For many Australians now in their 60s and 70s, The Brady Bunch remains one of the most fondly remembered television shows of their childhood.
Even today, decades later, many can still sing the opening theme from start to finish:
“Here’s the story… of a lovely lady…”
It was simple, cheerful television – and it became TV gold for a generation.
The Brady family first appeared on American television in 1969, when the sitcom premiered on the ABC network. The series ran for five seasons until 1974, following the story of a blended family with six children – three boys and three girls – adjusting to life under one roof.
While the original run lasted only a few years, the show became a global hit through constant reruns and syndication, ensuring it reached new audiences well into the 1970s and 1980s.
In Australia, the show quickly became a regular fixture on television schedules, especially during afternoon and early evening slots. It was the kind of program families could sit down and watch together – light-hearted, funny and full of life lessons.
The Brady Bunch first aired on Australian television on 25 January 1970, just four months after its US debut. It premiered on Channel 10 in Sydney, in a prime-time 7:30pm Sunday night slot.
By the early 1970s, The Brady Bunch was one of the most watched shows on Australian television.
For many viewers, it was the first time they saw a blended family portrayed positively on television.
The six young actors who played the Brady children became instantly recognisable faces around the world.
Barry Williams (Greg), 71, went on to build a career in musical theatre and television appearances.
Maureen McCormick, 69, (Marcia) remained one of the show’s biggest stars and later appeared in reality TV, stage productions and autobiographical projects.
Christopher Knight, 68, became a successful businessman and occasional television personality.
Eve Plumb, 67, continued acting in television and theatre.
Mike Lookinland, 65, later worked behind the scenes in television production.
Susan Olsen, 64, moved into radio hosting and creative work.
The parents and housekeeper
Robert Reed (Mike Brady) – Sadly, he passed away in 1992 at age 59.
Florence Henderson (Carol Brady) – Passed away in 2016 at age 82.
Ann B. Davis (Alice) – Passed away in 2014 at age 88.
So, while all six children are still with us and remain active in various ways, the original cast of the parents and Alice have sadly passed. Their legacy, of course, lives on in reruns, reunion specials.
Over the years the cast has reunited many times for specials, documentaries and nostalgia events – proving just how enduring the show’s appeal remains.
Another star of the show wasn’t a person at all – it was the house.
The famous home used for exterior shots of the Brady family residence sits in Studio City in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley and has become one of the most recognisable homes in television history.
Although all interior scenes were actually filmed on a studio soundstage, the distinctive mid-century house with its peaked roof became a symbol of suburban family life in the early 1970s.
This year the property was officially given historic-cultural monument status by the Los Angeles City Council, recognising its importance in television and pop-culture history.
The house – built in 1959 – is now protected as a landmark, meaning major changes or demolition would face strict oversight.
Its fame has only grown over time. In 2018 the property was bought by television network HGTV, which spent millions renovating it to recreate the show’s iconic interior sets for the series A Very Brady Renovation.
Half a century after it first aired, The Brady Bunch still occupies a special place in television history.
For many Australians now in their retirement years, it represents a simpler era of television – when families gathered around the lounge room TV, and sitcoms were wholesome, optimistic and easy to watch.
It may not have been the most sophisticated show ever made, but it didn’t need to be.
It was cheerful, memorable and endlessly rewatchable.
And judging by how many people can still sing that theme song word-for-word, the Brady family clearly left their mark on generations of viewers.
“Here’s the story… of a lovely lady…”
– The iconic opening line from the theme song. Still instantly recognisable to the Starts at 60 generation.
“Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” – Jan Brady
– Perhaps the most famous line from the show, expressing Jan’s sibling rivalry frustration with her older sister.
“Oh, Alice!” – Often said by Carol or the kids
– Usually exclaimed in moments of exasperation or comedic mishap.
“Gee whiz, Dad!” / “Gee whiz, Mom!” – Various kids
– Classic 1970s family sitcom phrasing used to show innocence or surprise.
“Bradys stick together.” – Mike Brady (or occasionally Carol)
– Captures the wholesome, moralistic heart of the show.
“You kids, get along now.” – Carol Brady
– A gentle but firm reminder that often closed a chaotic scene.
“You’re the one who’s always trying to be perfect, Marcia.” – Jan Brady
– Reflecting the sibling dynamics that made the show relatable.
“It’s okay to be yourself.” – Various episodes
– The show’s simple but enduring life lessons often came in these lines.
“Oh, brother!” – Greg or Peter
– Another classic exclamation showing teenage exasperation.
“Life is full of lessons.” – Mike Brady
– Often used at the end of episodes to wrap up a moral message.
Proudly Australian owned and operated