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Barry Williams, best known for his role on the classic television series The Brady Bunch, celebrated his 72nd birthday on September 30. Just weeks before the milestone, Williams spoke candidly at Retro Con 2026 about a ‘70s sitcom crossover he would have loved to see.
When asked if there were any shows from that era he wished the Bradys could have interacted with, Williams didn’t hesitate. He imagined a musical showdown between The Brady Bunch and The Partridge Family.
“I thought it would have been fun if the Bradys could have had a music-off with the Partridges,” he shared. He noted the unique strengths of each show: while the Partridges were known for their musical talent, the Bradys brought choreography into the mix, creating a kind of “double threat.”
Williams emphasized that despite both being family-oriented shows airing on the same network and night-The Brady Bunch actually served as the lead-in for The Partridge Family-there was never a sense of competition. Instead, the two programs complemented each other and supported one another from a business perspective.
Though the Bradys weren’t a touring band like the Partridges, they did enjoy their share of musical success. The cast released several bubblegum pop hits in the 1970s, including memorable songs like “It’s a Sunshine Day,” “Keep On,” “We Can Make the World a Whole Lot Brighter,” and “Time to Change,” featuring Christopher Knight’s distinctive Peter Brady vocals.
Fans of The Brady Bunch also recall the cast’s musical revival with The Brady Bunch Variety Hour in 1976, a spin-off featuring song and dance performances. Williams revealed that he nearly missed out on joining this production due to his commitment to the Broadway show Pippin. Ultimately, he chose the Variety Hour, a decision he regards as one of the most enjoyable experiences of his career.
Reflecting on those days, Williams told Retro Con attendees, “It was the most fun I think I’ve ever had doing a show.” While the idea of a Brady-Partridge crossover remains a tantalizing “what if” in television history, Williams’ enthusiasm offers a delightful glimpse into the camaraderie and creative spirit of these beloved shows.