The Partridge Family

The Partridge Family was a popular American sitcom that originally aired from September 1970 to March 1974 on ABC. The show was created by Bernard Slade and produced by Screen Gems, a subsidiary of Columbia Pictures. The series starred Shirley Jones as Shirley Partridge, a widowed mother, and David Cassidy as her son Keith Partridge, and was inspired by the real-life musical family The Cowsills. The show's success led to a series of Partridge Family albums and singles, including the hit song I Think I Love You, which reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

History

The concept of The Partridge Family was developed by Bernard Slade, who was inspired by the success of The Cowsills, a family rock band that had several hit songs, including Hair and Indian Lake. The show was produced by Screen Gems and aired on ABC from 1970 to 1974, with a total of 96 episodes. During its run, the show featured several notable guest stars, including Jodie Foster, Farrah Fawcett, and Richard Pryor. The show's success also led to a series of Partridge Family concerts and tours, including a performance at the Hollywood Bowl.

Music

The music of The Partridge Family was a key part of the show's success, with several hit songs, including I Think I Love You, I'll Meet You Halfway, and Come On Get Happy. The show's music was produced by Wes Farrell, who had previously worked with The Monkees and other rock bands. The Partridge Family albums were released on the Bell Records label, which also released music by other popular artists, including Tony Orlando and Dawn and The 5th Dimension. The show's music was also featured on several soundtracks, including the Grammy Award-winning The Partridge Family Album.

Television Show

The television show was a sitcom that followed the lives of a widowed mother, Shirley Partridge, and her five children, who formed a rock band and toured the country in a psychedelic bus. The show was known for its light-hearted and humorous storylines, as well as its catchy theme song, Come On Get Happy. The show was filmed at Desilu Studios and featured several notable directors, including Cliff Bole and Herb Kenwith. The show's success led to several spin-offs, including a cartoon series and a series of novels.

Cast and Characters

The cast of The Partridge Family included Shirley Jones as Shirley Partridge, David Cassidy as Keith Partridge, Susan Dey as Laurie Partridge, Danny Bonaduce as Danny Partridge, Jeremy Gelbwaks as Chris Partridge (seasons 1-3), and Brian Forster as Chris Partridge (seasons 4). The show also featured several notable recurring characters, including Dave Madden as Reuben Kincaid, the family's manager, and Ricky Segall as Ricky Stevens, a young friend of the family. The cast's chemistry and acting abilities were widely praised by critics, including Variety and The New York Times.

Episodes and Legacy

The Partridge Family aired a total of 96 episodes over four seasons, with several notable episodes featuring guest stars such as Judy Carne and Bobby Sherman. The show's legacy continues to be felt, with several reunions and tributes over the years, including a TV movie and a series of concerts. The show's influence can also be seen in several other TV shows and movies, including The Brady Bunch and The Monkees. The show's catchy theme song, Come On Get Happy, has become a cultural icon and is still widely recognized today, and has been featured in several commercials and TV shows, including The Simpsons and Family Guy. Category:American television sitcoms