Partridge Family vs. Brady Bunch - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

HelloLarry · 01-25-2007, 05:02 PM

OK...I tried to bring this up on the Monkees board and almost got verbally killed by someone in the process (they were comparing in a poll Monkee vs. Partridge and I was saying that the PF probably has more in common with the Bradys).

Anyway, I first wanted to say that Im a fan of both shows. They each in their own way have a timeless quality about them but IMO, I think the P Family is a far superior show even though the BBunch may have a better reputation and stronger overall following judging by how many times the concept has been reincarnated.

The writing on the Partridge Family was much more 'adult'. Not saying that this is the cornerstone of my comparison but theres racier dialogue in the Partridge Family (for what it was) than the Brady Bunch I think the brother/sister relationship with Keith and Laurie is more realistic and reminds me of the relationship I have with my sis in how we banter back and forth. The plots and relationships overall for the most part are far more realistic and the show teaches good values.

I think the Brady Bunch started out that way and when you watch the earliest of these episodes, theres more heart to them before it became (IMO) Gilligan's Island in suburbia although there are moments to be found throughout the remainder of the run. As time went on though I think it got away from the original concept of the series which was pretty cool to begin with. Maybe this had something to do with TV practices at the time. The Brady Bunch tried to duplicate, somewhat successfully, the music/sitcom formula of the Partridge Family as time went on as well but it came off more as a gimmick than genuine (although I still love those episodes).

So why I have a soft spot for both shows as I grew up with them both, when I watch the Brady Bunch now, it comes off a little hokey and its more for the pure nostalgia. The Partridge Family still makes me laugh more consistantly and perhaps has aged a little better even though it may live in the shadow of the Brady Bunch.

I don't know...just my thoughts. Anyone?

AB · 01-25-2007, 09:51 PM

The Partridge Family is my favorite, the cast were terrific and the music was
good even though the family didn't really play & sing except for David & Shirley. They seemed so cool back then; where the Bradys were more like the
ordinary family, not as cool, but you still liked them.

Bachu · 02-04-2007, 03:55 PM

Firstly, let me say that I am a BIG BB fan and have only recently started to watch TPF. I saw 12 random episodes of TPF a few years ago and recently bought the first two seasons on dvd in a half price get one free offer. I have about two episodes to go before starting season two.

I do like TPF though it doesn't hold a special place in my heart the way the Bradys do. I have only really watched the first season of TPF compared to all BB episodes, tv movies etc.

TPF is more mature and realistic that TBB. The youngest Partridge girl mentions sex in a very early episode. I also really like the songs recorded for TPF.

TBB was aimed at a younger audience I think and the show is very much centered on the family and family problems. TPF has a working family and as such a number of stories arise from that situation.

It is strange that TBB kids did complete real tours whereas their singing tv rivals(?) did no such thing. Cassidy did but that was him solo. TBB kids did sing themselves.

One thing I do prefer about TBB over TPF is that the show was really about the kids and the grown ups featured in their stories for the most part. TPF was really about the mother and the 3 eldest kids. The 2 youngest kids have so far (that I have seen) not really had a storyline about them.

BarneyFife · 03-08-2008, 01:12 AM

I liked the Brady Bunch better, but the Partridge Family was very good as well.

OH Nuts! · 03-08-2008, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarneyFife

I liked the Brady Bunch better, but the Partridge Family was very good as well.

I'll take the Brady's any day - I've always been miffed that the Cowsills never got to do the PF. The only one I really liked on the PF was Shirley - who is surely pretty and quite talented.

Jude The Obscure · 03-08-2008, 01:26 PM

I like them both and I see no need for a contest

BarneyFife · 03-08-2008, 09:04 PM

It's just fun and games Jude. It's not like our opinions matter.

Jude The Obscure · 03-09-2008, 12:37 PM

And i wasn't being serious--see the smiley icon?

catlover79 · 10-08-2008, 06:19 PM

The Bradys by default. I've seen many more episodes of TBB.

Fallon97 · 10-24-2008, 10:30 AM

I liked the Brady Bunch better.

70s show watcher · 10-26-2008, 08:04 PM

i like them both

Lee G · 11-11-2008, 12:00 PM

I'll have to go with The Brady Bunch. I think it is the more likeable, enjoyable show. I have thought about buying The Partridge Family DVD's, but I just never got into the show. While I like some of The Partridge Family music and am also a David Cassidy fan, the TV show episodes don't really appeal to me. Just a matter of taste I guess, but I would say overall The Brady Bunch is the more popular show when it comes down to a vote.

I guess the difference in the two shows is The Brady Bunch is the most fun of the two shows. The episodes are generally lighthearted in nature. One thing I like about it is each of the six kids get their turns at being the focal point of the episodes. Some episodes are "Bobby" stories, some are "Cindy" stories, etc. A lot of thought and care went into the making of the series, and it shows when watching the episodes.

The Partridge Family episodes are generally more topical, and touched on issues that were present during that era. The humor is more understated, the show is a bit more sophisticated while The Brady Bunch is more laugh out loud funny. In The Partridge Family, Danny Bonaduce was the one who carried much of the humor, while in The Brady Bunch all six kids got in on the act. In The Partridge Family, the two youngest kids were given little to do in the episodes.

Loopie63 · 11-12-2008, 11:44 AM

Well if they were are right now at the same time an I couldn't record one of them, I would watch the Partridge Family.

gidgetgrape · 11-14-2008, 03:32 PM

I think The Partridge Family is more modern and the humor is more sophisticated than The Brady Bunch. I really like that they used African Americans as supporting characters at a time when that wasn't done frequently. Still, I'm not the biggest fan of their music and I wouldn't want to be in a band with my mom.

Just Plain Chill · 11-15-2008, 08:19 PM

I have to say the Partridge Family, because of the humor. I still laugh at the show, it is true Danny was the funniest character on the show especially the interactions between him and Ruben; classic comedy.

01-25-2007, 05:02 PM	#1
HelloLarry Meathead Frequent Poster Join Date: Aug 21, 2006 Posts: 273	Partridge Family vs. Brady Bunch OK...I tried to bring this up on the Monkees board and almost got verbally killed by someone in the process (they were comparing in a poll Monkee vs. Partridge and I was saying that the PF probably has more in common with the Bradys). Anyway, I first wanted to say that Im a fan of both shows. They each in their own way have a timeless quality about them but IMO, I think the P Family is a far superior show even though the BBunch may have a better reputation and stronger overall following judging by how many times the concept has been reincarnated. The writing on the Partridge Family was much more 'adult'. Not saying that this is the cornerstone of my comparison but theres racier dialogue in the Partridge Family (for what it was) than the Brady Bunch I think the brother/sister relationship with Keith and Laurie is more realistic and reminds me of the relationship I have with my sis in how we banter back and forth. The plots and relationships overall for the most part are far more realistic and the show teaches good values. I think the Brady Bunch started out that way and when you watch the earliest of these episodes, theres more heart to them before it became (IMO) Gilligan's Island in suburbia although there are moments to be found throughout the remainder of the run. As time went on though I think it got away from the original concept of the series which was pretty cool to begin with. Maybe this had something to do with TV practices at the time. The Brady Bunch tried to duplicate, somewhat successfully, the music/sitcom formula of the Partridge Family as time went on as well but it came off more as a gimmick than genuine (although I still love those episodes). So why I have a soft spot for both shows as I grew up with them both, when I watch the Brady Bunch now, it comes off a little hokey and its more for the pure nostalgia. The Partridge Family still makes me laugh more consistantly and perhaps has aged a little better even though it may live in the shadow of the Brady Bunch. I don't know...just my thoughts. Anyone?

10-08-2008, 06:19 PM	#9
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,376	The Bradys by default. I've seen many more episodes of TBB.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

01-25-2007, 09:51 PM	#2
AB Member Eternal Member Forum Icon Join Date: Dec 26, 2006 Location: The South Posts: 59,426	The Partridge Family is my favorite, the cast were terrific and the music was good even though the family didn't really play & sing except for David & Shirley. They seemed so cool back then; where the Bradys were more like the ordinary family, not as cool, but you still liked them.

02-04-2007, 03:55 PM	#3
Bachu Member Forum Regular Join Date: Sep 10, 2005 Posts: 809	Firstly, let me say that I am a BIG BB fan and have only recently started to watch TPF. I saw 12 random episodes of TPF a few years ago and recently bought the first two seasons on dvd in a half price get one free offer. I have about two episodes to go before starting season two. I do like TPF though it doesn't hold a special place in my heart the way the Bradys do. I have only really watched the first season of TPF compared to all BB episodes, tv movies etc. TPF is more mature and realistic that TBB. The youngest Partridge girl mentions sex in a very early episode. I also really like the songs recorded for TPF. TBB was aimed at a younger audience I think and the show is very much centered on the family and family problems. TPF has a working family and as such a number of stories arise from that situation. It is strange that TBB kids did complete real tours whereas their singing tv rivals(?) did no such thing. Cassidy did but that was him solo. TBB kids did sing themselves. One thing I do prefer about TBB over TPF is that the show was really about the kids and the grown ups featured in their stories for the most part. TPF was really about the mother and the 3 eldest kids. The 2 youngest kids have so far (that I have seen) not really had a storyline about them.

03-08-2008, 01:12 AM	#4
BarneyFife Retired Forum Fanatic Join Date: Mar 02, 2008 Posts: 8,459	I liked the Brady Bunch better, but the Partridge Family was very good as well.

03-08-2008, 01:26 PM	#6
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,519	I like them both and I see no need for a contest

03-08-2008, 09:04 PM	#7
BarneyFife Retired Forum Fanatic Join Date: Mar 02, 2008 Posts: 8,459	It's just fun and games Jude. It's not like our opinions matter.

03-09-2008, 12:37 PM	#8
Jude The Obscure Retired Eternal Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 7,519	And i wasn't being serious--see the smiley icon?

10-24-2008, 10:30 AM	#10
Fallon97 Member Senior Member Join Date: Mar 04, 2007 Location: America Posts: 1,268	I liked the Brady Bunch better.

10-26-2008, 08:04 PM	#11
70s show watcher Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 20, 2008 Location: between point place and studio 8 h Posts: 4,548	i like them both

11-11-2008, 12:00 PM	#12
Lee G Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 24, 2004 Posts: 850	I'll have to go with The Brady Bunch. I think it is the more likeable, enjoyable show. I have thought about buying The Partridge Family DVD's, but I just never got into the show. While I like some of The Partridge Family music and am also a David Cassidy fan, the TV show episodes don't really appeal to me. Just a matter of taste I guess, but I would say overall The Brady Bunch is the more popular show when it comes down to a vote. I guess the difference in the two shows is The Brady Bunch is the most fun of the two shows. The episodes are generally lighthearted in nature. One thing I like about it is each of the six kids get their turns at being the focal point of the episodes. Some episodes are "Bobby" stories, some are "Cindy" stories, etc. A lot of thought and care went into the making of the series, and it shows when watching the episodes. The Partridge Family episodes are generally more topical, and touched on issues that were present during that era. The humor is more understated, the show is a bit more sophisticated while The Brady Bunch is more laugh out loud funny. In The Partridge Family, Danny Bonaduce was the one who carried much of the humor, while in The Brady Bunch all six kids got in on the act. In The Partridge Family, the two youngest kids were given little to do in the episodes.

11-12-2008, 11:44 AM	#13
Loopie63 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jun 06, 2008 Location: Riverside, CA Posts: 250	Well if they were are right now at the same time an I couldn't record one of them, I would watch the Partridge Family.

11-14-2008, 03:32 PM	#14
gidgetgrape Forever Gidget Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 20, 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 3,503	I think The Partridge Family is more modern and the humor is more sophisticated than The Brady Bunch. I really like that they used African Americans as supporting characters at a time when that wasn't done frequently. Still, I'm not the biggest fan of their music and I wouldn't want to be in a band with my mom.

11-15-2008, 08:19 PM	#15
Just Plain Chill Water balloon phobia sufferer Occasional Poster Join Date: Nov 15, 2008 Location: In a house Posts: 7	I have to say the Partridge Family, because of the humor. I still laugh at the show, it is true Danny was the funniest character on the show especially the interactions between him and Ruben; classic comedy.