10 Shocking and Hilarious Behind-the-Scenes Facts About ‘Three’s Company’
Introduction
‘Three’s Company’ was one of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1970s and 80s, known for its slapstick comedy, miscommunications, and unforgettable cast. But what happened when the cameras weren’t rolling? From cast feuds to bizarre contract disputes, the real drama often played out behind the scenes. Let’s dive into 10 shocking and hilarious facts about ‘Three’s Company’ that will change the way you see the show!
1. John Ritter’s Wardrobe Malfunction Made It to Air
In an unexpected turn of events, John Ritter—who played the lovable klutz Jack Tripper—had a wardrobe malfunction that made it into an actual episode. During one scene, Ritter’s short shorts revealed more than intended. Viewers with sharp eyes noticed, and years later, the scene was edited out of reruns. But for those who caught it live, it became one of the show’s most infamous bloopers!
2. Suzanne Somers Was Fired Over a Salary Dispute
Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow, was a fan favorite, but her time on the show ended abruptly. After season five, she demanded a pay raise to match John Ritter’s salary. The producers refused, and Somers was ultimately written off the show. Her departure wasn’t friendly—she was banned from the set and had to film her final episodes separately, away from the rest of the cast.
3. Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers Didn’t Speak for 30 Years
The tension between Suzanne Somers and the show’s producers also affected her relationship with co-star Joyce DeWitt, who played Janet Wood. The two actresses had a falling out and didn’t speak for over three decades! It wasn’t until a special reunion on Somers’ talk show in 2012 that they finally made amends.
4. The Show Had to Tone Down the Sexual Innuendos
‘Three’s Company’ pushed the boundaries of 1970s television with its suggestive humor and innuendos. However, censors weren’t always thrilled. The show’s creators were often asked to tone down jokes, remove double entendres, and avoid anything too risqué for prime-time audiences.
5. Don Knotts Saved the Show After the Ropers Left
Norman Fell and Audra Lindley, who played the original landlords, the Ropers, left the show to star in their own spin-off. Unfortunately, ‘The Ropers’ flopped, and they were unable to return. To fill the void, the showrunners brought in comedy legend Don Knotts as Ralph Furley, a flamboyant and over-the-top landlord who quickly became a fan favorite.
6. Priscilla Barnes Hated Being on the Show
After Suzanne Somers left, Priscilla Barnes joined the cast as Terri Alden. However, she later admitted that she hated her time on ‘Three’s Company,’ calling it a toxic work environment. She claimed that she was treated poorly and that the experience was far less fun than it seemed on-screen.
7. The Opening Credits Scene Almost Ended in Disaster
Remember the famous opening scene where the cast is riding bikes on the boardwalk? That lighthearted moment almost turned into a catastrophe! Joyce DeWitt lost control of her bike and crashed, narrowly avoiding serious injury. The footage was carefully edited to hide the mishap, but it was a close call!
8. Richard Kline Had to Audition 3 Times for Larry Dallas
Richard Kline, who played Jack’s smooth-talking best friend Larry Dallas, wasn’t the producers’ first choice. He had to audition three times before landing the role, proving that persistence pays off! Once cast, he became an essential part of the show’s charm.
9. The Show’s Set Was Recycled from Another Sitcom
If the apartment on ‘Three’s Company’ looked familiar, there’s a reason! The set was repurposed from another show, ‘The Ropers.’ To save money, producers made only minor changes, meaning that eagle-eyed fans might notice similarities between both sitcoms.
10. The Final Episode Was Bittersweet for the Cast
After eight seasons, ‘Three’s Company’ came to an emotional end. While the show was still popular, cast tensions and changing dynamics led to its cancellation. The final episode saw Jack moving out and settling down with his girlfriend, but behind the scenes, there were mixed feelings—some cast members were relieved, while others were heartbroken.
Conclusion
‘Three’s Company’ may have been a lighthearted sitcom, but behind the laughter, there were plenty of surprising twists, dramatic feuds, and unforgettable moments. From Suzanne Somers’ controversial exit to near-disastrous bloopers, the show’s behind-the-scenes stories are just as entertaining as the episodes themselves. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the show, these facts prove that the drama wasn’t just on-screen—it was everywhere!
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave ‘Three’s Company’?
Suzanne Somers was fired after demanding a significant pay raise. When producers refused, she was written out of the show.
2. Did Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers ever reconcile?
Yes! After not speaking for over 30 years, they reunited on Suzanne Somers’ talk show in 2012 and patched things up.
3. Why did the Ropers leave ‘Three’s Company’?
Norman Fell and Audra Lindley left for their own spin-off, ‘The Ropers.’ Unfortunately, the show didn’t last, and they were unable to return.
4. Was the humor in ‘Three’s Company’ considered controversial?
Yes! The show often used sexual innuendos and suggestive humor, which led to conflicts with network censors.
5. What happened to Jack Tripper in the series finale?
In the final episode, Jack moves out and settles down with his girlfriend, signaling the end of his bachelor days and the series itself.
