While Festivus remains the most widely acknowledged holiday to be created by a TV series, thousands of Brady Bunch fans worldwide are closing the gap.

On January 2, they will once again gather to celebrate "Fake Jan Day", and to honor actress Geri Reischl, who played Jan Brady on The Brady Bunch Hour.



As most schoolchildren recall from their American history classes, The Brady Bunch Hour was a musical spin-off of The Brady Bunch that aired briefly in 1977, and is now recalled as one of the worst television shows in the history of the medium.

The only Brady cast member to recognize this trainwreck before it left the station was Eve Plumb, who played Jan on the original series.

Geri Reischl was cast as her replacement, and became forever immortalized as "Fake Jan".



January 2 (Jan 2, get it?) is the day we set aside to say thank you, Geri, for ... well, we're not sure what, exactly. But all celebrations must include a cheese ball, which is the official food of "Fake Jan Day".

While enjoying this festive holiday treat, you might want to peruse Geri's performance of Elton John's 'Your Song' on The Brady Bunch Hour, or revisit The Simpsons unique take on the phenomenon in the episode 'The Simpson Family Smile-Time Variety Hour.'


A warm and nostalgic gathering of friends, family, and cheese balls? Why can't every day be "Fake Jan Day"?

http://insidetv.aol.com/2010/01/02/happy-fake-jan-day-2010-how-will-you-celebrate/


Celebrate "Fake Jan Day" 2010! - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVgMqzit1y8

Geri Reischl (Fake Jan) - Your Song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li09p14oKLc

Yes, I dropped Geri a line on Facebook to wish her a Happy Fake Jan Day. I guess you can say Fake Jan Day is the Brady fans' version of Festivus!! :cool: :D

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Happy Fake Jan Day!

Fake Jan Day: Remembering ‘The Brady Bunch’s’ Most Infamous Recast (https://www.forbes.com/sites/marcberman1/2026/01/02/fake-jan-day-remembering-the-brady-bunchs-most-infamous-recast/)

AI Overview

Happy Fake Jan Day! It's celebrated on January 2nd by Brady Bunch fans to honor Geri Reischl, who played Jan in The Brady Bunch Hour variety show when original Jan, Eve Plumb, didn't return, with the date cleverly referencing "Jan 2nd" for "Fake Jan". Fans celebrate her as "Fake Jan," a term she embraced, often with a cheese ball, a nod to Jan's favorite food.

Why "Fake Jan"?

When The Brady Bunch Hour (1976-77) was filmed, Eve Plumb couldn't commit to the series, so Geri Reischl stepped in as Jan.
Fans, recognizing her as the substitute, nicknamed her "Fake Jan".
Reischl embraced the affectionate title, making it a fun part of pop culture.

How to Celebrate:

Enjoy some cheese balls, a favorite of the character.
Watch The Brady Bunch Hour.
Share your love for Geri Reischl and this unique fan tradition!

What about fake Cindy, Jennifer Runyon, in the Christmas movie, or fake Marcia, Leah Ayres, in The Bradys series. When do they get their day?