The Brady Bunch Hour

Bad TV, a book by Craig Nelson, called The Brady Bunch Hour the worst variety show in the history of television. Not to be outdone, in 2002 TV Guide declared the show the fourth worst show of all time. That’s hardly a surprise when you watch an episode or at least part of one episode – if the awful 70’s costumes don’t make you choke on your Cheetos, the talentless musical numbers and guest appearances by Rip Taylor, Charo, and Edgar Bergen will. At some point back in 1981 some of the Brady cast appeared on Donnie and Marie in a little musical number, next thing you know ABC had thrown together a special, and when that rated well (out of sheer traffic accident type rubbernecking, surely) a series was commissioned. Alas, the original Jan, Eve Plumb, wanted nothing to do with proceedings, so her character was recast with unknown Geri Reischl, and regular appearances by the Water Follies Swimmers undoubtedly drove away what few viewers bothered to persevere with the show. It died after nine episodes, much to the relief of many in the cast and everyone in the audience, including the parents of the cast.