Introduction: Why Three’s Company Still Rules TV Comedy
Before we dive into the rankings, let’s take a moment to appreciate Three’s Company. Debuting in 1977, this show became an instant hit, thanks to its witty writing, comedic timing, and the unforgettable performances of John Ritter (Jack Tripper), Joyce DeWitt (Janet Wood), and Suzanne Somers (Chrissy Snow).
Each episode was packed with hilarious misunderstandings, farcical situations, and a dose of heartwarming friendship. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the series, here’s our definitive ranking of the best Three’s Company episodes ever!
The Top Three’s Company Episodes Ranked & Reviewed
1. “Up in the Air” (Season 6, Episode 24)
One of the most iconic episodes ever! Jack gets drunk at a high-society party after taking a tranquilizer for his nerves. The result? A hysterical, perfectly executed physical comedy sequence that showcases John Ritter’s genius. If you watch only one episode, make it this one!
2. “The Bake-Off” (Season 3, Episode 11)
Jack enters a pie-baking contest but ends up losing his entry—only for Mr. Roper to unknowingly eat the “special” ingredient-filled pie. This episode is classic Three’s Company chaos with the perfect mix of awkwardness and laughter.
3. “A Night Not to Remember” (Season 7, Episode 20)
After a wild night out, Jack wakes up next to Janet with no memory of what happened. The entire episode is a rollercoaster of confusion and miscommunication, making it one of the show’s best.
4. “Chrissy’s Hospitality” (Season 4, Episode 2)
When Chrissy ends up in the hospital, she mistakenly thinks she has a fatal condition. The hilarious overreactions from Jack and Janet take this episode to another level of comedy gold.
5. “Jack’s Tattoo” (Season 8, Episode 14)
Jack wakes up with a mysterious tattoo after a drunken night. His attempt to piece together what happened leads to some of the funniest moments of the later seasons.
6. “The Case of the Missing Blond” (Season 5, Episode 9)
Janet and Jack freak out when Chrissy mysteriously vanishes. This episode blends suspense with humor, making it one of the most unique in the series.
7. “Macho Man” (Season 5, Episode 22)
Jack tries to act tough to impress his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend, leading to a series of embarrassing and side-splittingly funny situations.
8. “Handcuffed” (Season 3, Episode 14)
Jack and Janet accidentally get handcuffed together, leading to a day full of awkward yet hilarious moments as they try to figure out how to get out of the mess.
9. “Larry Loves Janet” (Season 6, Episode 9)
Larry falls for Janet, leading to an awkward love triangle that has Jack scrambling to fix the situation. The chemistry between the trio makes this episode one of the best.
10. “The Charming Stranger” (Season 7, Episode 17)
Janet suspects that their new neighbor might be a killer. The comedic paranoia throughout the episode keeps the laughs coming.
11. “Jack’s Uncle” (Season 4, Episode 6)
Jack’s uncle pretends to be a millionaire to impress the trio. When his cover is blown, the reactions from the group are absolutely priceless.
12. “Eleanor’s Return” (Season 5, Episode 19)
Janet and Chrissy’s former roommate comes back, making Jack fear that he’s about to lose his home. The back-and-forth between the three leads to some of the most hilarious misunderstandings in the show’s history.
13. “Jack’s Other Mother” (Season 7, Episode 5)
Jack accidentally befriends an elderly woman who starts treating him like her son. This episode is both touching and filled with classic Three’s Company humor.
14. “The Love Lesson” (Season 8, Episode 4)
Furley tries to play matchmaker, but his meddling leads to even more confusion for Jack and the gang.
15. “The Loan Shark” (Season 6, Episode 16)
Jack borrows money from the wrong person, and now he has to figure out how to pay it back before things go south. The comedic tension in this episode is top-tier.
What Makes These Episodes So Special?
Every episode of Three’s Company had its charm, but what made these stand out? Here are a few key elements:
- John Ritter’s Physical Comedy: Nobody did slapstick humor better than Ritter.
- Hilarious Misunderstandings: Classic sitcom confusion that led to nonstop laughter.
- Lovable Characters: Jack, Janet, Chrissy (and later, Cindy and Terri) had amazing chemistry.
- Quirky Neighbors: The Ropers and Mr. Furley added their own comedic flavor.
Conclusion: The Timeless Charm of Three’s Company
Even decades later, Three’s Company remains one of the funniest sitcoms of all time. Whether you’re rewatching your favorites or discovering them for the first time, these ranked episodes are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud.
So, grab some popcorn, queue up your favorite episode, and get ready for some classic 70s and 80s comedy magic!
FAQs About Three’s Company
1. Where can I watch Three’s Company today?
You can stream Three’s Company on platforms like Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi, or watch reruns on classic TV networks.
2. Why did Suzanne Somers leave Three’s Company?
Suzanne Somers left due to a contract dispute. She wanted a salary increase, but the network refused, leading to her character, Chrissy Snow, being written out.
3. Who replaced Chrissy on the show?
After Chrissy’s departure, her cousin Cindy Snow (Jenilee Harrison) briefly joined, followed by Terri Alden (Priscilla Barnes) as the new permanent roommate.
4. Was Three’s Company based on another show?
Yes! It was based on the British sitcom Man About the House.
5. Why is Up in the Air considered the best episode?
This episode is praised for its flawless execution of physical comedy, with John Ritter delivering one of the funniest performances in sitcom history.
