Renowned for its strong family values, lovely theme music, and unforgettable characters, The Brady Bunch is one of the most enduring American sitcoms of all time. Created by Sherwood Schwartz, the family-oriented show aired on ABC for five seasons and 117 episodes from September 26, 1969, to March 8, 1974. Despite initially modest ratings, it later rose to become a cultural phenomenon in syndication, influencing generations of viewers.
However, in a new interview, Barry Williams, who played the character of the eldest Brady son, Greg, revealed that he and several other actors on the show were getting frustrated and already contemplating stepping away as of 1974, when the show hit its fifth season. Barry
Barry WIlliams explains his reason for wanting to leave ‘The Brady Bunch’
During a panel discussion at The Chocolate Expo held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, Williams, who reunited with his Brady Bunch costars, Christopher Knight, Mike Lookinland, and Susan Olsen, admitted that by the show’s fifth and final season, he was feeling constrained by his role. He revealed that at the time, he had grown beyond the 15-year-old boy who first graced the screen into a young adult, and he was eager to explore other opportunities.
Williams, however, noted that the introduction of the character of Cousin Oliver was just the sign he had been waiting for, and it sealed the end of his time on the show.
Cousin Oliver’s appearance added a mix to ‘The Brady Bunch’
The actor also addressed a long-standing fan question about the sudden introduction of Cousin Oliver in the show’s final season. Many believed this addition was not necessary because it disrupted the dynamic of the original Brady family.
The 70-year-old explained that the character’s introduction was a strategic move made to improve the show’s declining ratings at the time. He noted that this was a common tactic in television, where producers often introduce a cute child to reignite the audience’s interest.