TV Shows That Recycled Their Sets For Other Shows
Sometimes television shows create such incredible sets that they are left up long after the show aired. Then, other television shows use the sets for scenes, which eagle-eyed fans can spot from a mile away! Sometimes, shows even share sets and actors, which happened in the early 1970s. If you’re a fan of both The Brady Bunch and Mannix, you might notice some similarities. Not only did Robert Reed appear in both shows, but the set of The Brady Bunch appeared in several episodes of Mannix.
‘The Brady Bunch’ and ‘Mannix’ and ‘Mission: Impossible’
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Since both shows were in production at the same time, the set designers couldn’t really hide the loud wallpaper and paint colors. In season four of Mannix, Alexandra Pulvarenti (Jo Van Fleet) is seen living in the Brady Bunch house and fans get a glimpse at the living room and the patio. The set is used several more times during the show’s run, including the season seven finale where you can spot the iconic orange kitchen. In addition to Mannix, you can see the Brady Bunch house in an episode of Mission: Impossible. These weren’t the only two shows in history to share sets and some of them are quite surprising!
‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and ‘Star Trek’
Paramount/Everett Collection
While these shows couldn’t be more different, the exteriors of the fictional town of Mayberry were used for Star Trek! In one episode, the town from The Andy Griffith Show was re-used as a ghost town that Star Trek characters find full of children. In another episode, it was used as a New York City backdrop when they travel back in time and you can even see the sign for Floyd’s Barbershop if you look very closely!
‘Growing Pains’ and ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper’
Warner Bros./Everett Collection
If you’re more of a fan of ’90s sitcoms, the first episode of Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper used the living room from Growing Pains, which had been canceled the same year. Both shows were filmed on the Warner Bros. lot, which in the 2000s also reused some sets for shows such as Gilmore Girls and Pretty Little Liars.
‘Robinsons: Lost in Space’ and “Battlestar Galactica’
Universal TV/Everett Collection
This one makes sense! The pilot episode of Robinsons: Lost in Space never made it to the air but it used sets that would later be featured on Battlestar Galactica including a spaceship set.
Which one of these surprised you the most?
Remind 
1970s Fall TV
September 2023
Take a trip back to the ’70s by looking at the TV Guide Magazine Fall Preview primetime lineups.
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