Three’s Company made its debut 46 years ago today, and Felix and Oscar go monastic and then stop by The Carol Burnett Show.
Classic TV on Today: Wednesday, March 15
All Times Eastern.
Three’s Company: “A Man About the House”
IFC, 9am
“Come and knock on our door …” Single girls Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt) and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers) needed a roommate to share their Santa Monica, California, apartment. Who better than the guy they discovered passed out in their bathtub after a wild going-away party? John Ritter, in his signature role, played third roommate and aspiring chef Jack Tripper in this farcical comedy that ran from 1977-84 on ABC and spawned two spinoffs, The Ropers and Three’s a Crowd. Much of the humor was based on the roommates maintaining the illusion that Jack was gay to appease their landlords — the Ropers (Norman Fell and Audra Lindley), and later, Mr. Furley (Don Knotts) — who had issues with two women and a man living together platonically. Almost overnight, the series became an enormous hit with its racy storylines and skimpy outfits and an unforgettable comedic Ritter at his prime. IFC airs the pilot, “A Man About the House,” which debuted on March 15, 1977.
The Odd Couple: “The Odd Monks”
Decades, 5 pm
Felix (Tony Randall) and Oscar (Jack Klugman) attempt to escape the turmoil of modern living by taking up residence in a religious retreat in this 1972 episode.
The Carol Burnett Show: “With Jack Klugman and Tony Randall”
MeTV, 10 pm
A little bit more for The Odd Couple fans! Stars Jack Klugman and Tony Randall join Carol Burnett and cast for sketches spoofing Lady in the Dark, This Is Your Life, and Broadway musicals in this episode from 1972.
