There Is Something To Be Said For Nostalgia
It was about a year ago, HGTV bought the famous “Brady Bunch house” for a whopping $3.5 million dollars with the intention to transform it to look just like the set.
Because now we know, that house, the one we saw in every episode was not actually where they filmed the show.
They filmed on a set. With no ceilings, missing walls, and cameras.
The goal of HGTV for “A Very Brady Renovation” was to make the outside and the inside match.
Production began in November of last year. It took six months, and totaled more than 9,000 work hours to restore 15 different Brady spaces from scratch.
They ripped down walls, staircases and wall paper. They moved windows and doors. They even ADDED on to create a second story, which the original house we saw from the outside never had.
They had so many things custom made – wallpaper, bedding, furniture. They matched paint colours. They stayed true to all things Brady. They went to antique stores and second hand stores, scoured online auctions, and even got help from fans of the show to recreate every detail of what we remember.
They did the front entrance, Mike’s den, the kitchen, the dining room, the family room, the backyard, the boys and girls rooms, the bathroom, Mike and Carol’s master bedroom, Alice’s bedroom, and even Greg’s attic. Which was an amazing transformation of a basement.
Only four episodes and it’s over, but I am so glad I watched.
It brought me back to childhood. I loved that show. I loved singing along with the theme song. I loved the cast. I loved the characters.
This show brought it all back. The days of childhood. The simplicity.
Last night was extra special. Florence Henderson’s daughter was a part of it, and gave a heart designed paper weight that belonged to her mother to use in the house. They added dresses and nightgowns to the room that “Carol Brady” would have worn. They set up her dressing table with perfume, and hair brushes and combs. You would think they were back on set. You almost wished Mike and Carol would show up and surprise everyone. Their presence was greatly missed by all on set.
Maureen McCormick teared up as she remembered her tv mom, and said how she missed her.
They spoke highly of “Alice” – Anne B Davis. Paying attention to detail of her room, right down to the tissue box.
It’s the memories that are shared, as the remaining, surviving cast reflect on their days as the Brady Bunch. Remembering those who have passed away. Clips of passed shows played through out the episodes. Flashback to childhood.
They had a special ribbon cutting, and even announced a street name change, and observed the day as “Brady Bunch Day”. I wanted to be there.
And for those who feel like they need just a little more, HGTV has announced two additional episodes will air, starting next week.
Viewers can tune into A Very Brady Renovation: Behind the Build on October 7 and October 14 at 9 p.m. EST to watch exclusive content from the six month project.
The two episodes will feature extended room reveals, never-before-seen renovation spaces, and so much more.
“The Behind the Build episodes will spotlight greater details about these overhauled spaces, including the master bedroom, Mike’s den and Greg’s attic,” reads a press release.
And if that’s not enough Brady, HGTV will be launching a brand-new digital series, Just Ask Brady.
The eight-episode digital series will star the six Brady kids—Barry Williams (Greg), Maureen McCormick (Marcia), Christopher Knight (Peter), Eve Plumb (Jan), Mike Lookinland (Bobby), Susan Olsen (Cindy)—answering questions from social media, share behind-the-scenes tidbits, their favorite moments from set, and what this reunion has meant to them.
An incredible way to celebrate 50 years of The Brady Bunch.
