The final episode of “The Brady Bunch” aired on March 8, 1974, marking the end of a beloved era for fans of the ABC sitcom. Debuting in September 1969, the show followed the lives of a blended family over five seasons until its unceremonious ending with the episode “The Hair-Brained Scheme.”
In this episode, youngest son Bobby (played by Mike Lookinland) concocts a plan to sell hair tonic in hopes of making big money. However, his scheme goes awry when his brother Greg (Barry Williams) unknowingly uses the tonic, turning his hair bright orange right before his high school graduation. Surprisingly, the patriarch of the family, Mike Brady (Robert Reed), is notably absent from the episode, as he was written out due to his refusal to participate in what he deemed a preposterous plot.
In a behind-the-scenes revelation, producer Lloyd Schwartz recalled Reed’s objections to the storyline in his 2010 book “Brady, Brady, Brady: The Complete Story of the Brady Bunch.” Reed, known for his theatrical background and critical eye for scripts, sent a manifesto to producers expressing his disapproval of the far-fetched nature of the episode. Despite this, Reed’s absence did not go unnoticed as he showed up on set during filming, causing discomfort among the production team.
Following the unexpected cancellation of “The Brady Bunch” by ABC during a summer break, the cast was left without a proper goodbye. Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady, expressed his shock at the abrupt end of the series, which had initially been promised a sixth season. Despite the lack of closure, the legacy of “The Brady Bunch” lives on in the hearts of its fans.
Reflecting on the turbulent production of the show, creator Sherwood Schwartz once remarked on the challenges posed by Reed’s presence on set. While acknowledging Reed’s talent and kindness towards the cast, Schwartz admitted that the late actor’s attitude towards television, particularly sitcoms, created tension behind the scenes. Despite the difficulties, “The Brady Bunch” remains a classic piece of television history, cherished by viewers for its portrayal of family dynamics and timeless comedic moments.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.