Would the series have been a success - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

rezny717 · 09-26-2011, 10:13 PM

If someone else OTHER than the late Robert Reed had played Mike Brady?Would Gene Hackman,who was,I've heard,originally the first choice to play Mike Brady,have worked?

Steve Carras · 09-27-2011, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rezny717

If someone else OTHER than the late Robert Reed had played Mike Brady?Would Gene Hackman,who was,I've heard,originally the first choice to play Mike Brady,have worked?

Don't know, but are you aware this is show's anniversary?

old grouch · 09-27-2011, 10:10 AM

You mean it wasn't a success???

The Flying Dutchmans · 10-15-2011, 02:42 AM

Not in its first run is wasn't. It barely made enough ratings for ABC to keep it on the air. It wasn't until it syndicated that it was a huge success.

James · 10-19-2011, 03:55 AM

Besides Gene Hackman, I've thought about Dick York (the first Darrin Stevens on Bewitched) playing the Mike role. (Interestingly he died the same year Robert Reed did!)

old grouch · 10-19-2011, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Flying Dutchmans

Not in its first run is wasn't. It barely made enough ratings for ABC to keep it on the air. It wasn't until it syndicated that it was a huge success.

It may not have been a top ten hit, but it ran for five years and had millions of kids (myself included) watching every Friday night, so I wouldn't exactly call it a failure either.

To answer the original question, Robert Reed was born to play Mike Brady, whether he liked it or not.

gopyle · 10-24-2011, 06:47 AM

As great of an actor as he is, it is strange to imagine Hackman playing Mike Brady. He doesn't seem calm and affable.

Rich3 · 10-28-2011, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gopyle

As great of an actor as he is, it is strange to imagine Hackman playing Mike Brady. He doesn't seem calm and affable.

I don't really buy the Gene Hackman story. I mean, there might have been some truth to it technically, but it really just seems like a small bit of trivia that makes for interesting storytelling. I don't think he would have seriously considered the role or that he would have worked out in that role. He was a different caliber of actor, too good for a TV series.

The Flying Dutchmans · 11-22-2011, 03:16 AM

No it wasn't a failure, but it wasn't nearly as successful as it was in syndication. Even The Partridge Family was beating it in the ratings, and I know Barry did sing on the show, but let's face it, he was no David Cassidy.

09-26-2011, 10:13 PM	#1
rezny717 Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jun 06, 2011 Location: Lincoln,Nebraska Posts: 659	Would the series have been a success If someone else OTHER than the late Robert Reed had played Mike Brady?Would Gene Hackman,who was,I've heard,originally the first choice to play Mike Brady,have worked?

10-15-2011, 02:42 AM	#4
The Flying Dutchmans Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 30, 2006 Location: New York Posts: 1,017	Not in its first run is wasn't. It barely made enough ratings for ABC to keep it on the air. It wasn't until it syndicated that it was a huge success.
	__________________ A strange red light as of a phantom ship all aglow, in the midst of which light the mast, spars and sails of a brig 200 yards distant stood out in strong relief." The Flying Dutchman

09-27-2011, 10:10 AM	#3
old grouch Member Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2010 Location: montana Posts: 1,877	You mean it wasn't a success???

10-19-2011, 03:55 AM	#5
James Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 07, 2001 Location: Dayton, Ohio, USA Posts: 6,370	Besides Gene Hackman, I've thought about Dick York (the first Darrin Stevens on Bewitched) playing the Mike role. (Interestingly he died the same year Robert Reed did!)

10-24-2011, 06:47 AM	#7
gopyle Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 22, 2011 Posts: 235	As great of an actor as he is, it is strange to imagine Hackman playing Mike Brady. He doesn't seem calm and affable.

11-22-2011, 03:16 AM	#9
The Flying Dutchmans Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 30, 2006 Location: New York Posts: 1,017	No it wasn't a failure, but it wasn't nearly as successful as it was in syndication. Even The Partridge Family was beating it in the ratings, and I know Barry did sing on the show, but let's face it, he was no David Cassidy.