Threes Company

Three’s Company is a classic American sitcom that originally aired on ABC from March 15, 1977, to September 18, 1984. Known for its humor, misunderstandings, and playful take on relationships and social norms, the show remains a popular part of television history. Here’s an overview of its history:

Origins

• Adaptation of British Show: The series is based on the British sitcom Man About the House, which aired on ITV in the UK. Producers adapted the premise for American audiences.
• Development Challenges: Three’s Company underwent multiple pilot episodes before finding its footing. Two earlier versions aired in 1976 but failed to gain traction. The third pilot, featuring the final cast lineup, was picked up by ABC.

Premise

• Basic Plot: The show revolves around Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter), a single man who moves into an apartment with two single women, Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt) and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers). To satisfy the landlord’s moral concerns, Jack pretends to be gay, setting up many humorous situations and misunderstandings.
• Setting: The story is primarily set in the trio’s Santa Monica apartment and the Regal Beagle, a local pub.

Cast Changes and Evolution

• Original Cast:
  • John Ritter as Jack Tripper
  • Joyce DeWitt as Janet Wood
  • Suzanne Somers as Chrissy Snow
• Conflict and Replacements: Suzanne Somers left the show after a contract dispute in 1980, during its fifth season. Her character was replaced by:
  • Jenilee Harrison as Cindy Snow, Chrissy’s cousin.
  • Priscilla Barnes as Terri Alden, a nurse who became a permanent roommate.
• Supporting Characters: The landlords, Stanley and Helen Roper (played by Norman Fell and Audra Lindley), were significant characters for the first few seasons before they were spun off into their own series, The Ropers. They were replaced by Don Knotts as the quirky landlord, Ralph Furley.

Reception and Legacy

• Popularity: The show was a major hit, known for its risqué humor and innuendo, pushing boundaries for network television at the time.
• Awards: John Ritter won an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe for his performance.
• Cultural Impact: The show reflected and satirized changing social norms, including attitudes toward gender roles and sexuality.

Spin-offs and Related Series

1. The Ropers (1979–1980): Focused on the Ropers after they sold their apartment building and moved to a new neighborhood. The show lasted only two seasons.
2. Three’s a Crowd (1984–1985): A sequel series following Jack Tripper as he moves in with his girlfriend, Vicky Bradford, and navigates life with her disapproving father. It aired for one season.

End of the Series

• The series ended after eight seasons with Jack finding love and moving on with his life. Despite its conclusion, the show remained popular in syndication.

Legacy

• Cultural Icon: The mix of slapstick humor, misunderstandings, and charismatic performances, particularly by John Ritter, have kept Three’s Company a beloved sitcom.
• Streaming and Syndication: The show continues to find new audiences through reruns and streaming platforms, maintaining its status as a classic of American television comedy.