Who doesn’t love a classic sitcom? Three’s Company was more than just a show—it was a cultural phenomenon that brought laughter and joy to millions. But beneath the laughs and hijinks, this beloved series had plenty of secrets and surprises. Ready to take a trip down memory lane and uncover the juicy details? Let’s dive into 15 things fans never knew about Three’s Company.
1. The Show Was Inspired by a British Sitcom
Many fans don’t know that Three’s Company was based on the British series Man About the House. Producers adapted the storyline to fit American audiences, tweaking the humor and characters to create the magic we know today.
2. The Original Pilot Was a Flop
Before the version we all love hit the airwaves, an original pilot was filmed—and it failed miserably. The producers reworked the script, cast, and format before finally striking gold with the revamped version.
3. Suzanne Somers Fought for Equal Pay
Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow, was a fan favorite, but behind the scenes, she battled for pay equity. She demanded the same salary as her male co-star John Ritter, sparking industry-wide conversations about gender and pay gaps.
4. The Show Faced Controversy for Its Risqué Themes
Back in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Three’s Company pushed boundaries with its suggestive humor and innuendos. This led to backlash from conservative groups who found the content too bold for prime-time TV.
5. Don Knotts Revitalized the Show
When Norman Fell and Audra Lindley left to star in the spin-off The Ropers, the show needed fresh energy. Enter Don Knotts as Ralph Furley—his quirky landlord character breathed new life into the series.
6. The Cast Had Real-Life Tensions
Behind the scenes, not everything was sunshine and rainbows. Suzanne Somers’ contract dispute caused friction among the cast, especially with John Ritter, leading to a noticeable shift in on-screen dynamics.
7. Joyce DeWitt Almost Didn’t Get the Role of Janet
Believe it or not, Joyce DeWitt was nearly passed over for the role of Janet Wood. Producers initially envisioned a different look for the character, but her audition changed their minds.
8. The Show Was Almost Canceled After Season One
Three’s Company struggled to find its footing in its first season. Low ratings nearly led to cancellation, but a strategic time-slot change and word-of-mouth buzz turned the tide.
9. The Theme Song Is Iconic for a Reason
“Come and knock on our door…” The catchy theme song was written by veteran composers Joe Raposo and Don Nicholl, who also worked on Sesame Street’s music.
10. The Set Was Used for Another Sitcom
The apartment set became so iconic that it was reused for other TV productions. Look closely, and you might spot it in later sitcoms!
11. John Ritter’s Physical Comedy Was All Him
John Ritter’s hilarious physical antics were a hallmark of the show, and they weren’t scripted. His natural comedic timing and slapstick genius were a huge part of the series’ success.
12. A Spin-Off Had Moderate Success
While The Ropers spin-off had a short run, another spin-off, Three’s a Crowd, followed Jack Tripper’s post-roommate life. It didn’t have the same magic as the original but offered closure for diehard fans.
13. Ratings Hit a High but Dropped Abruptly
At its peak, Three’s Company was one of the highest-rated shows on TV. However, as cast changes mounted and storylines grew stale, viewers began to tune out.
14. The Show Broke Sitcom Norms
Three’s Company introduced the idea of a single man living with two women—considered taboo at the time. The show managed to normalize the arrangement while using it as a vehicle for endless comedic scenarios.
15. The Finale Left Fans Divided
The series finale wrapped up Jack’s love life, but many fans felt it lacked the charm of earlier seasons. Still, it remains a nostalgic end to a beloved show.
Conclusion
Three’s Company wasn’t just a sitcom; it was a trailblazer that shaped TV comedy. From behind-the-scenes drama to groundbreaking moments, the show remains a beloved classic. Whether you’re a diehard fan or a casual viewer, there’s no denying its impact. So, next time you catch a rerun, remember these fascinating tidbits that make the series even more iconic!
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company?
She left due to a contract dispute over equal pay, which caused tension with producers and co-stars.
2. Was Three’s Company filmed in front of a live audience?
Yes, the show was filmed in front of a live audience, which added to its vibrant energy and genuine laughs.
3. How many seasons of Three’s Company are there?
The show ran for eight seasons, airing from 1977 to 1984.
4. Who replaced Chrissy Snow on the show?
After Suzanne Somers left, her role was replaced by several characters, including Cindy Snow and Terri Alden.
5. Is Three’s Company available for streaming?
Yes, the show is available on various streaming platforms like Amazon Prime and Pluto TV.
