The original inspiration (or source) was a British sitcom called, “Man About The House”. Seems other countries are a bit more free with this kind of setting and idea, of a man living (unmarried) with 2 females.
Someone at ABC Television must have seen the show and gave the idea to make an American version. Opposite sexes, unmarried, living together was still a shocking idea in 1976 (when production started).
Many adults then were still teaching their kids that that pre-marital sex was wrong and Nobody of the opposite sex should be living together. without getting married first.
When the show debuted in March 1977, it caused great controversy (especially as many young people were tuning in. Sex jokes, innuendo, a man pretending to be gay and just the idea of the opposite sexes co-habiting.
Long story short, once people saw that NO sex was going on and that the show was funny and had more than just sex on the brain, the nation calmed down. It ran until 1984.
Would or could this show be done today? Not really. Not because of the shock factor or Mr. Roper’s Anti-gay stance. …. But, really, there’s no need to make one.
This show made a great point that men & women could be friends and live together, without sex coming into the picture.
Once they made that point, it really became the original FRIENDS. So, no it wouldn’t be made again. No reason to.
