In role reversal sitcom Big John, Little John schoolteacher John Martin discovered the fountain of youth in Florida. He drank from it, and nothing happened until he was doused with water. Then, he turned into cousin Oliver from The Brady Bunch. Well, not exactly, but he did turn into a twelve-year-old boy played by the actor Robbie Rist. Sadly, this would happen completely at random, and it was a semi-permanent condition.
John’s wife and son knew of his dilemma, and would cover for the inopportune transformations with various stratagems. The family even went so far as to claim that Little John was actually Johns nephew. Co-workers and other observers were suspicious, but never learned the truth. There was one show where Big John attempted to confess what had happened to him, but he failed.
The show, which, incidentally, was created by Brady Bunch creator Sherwood Schwartz, was consistently crushed in the ratings, and only lasted one season.
cast
Robbie Rist as Little John Martin
Herb Edelman as Big John Martin
Joyce Bulifant as Marjorie Martin
Olive Dunbar as Bertha Bottomly
Don Barry
Creator: Sherwood Schwartz
USA / NBC – Redwood Prod, William P. D / 13×25 minutes / Broadcast 11 September 1976 – 3 September 1977