| − | |This classic, wholesome pro-family sitcom centers on a productive and happy, although unlikely, suburban [[Los Angeles]] blended family with [[conservative]]-type parents: a widow ([[Florence Henderson]]) with three daughters, a widower ([[Robert Reed]]) with three sons, and a live-in housekeeper ([[Ann B. Davis]], an evangelical [[Christian]] in real life; Davis later moved to an Episcopalian intentional community). | + | |Regarded as one of the last of the classic TV sitcoms before the Norman Lear era started, The Brady Bunch taught many life lessons about growing up such as building self-confidence, working, and telling the truth. It also promoted heavy family values where even if there’s disagreements, the family always sticks together, and is happy. However, it’s messaging proved to be too late, as it’s ratings never broke the Nielsen top 30, while ‘All in the Family’ did that in 5 of its 9 seasons. After a poorly received variety show with the whole cast (except Eve Plumb as Jan) aired, along with a miniseries featuring Marcia and Jan getting married, the show’s cult following got it a highly watched and acclaimed Christmas movie in 1988, following it was a 1990 continuation with a darker tone, and two theatrical movies in 1995 and 1996 respectively. Many reunions occurred in the 21st century, including an infamous one where the Brady girls are replaced with drag queens. |