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Brady Bunch: Criticized Then Beloved
26 Sep
Summary
- The Brady Bunch debuted in 1969 to harsh critical reviews.
- Critics called the wholesome show 'cloyingly nauseatingly sweet'.
- Despite early criticism, it became a beloved pop culture icon.

When The Brady Bunch first aired on September 26, 1969, it was met with significant criticism. Reviewers found the show's wholesome tone and focus on children's issues to be overly sweet and even "embarrassingly bad." One notable review from TV Guide humorously suggested the children "hope they never come down again" after joining their parents on their honeymoon.
Despite this unenthusiastic reception, The Brady Bunch went on to become a significant part of American pop culture. The sitcom, created by Sherwood Schwartz, followed the blended Brady family and their housekeeper in suburban Los Angeles. It aired for five seasons, concluding in 1974.
Following its original run, reruns of The Brady Bunch became immensely popular, transforming the series into a cultural touchstone. This enduring appeal led to various spin-offs, television movies, and feature films, solidifying its place in television history and proving critics wrong.