Three’s Company was a beloved sitcom that took television by storm in the late ’70s and early ’80s. With its quirky humor, unforgettable characters, and timeless appeal, the show became a household name. But what many may not know is that the iconic role of Chrissy Snow, played by Suzanne Somers, was eventually replaced by another actress. But why did this change happen? And who took over the role? Let’s dive deep into this fascinating chapter of TV history and uncover the truth behind Suzanne Somers’ departure and her replacement.
The Rise of Suzanne Somers in ‘Three’s Company’
Before we discuss who replaced Suzanne Somers, let’s take a quick look at the magic she brought to Three’s Company. Somers played Chrissy Snow, the bubbly, naive, and charming blonde with a heart of gold. Chrissy became a fan-favorite character thanks to Somers’ impeccable comedic timing and her ability to bring warmth and humor to every scene.
Why Was Suzanne Somers So Loved on ‘Three’s Company’?
Suzanne Somers’ portrayal of Chrissy was one of the key ingredients to the show’s success. Her ditsy persona balanced perfectly with the witty humor and sexual tension that was part of the sitcom’s formula. Chrissy’s innocent yet often hilarious misunderstandings made for some of the most memorable moments in television history.
The Departure of Suzanne Somers: What Happened?
Despite Three’s Company being a massive hit, things began to take a turn behind the scenes. Suzanne Somers, after three seasons on the show, found herself in a public feud with the producers and network.
The Salary Dispute That Led to Her Exit
At the heart of Somers’ departure was a salary dispute. Somers had become one of the most popular stars on the show, but her pay didn’t reflect her rising popularity. She demanded a pay increase that was reportedly higher than the offers made to her by the producers. As negotiations broke down, Somers was eventually let go from Three’s Company.
This salary dispute ignited a media frenzy, and Somers was replaced midway through season 6.
Who Replaced Suzanne Somers on ‘Three’s Company’?
So, who replaced Suzanne Somers after she left Three’s Company? Enter Jenilee Harrison.
Jenilee Harrison: The New Chrissy
Jenilee Harrison, a blonde bombshell in her own right, was brought in to fill the void left by Somers. Harrison was cast as Cindy Snow, Chrissy’s cousin, who moved into the apartment after Chrissy’s departure. While Cindy was essentially written as a similar character to Chrissy—naive, sweet, and a bit ditzy—Harrison’s portrayal never quite captured the same magic as Somers.
Why Was Jenilee Harrison Chosen to Replace Suzanne Somers?
Harrison’s casting was strategic. She was a striking blonde, with a similar look to Somers, making her an ideal replacement in terms of physical appearance. Her character, Cindy, was designed to slot into Chrissy’s role seamlessly without disrupting the show’s established dynamic too much.
However, Harrison faced an uphill battle. While she was a capable actress, her performance lacked the charm and comedic timing that Somers had brought to the role, and fans quickly noticed the difference.
The Impact of Suzanne Somers’ Departure on the Show
The Show’s Shift in Tone and Popularity
With the departure of Somers and the introduction of Harrison’s Cindy, Three’s Company underwent a noticeable shift in tone. Chrissy had been the heart of the show, and her absence created a void that was difficult to fill. As a result, many fans felt the show lost some of its spark.
The ratings began to slip, and the dynamic between the main characters—Jack, Janet, and the new Cindy—didn’t quite hit the same high notes as before. Though Three’s Company remained popular for a time, the magic that had existed in its earlier seasons seemed to fade.
The Introduction of Further Cast Changes
Interestingly, the changes didn’t stop with Jenilee Harrison. After a few seasons, Harrison herself was replaced by Priscilla Barnes, who joined the cast as Terri Alden, a nurse who moved in with Jack and Janet. Barnes’ character was more grounded and mature than Cindy, but by this time, the original charm of Three’s Company was slipping away. The magic that Suzanne Somers had brought to the series was hard to replicate.
What Could Have Been: The Legacy of Suzanne Somers’ Departure
Looking back, one might wonder: what if Suzanne Somers had stayed on Three’s Company? Would the show have continued to be as successful as it had been in its earlier seasons? It’s impossible to say for certain, but there’s no doubt that her exit marked a turning point in the show’s history.
Somers’ departure and the subsequent changes in the cast highlighted the challenges that can arise when a show loses a beloved star. The chemistry between the original characters was one of the key components of Three’s Company’s success, and replacing Chrissy Snow was never going to be an easy task.
How Did Suzanne Somers Fare After ‘Three’s Company’?
After leaving Three’s Company, Suzanne Somers went on to achieve great success in her career. She became a bestselling author, launched her own line of fitness products, and even starred in her own sitcom, Suzanne Somers, which aired in the 1990s. Somers also became a well-known advocate for health and wellness, building an empire around her personal brand.
Despite her controversial exit from Three’s Company, Somers’ career continued to thrive, and she remains an iconic figure in pop culture.
The Lasting Influence of ‘Three’s Company’
While the replacement of Suzanne Somers may have altered the course of Three’s Company, the show itself continues to be a beloved piece of television history. Its mix of slapstick comedy, memorable characters, and boundary-pushing storylines paved the way for many sitcoms that followed.
The Show’s End and Its Impact on TV Comedy
Three’s Company ended in 1984, after 8 successful seasons. Its blend of humor, physical comedy, and memorable catchphrases left a lasting mark on TV sitcoms. And even though the departure of Suzanne Somers marked the end of an era, the show’s legacy lived on.
Conclusion: What’s the Takeaway from Suzanne Somers’ Departure?
Suzanne Somers’ exit from Three’s Company was a turning point in the show’s history, and her replacement by Jenilee Harrison as Cindy Snow wasn’t enough to recapture the chemistry that made the show so special. While Harrison did her best to fill Chrissy’s shoes, it was clear that Somers’ unique brand of comedy and charm was irreplaceable.
Though her time on the show was cut short, Suzanne Somers’ influence on Three’s Company remains undeniable. The character of Chrissy Snow continues to be an iconic TV role, and Somers’ career post-Three’s Company proved that her talent extended far beyond the sitcom world.
FAQs
1. Why did Suzanne Somers leave ‘Three’s Company’?
Suzanne Somers left the show due to a salary dispute with the producers. She asked for a significant pay increase, but the network did not meet her demands.
2. Who replaced Suzanne Somers on ‘Three’s Company’?
Suzanne Somers was replaced by Jenilee Harrison, who played Chrissy Snow’s cousin, Cindy Snow.
3. How did fans react to the replacement of Suzanne Somers?
Fans were not thrilled with the change, as many felt that Jenilee Harrison didn’t capture the same charm and comedic timing as Somers.
4. Did ‘Three’s Company’ continue to be popular after Somers’ departure?
While the show remained on air for a few more seasons, the loss of Suzanne Somers contributed to a decline in popularity and ratings.
5. What did Suzanne Somers do after leaving ‘Three’s Company’?
After leaving the show, Suzanne Somers found success as an author, health advocate, and entrepreneur, launching her own wellness products and starring in another sitcom, Suzanne Somers.
