remained the only Brady Bunch spin-off completely unavailable on DVD, until CBS put it in the franchise's 50th Anniversary boxset.
The Original Darrin: Eve Plumb takes the role of Jan back from Geri Reischl, helping turn Brady Brides into the only spinoff to reunite all of the original nine cast members.
Jennifer Runyon is Fake Cindy (Susan Olsen was off on her honeymoon).
Lewis Arquette is Fake Sam the Butcher (Allan Melvin had retired from live acting after Archie Bunker's Place ended, though he continued to voice act).
The Bradys
Follow the Leader: Many reviewers felt that the creators were trying to create a 1990s Eight is Enough. Others thought it was trying to capitalize on the success of thirtysomething, leading it to be nicknamed Bradysomething by the press.
Keep Circulating the Tapes: After 2007's The Brady Bunch: The Complete Series DVD included "The Brady 500" on the last disc, it took 12 more years for CBS to release the other episodes on DVD.
The Other Darrin: Leah Ayres is Fake Marcia. Even in the opening credits, which pays homage to the classic square intro from the parent series; the young Maureen McCormick is replaced in her square by a young child who is a very obvious stand-in.
Screwed by the Network: The first episode was a two-hour, and gained a significantly larger audience in the second hour, winning the time slot. CBS decided to go keep the earlier start time.
She Also Did: A rare acting role for original MTV VJ Martha Quinn, as Bobby's wife Tracy.
Keep Circulating the Tapes: Paramount's general tendency not to include bonus features on Brady Bunch DVDs leaves this special, aired before DVD even existed, in limbo.
Growing Up Brady
Real-Life Relative: Mike Lookinland (Bobby) himself participated in the making of Growing Up Brady, albeit on the other side of the camera. In the movie, he was played by his son Scott.
A Very Brady Renovation
Keep Circulating the Tapes: Ever since the series disappeared from Hulu, the inaugural four episodes and Behind the Build lack any official viewing options. Holiday Edition remains available through Food Network On Demand.
Milestone Celebration: Premiered a few weeks before the 50th anniversary of the Brady Bunch's ABC debut.
