Who remembers "Brady Bunch" so clearly?

Modern blended family (mine) enjoying spring sunshine

The most beloved TV show of the 1960s and 70s?

Many would name "The Brady Bunch," but not this writer. Nope, my Dad and I watched "Monty Python's Flying Circus," broadcast on US television 1969-74. We enjoyed the antics of Eric Idle, John Cleese, Michael Palin and others.

As one example: The "Ministry of Silly Walks" had us convulsed as cast members trotted across the screen showcasing various walking styles. That was first shown Sept. 15, 1970.

So "The Brady Bunch" was not part of life in the 1970s, which included my schooling and Dad's work in Tipton, Iowa. I knew about it, of course, as the other kids in class would talk about America's favorite blended family.

Flash forward to 2019 when as a HGTV watcher I now am viewing "A Very Brady Renovation." The HGTV network has done an excellent job on this project, but it is also a bit odd.

They are slavishly renovating and rebuilding to 1970s design, which greatly features orange and avocado green colors. The living room and dining room were redone in the first episode, and viewers know a large addition will be added in the back. That addition is to be built to not show up in the front as it would affect the memorable view from the street.

Somehow, HGTV producers got all six actors who played the Brady children back for the home renovation, and all proclaimed it the most famous family home in America. The actors worked with HG personalities, led by "The Property Brothers" team of twins, Drew and Jonathan Scott.

I'm struck by the constant discussion of this "iconic" home, and how Americans across the country will remember exactly how the house was, inside and out.

Really?

The HGTV show includes tidbits about the fictional Brady life, and recordings of the family, when they ate at the dining table, or sat in the living room. Much emphasis was to recreate the stairway, used repeatedly in the original show.

The actual California house was designed in 1959 by Harry Londelius, at 11122 Dilling St., Studio City. Reporter Carolina Miranda of the Los Angeles Times wrote in a story, published Sept. 23, of the two-bedroom, three bathroom design in a 2,500 square-foot split-level structure with a "shake roof, cathedral ceilings and generous helpings of Palo Verde stone."

Londelius, she wrote, would never have dreamed the home would become a television star for the ABC-TV series which aired 1969-74 and was in syndication for years afterwards.

The house was actually used for exterior shots, while the show was staged on a studio lot in Hollywood. Producers searched the country for items from the 1970s to mirror the original look.

I think "The Brady Bunch" is a fun look at life in a blended family, albeit not a very realistic one. I'm also curious to see who would buy this "Very Brady" home, today, as it is decorated in a style best left behind long ago.