Three’s Company is a classic American sitcom that aired on ABC from 1977 to 1984. With its humorous plot, bold plots and charming cast, the series quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers every week and deeply influencing many generations of viewers as well as later sitcoms.
The film is an Americanized version of the British television series Man About the House, but adapted to suit American culture and audience tastes.
Plot: A “joke” lasting seven seasons
Three’s Company revolves around the lives of three roommates: Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt) and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers) – later replaced by several other characters when the actors left the role. Due to the landlord’s rules, Mr. Roper (Norman Fell), a man who is not allowed to live with unmarried women, Jack is forced to pretend to be gay to stay in the apartment with two girls.
This “joke” has created countless awkward, funny situations, and even funny misunderstandings. Each episode often revolves around a seemingly simple incident, but is misunderstood by the characters, leading to a series of humorous details typical of the 70s-80s sitcom style.
Cast and main characters
Jack Tripper (John Ritter)
The central character of the film, Jack is a kind, humorous guy, learning to cook and trying to hide his “fake” identity from the landlord. John Ritter’s talented performance brought the actor an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt)
Janet is a smart, independent and practical girl. She often balances Chrissy’s innocence and Jack’s silliness.
Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers)
Chrissy is a naive blonde who can be a bit “goofy” at times but is very likable. Suzanne Somers made a name for herself with this role before leaving the show due to contract conflicts.
Larry Dallas (Richard Kline)
Jack’s best friend, a flirt and a source of comedy. One of the series’ most beloved supporting characters.
Mr. & Mrs. Roper (Norman Fell and Audra Lindley)
The difficult landlord who constantly “scrutinizes” the behavior of the three roommates. They later had their own spin-off series called The Ropers.
Mr. Furley (Don Knotts)
After the Ropers left, the new landlord was Mr. Furley – an eccentric character who always wore flashy clothes and overreacted to every situation.
Why is Three’s Company a legend?
1. Bold subject matter for its time
In the 1970s, a man living with two women and pretending to be gay was a rather sensitive topic, especially on American television. However, Three’s Company handled this topic with gentle humor, avoiding controversy, but still creating something new and attractive to viewers.
2. Perfect comedy formula
The show thoroughly utilized the element of “misunderstanding comedy” – a classic motif but very effectively expressed. Almost every episode started with a small misunderstanding, then the characters tried to cover it up, leading to increasingly complicated situations.
3. Good and charming cast
The combination of John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers (and later Jenilee Harrison, Priscilla Barnes) created a “perfect trio”. In particular, John Ritter’s physical comedy made the audience unable to take their eyes off.
Behind-the-scenes scandals
Not only famous on screen, Three’s Company also attracted attention with behind-the-scenes dramas. The most prominent was the contract dispute between Suzanne Somers and the producer. In 1980, she asked for a salary as high as John Ritter’s, but was refused and forced to leave the show. This created a huge wave of reactions from both the audience and the media at that time.
Legacy and influence on popular culture
Three’s Company not only stopped at domestic success but was also purchased and remade by many countries. The film also inspired later sitcoms such as Friends, New Girl, or Two and a Half Men, where the characters lived together and caused humorous situations.
In addition, the series also had two spin-offs, The Ropers and Three’s a Crowd, which, although not as successful as the original, helped expand the character universe.
Conclusion: An irreplaceable monument
Three’s Company is not just a simple entertaining sitcom – it is an important part of American television history. With its funny and sad situations, charming and intelligent comedy, and humane messages about friendship, honesty and sympathy, the film has left a deep impression on millions of viewers.
Although more than 40 years have passed since the first episode, Three’s Company is still loved, re-released many times and has become an irreplaceable pop culture icon.
