When you think of Three’s Company, what comes to mind? The catchy theme song, the hilarious misunderstandings, or perhaps the unforgettable trio of roommates: Jack, Janet, and Chrissy? What you might not know, however, is that behind the laughs and on-screen chemistry, the ‘Three’s Company’ cast was embroiled in some of the most shocking behind-the-scenes drama in television history.
While the sitcom’s lighthearted premise charmed audiences from 1977 to 1984, things on set were far from as carefree. From tension between cast members to disputes with producers, the drama that unfolded behind the cameras is almost as legendary as the show itself. Let’s take a deeper look at the juicy details that you won’t find in any script.
The Magic of ‘Three’s Company’
Before we dive into the drama, let’s appreciate why Three’s Company became such a massive hit. The show, which revolved around Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers), and Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), is a classic example of 70s sitcom brilliance. Combining a simple plotline with slapstick humor, it resonated with viewers who craved entertainment that was light, fun, and easy to watch.
However, this sitcom would soon experience its fair share of turbulence, with personality clashes, power struggles, and unexpected departures shaking its foundation. Despite all the drama, Three’s Company remains one of TV’s most beloved comedies.
Unraveling the Cast Tension: John Ritter vs. Suzanne Somers
The Chrissy Snow Fiasco
As the show’s breakout star, Suzanne Somers played Chrissy Snow, the bubbly, ditzy blonde. However, her departure from the series in 1981 sparked a massive public controversy that left fans scratching their heads. The issue? Money.
Somers, who was reportedly earning significantly less than John Ritter, wanted a raise. After all, she was one of the stars of the show, and in her mind, she deserved equal pay. Unfortunately, the situation took a nasty turn when she was accused of being difficult to work with. Producers and fellow cast members reportedly didn’t appreciate her demands, and after a very public battle, Somers was written off the show.
The Fallout: A Bitter Exit
Somers’ exit marked the beginning of the ‘Three’s Company’ cast drama. It’s said that John Ritter, who played the lovable Jack Tripper, sided with the producers, and this led to a rift between him and Somers. This divide would continue to fester even after she left the show, with reports suggesting that Ritter and Somers were never quite able to reconcile. The situation wasn’t helped by media leaks and rumors, turning the backstage drama into a public spectacle.
Joyce DeWitt: Stuck in the Middle of the Feud
The Mediator Who Wasn’t
Joyce DeWitt, who played Janet Wood, often found herself in the middle of the feud between Ritter and Somers. As the only remaining original cast member from the first season, DeWitt was caught between the two actors. Although she never openly sided with either party, her relationship with Somers was reportedly strained after her departure.
Many fans speculated that DeWitt’s calm and collected demeanor on-screen was a reflection of her need to keep the peace on-set, avoiding the drama that surrounded her co-stars. Yet, DeWitt’s career would soon take a hit, as her relationship with the show’s producers began to sour, and her screen time diminished.
The Exit of Somers and the New Direction of the Show
Replacing Chrissy: The Arrival of Cindy Snow
After Somers left, the producers were left with a dilemma: how to replace the character of Chrissy Snow. The solution? Introducing Cindy Snow, Chrissy’s cousin, played by Jenilee Harrison. Cindy was designed to mirror Chrissy’s ditzy, innocent personality, but she was never quite able to fill the shoes of Somers’ character.
Ratings and Backlash
Despite attempts to keep the series going with Cindy Snow, ratings took a significant dip. Fans weren’t pleased with the new dynamic, and many were upset over the departure of Somers. This was a major setback for the show, and the producers had to scramble to figure out how to salvage it.
John Ritter’s Own Drama: The Pressure of Being the Lead
A Burden of Expectations
John Ritter, the beloved star of the show, was often viewed as the glue holding the entire show together. However, the pressures of carrying a sitcom and dealing with behind-the-scenes chaos took a toll on his personal life. Known for his energetic, slapstick style of comedy, Ritter had to maintain his image as the lovable Jack Tripper while navigating a volatile work environment.
Ritter’s Tensions with Producers and Cast
It wasn’t just his co-stars that caused Ritter stress. The producers of Three’s Company reportedly played hardball with Ritter over contract negotiations. With the show’s growing success, Ritter knew his value, but disputes over pay and control of the show’s direction led to some tension.
The Final Seasons: More Drama and Less Chemistry
Changes in the Cast: The Addition of New Characters
In an effort to breathe new life into the show, new characters were introduced, including Teresa (played by Jenilee Harrison) and Larry (played by Richard Kline). However, the new additions didn’t quite have the same impact on viewers as the original trio. The dynamic that made Three’s Company special had faded, and the chemistry between the cast began to deteriorate.
Behind-the-Scenes Struggles Intensify
The final seasons of the show were plagued with behind-the-scenes struggles, including disagreements over storylines, pay, and production schedules. This led to a decline in quality, which affected the show’s once-loyal fanbase.
Conclusion: The End of an Era, But the Drama Lives On
The legacy of Three’s Company will always be remembered fondly by fans, but the behind-the-scenes drama that plagued the show’s final seasons leaves a bittersweet taste. What started as a light-hearted sitcom filled with comedy and slapstick humor turned into a battle of egos, disputes, and tension. Despite these struggles, the show is still revered today, and the drama behind the curtain only adds to its legendary status in television history.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave ‘Three’s Company’?
Suzanne Somers left the show after a pay dispute with producers and a public feud with John Ritter. She demanded a raise, but the producers did not agree, leading to her exit.
2. How did John Ritter and Suzanne Somers’ relationship affect the show?
Their strained relationship contributed to tension on set, affecting the cast dynamic and leading to Somers’ departure. Despite the show’s success, the conflict overshadowed the production.
3. Was Joyce DeWitt involved in the ‘Three’s Company’ drama?
Joyce DeWitt found herself in the middle of the feud between John Ritter and Suzanne Somers. While she never openly sided with anyone, the tension affected her role on the show.
4. What happened to ‘Three’s Company’ after Suzanne Somers left?
After Somers left, the show introduced a new character, Cindy Snow, but ratings suffered, and the show’s overall chemistry was never quite the same.
5. How did ‘Three’s Company’ influence TV comedies today?
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, Three’s Company helped shape modern sitcoms, with its slapstick humor and quirky characters becoming a template for later shows.
