The legendary sitcom Three’s Company took the world by storm when it first aired in the 1970s. The show was filled with comedic moments, unforgettable characters, and a cast that fans grew to love. However, behind the scenes, there were tensions that were not so funny. One of the most shocking revelations came years later when Joyce DeWitt, the beloved actress who played Janet Wood, opened up about feeling betrayed by her co-star, John Ritter, regarding a Three’s Company spin-off.
This article delves deep into the backstory of the tension between DeWitt and Ritter, the spin-off that caused such a stir, and the lasting impact it had on their relationship. Let’s explore what happened and why DeWitt felt hurt by her former friend and colleague.
The Rise of Three’s Company and Its Legendary Cast
The Beginnings of Three’s Company
Three’s Company first aired on ABC in 1977 and quickly became one of the most popular sitcoms of its time. The show followed the hilarious misadventures of three roommates—Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter), Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers)—who found themselves in outlandish situations due to misunderstandings about their living arrangement. With its laugh-out-loud humor and unforgettable moments, the show became a staple in American television.
Joyce DeWitt’s Role as Janet Wood
Joyce DeWitt played Janet, the sensible and level-headed roommate, often caught in the middle of Jack and Chrissy’s antics. Her performance made Janet one of the most beloved characters on television. DeWitt’s chemistry with Ritter helped elevate the show’s success, making them one of TV’s most iconic duos.
The Tension Behind the Scenes: What Happened?
John Ritter’s Rise to Stardom
As the show grew in popularity, John Ritter’s career soared. He quickly became the standout star, beloved for his slapstick humor and relatable portrayal of Jack Tripper. However, as Ritter’s fame increased, so did the tension between him and his co-stars, particularly Joyce DeWitt.
The Secret Spin-Off That Caused Betrayal
The root of the conflict between Ritter and DeWitt came when she discovered that Ritter had been working on a Three’s Company spin-off without her knowledge. This spin-off, Three’s a Crowd, centered around Ritter’s character, Jack Tripper, after he had left the apartment to start a new life. The show aired for only one season in 1984, but its creation caused a rift between Ritter and DeWitt that would linger for years.
DeWitt, who had been an integral part of the original show, was blindsided by the news. According to interviews, she felt that Ritter, as the star of the show, should have consulted her and the rest of the cast before pursuing a solo project. Instead, Ritter went ahead with the spin-off, leaving DeWitt feeling betrayed and isolated.
Joyce DeWitt’s Reaction: The Hurt of Being Left Out
A Friendship Tested
DeWitt later revealed in interviews that she felt personally hurt by Ritter’s decision to move forward with the spin-off without discussing it with her. She had always considered Ritter a friend, and the lack of communication left her feeling undervalued. As an actress who had worked closely with Ritter for years, she felt that their professional relationship should have included more transparency.
The Aftermath of the Betrayal
The fallout from Ritter’s actions wasn’t just professional; it became personal. DeWitt distanced herself from Ritter and expressed her disappointment in him for years after the incident. She felt that Ritter, in his desire to secure his own future in television, had left her out of an important opportunity.
The Legacy of Three’s Company and the Spin-Off
The Failure of Three’s a Crowd
The Three’s Company spin-off, Three’s a Crowd, struggled to find an audience. Despite Ritter’s star power, the show never gained the same level of popularity as its predecessor. In hindsight, many fans and critics believe that the decision to separate Jack Tripper from his original roommates was a mistake. The chemistry that made Three’s Company a success was lost in Three’s a Crowd, leading to its quick cancellation after just one season.
What Could Have Been
Had Ritter included DeWitt and the rest of the original cast in the spin-off, it’s possible that the show could have achieved greater success. Fans often speculated about the potential for a reunion or spin-off that would feature the original trio. The absence of DeWitt and Somers in the spin-off left many viewers disappointed and wondering what could have been.
The Long-Term Effects on DeWitt and Ritter’s Relationship
A Friendship That Never Fully Recovered
Despite their on-screen chemistry, the relationship between DeWitt and Ritter never fully recovered from the Three’s a Crowd incident. DeWitt has spoken about the pain of feeling excluded from such a pivotal moment in the Three’s Company legacy. Although they continued to work together for some time after the spin-off, the tension was palpable.
DeWitt’s Perspective on Moving Forward
In the years following the fallout, DeWitt has expressed that while she never fully forgave Ritter for his actions, she respected his decision to pursue his career. She acknowledges that, in the entertainment industry, actors sometimes have to make decisions that don’t align with their personal relationships. However, the betrayal still stung, and it left a lasting impact on her.
The Impact on the Three’s Company Franchise
The End of an Era
After the Three’s a Crowd spin-off failed, Three’s Company’s reign on television came to an end. While reruns and fan love kept the show alive in pop culture, the original magic of the show could never be recreated. The fallout between the stars, particularly between DeWitt and Ritter, was one of the key reasons why the show could never fully revive itself in later years.
A Pivotal Moment in TV History
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Three’s Company remains one of the most influential sitcoms in television history. The show’s success paved the way for more ensemble sitcoms, and its characters became iconic. DeWitt and Ritter’s contributions to the show cannot be overshadowed by their personal fallout, but it’s a reminder of how the pressures of fame and career decisions can impact even the closest friendships.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Three’s Company and What We Learned
In the end, Joyce DeWitt’s feelings of betrayal by John Ritter over the Three’s Company spin-off reflect the complexities of show business and the challenges that come with balancing professional relationships with personal ones. While the Three’s a Crowd spin-off may have been a failed attempt to capture the magic of Three’s Company, it ultimately left behind a bittersweet legacy.
DeWitt and Ritter’s story serves as a cautionary tale about communication, loyalty, and the impact that career decisions can have on friendships. Although the rift between them was never fully healed, Three’s Company still holds a special place in television history, and both DeWitt and Ritter will always be remembered for their roles in making the show an unforgettable classic.
FAQs
1. Did Joyce DeWitt and John Ritter ever reconcile after the Three’s a Crowd spin-off?
While the two continued to work together for a while, their personal relationship was never fully repaired after the spin-off incident.
2. Why was Three’s a Crowd a failure?
The spin-off failed to capture the magic of Three’s Company without the dynamic of the original cast, and it didn’t resonate with audiences, leading to its cancellation.
3. Was Joyce DeWitt’s role in Three’s Company overshadowed by John Ritter?
While Ritter’s character was more prominent, DeWitt’s portrayal of Janet was crucial to the success of the show. She was beloved by fans for her down-to-earth and relatable character.
4. How did the cast of Three’s Company feel about the spin-off?
Many cast members, including DeWitt, felt left out and hurt by the decision to proceed with Three’s a Crowd without consulting them.
5. What lasting impact did the fallout between DeWitt and Ritter have on the Three’s Company legacy?
The tension between the two contributed to the end of the Three’s Company era, affecting any potential future projects or reunions.
