For anyone who grew up in the 1970s, “The Brady Bunch” was quintessential TV, offering a glimpse into the lives of the blended Brady family as they navigated the ups and downs of suburban life. Despite only running for five seasons, the show has left an indelible mark on pop culture, spawning numerous spin-offs and TV movies. But beyond the screen, there are some fascinating behind-the-scenes facts that even die-hard fans may not be aware of. Let’s dive into the secrets and trivia of “The Brady Bunch.”
Simple Math and Cast Additions
The Brady Bunch kids were originally supposed to be evenly split with three girls and three boys. However, when it came time to cast the show, only five of the six children were chosen. To balance the cast, the producers decided to add a fourth girl, Jan, to the mix.
Early Bedtimes and Set Rules
To ensure that the young actors were well-rested for filming, strict bedtimes were enforced on set. The girls had to be in bed by 9 pm, while the boys had until 10 pm. Additionally, one of the most famous rules on set was “no running in the house,” implemented to prevent noise interference during filming.
The Real Alice
Alice, the Brady’s beloved housekeeper, was played by actress Ann B. Davis, who was actually a registered nurse in real life. Her catchphrase “Oh, Mike!” became iconic within the show.
