The Partridge Family

Families that play together stay together - especially when they're on the road in a psychedelic school bus. An explosion of stripes, pastels and pure bubblegum pop, "The Partridge Family" follows widowed mom Shirley Partridge (Shirley Jones) and her five kids, who form a band in their garage and suddenly find themselves with a hit record. Loosely inspired by the real-life Cowsills family band, the show sends them on the road with the help of their long-suffering manager, Reuben Kincaid (Dave Madden), balancing concerts with school, dating and ordinary family squabbles. Though perhaps best known for turning David Cassidy into a teen idol, the ABC series blended infectious melodies, including "I Think I Love You," with fresh writing and charming, lighthearted performances. At its peak, it was even more popular than "The Brady Bunch." Over four seasons, the show increasingly focused on life at home, though nearly every episode still features a musical number. Along with dating, school and sibling rivalries, it tackled topical issues of the 1970s like the battle of the sexes, permissive parenting, group therapy and sex education. There's plenty of silliness, too - the family dresses as chickens for a TV commercial, and an escaped convict holds them hostage in their own home - but the stories are consistently well crafted. The show also knows how to puncture sentimentality. When Keith (Cassidy) runs for student body president and nobly urges students to vote for his more qualified opponent, his younger brother and campaign manager, Danny (Danny Bonaduce), mutters in disgust, "I've molded a loser!" The show's lasting appeal lies in Jones' wholesome warmth, Cassidy's genuine pop charisma and willingness to be the butt of the joke, and Bonaduce's caustic deadpan. Susan Dey, as eldest daughter Laurie, shows the charm and wit that would later make her a star on "L.A. Law," and she gets some of the era's most spectacular outfits, including a memorable red plaid jumpsuit. Rounding out the family are youngsters Chris and Tracy, who add plenty of cuteness to the mix. Guest stars include Bert Convy, Mary Ann Mobley, Nancy Walker, future sitcom stars Gordon Jump and Charlotte Rae, and a young Jodie Foster, who punches Danny in the eye when he tries to kiss her. Clever, cheerful and genuinely funny, "The Partridge Family" still hits all the right notes. Some songs never really go out of tune.