Behind The Camera The Unauthorized Story Of Three's Company
Three's Company was a popular TV show that ran from 1977 to 1984. It revolved around the lives of three roommates, Jack Tripper, Janet Wood, and Chrissy Snow, who lived together in a Santa Monica, California, apartment complex. The show's premise was based on the misunderstandings and misadventures that occurred when Jack, a straight man, pretended to be gay in order to share an apartment with two women.
The Creation of Three's Company
The idea for Three's Company was originally conceived by Michael Ross and Bernie West, who developed the show as a spin-off of the British sitcom, Man About The House. The show was pitched to ABC, who loved the concept and commissioned a pilot episode. However, the network insisted that the show be retooled and that the character of Jack Tripper become a platonic roommate rather than a sexually active one.
The show's creators were initially hesitant about this change but eventually agreed to it, feeling that it would make the show more accessible to a mainstream audience. The pilot episode was shot with John Ritter as Jack, Valerie Curtin as Chrissy, and Susanne Zenor as Janet. The pilot was well-received and ABC ordered six episodes for the first season.
The Cast of Three's Company
John Ritter played the role of Jack Tripper, the central character of the show. Joyce DeWitt portrayed Janet Wood, Jack's best friend and roommate, while Suzanne Somers played Chrissy Snow, a ditzy blonde who was Janet's other roommate. The show's supporting cast included Norman Fell as the building manager, Mr. Roper, and Audra Lindley as his wife, Helen.
After the first season, Suzanne Somers became a breakout star and negotiations for her contract became tense. Somers demanded a significant pay raise and a percentage of the show's profits. ABC and the show's producers were unwilling to meet her demands and eventually fired her from the show. She was replaced by Jenilee Harrison as Cindy Snow, Chrissy's cousin, and then by Priscilla Barnes as Terri Alden, a nurse who became the new roommate.
The Success of Three's Company
Three's Company was an instant success when it premiered in 1977. The show was a ratings hit and quickly became one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1970s and 1980s. It was praised for its clever writing, physical comedy, and the chemistry between the cast members. The show also tackled contemporary social issues such as gender roles, sexuality, and race, making it a groundbreaking show for its time.
The success of Three's Company led to numerous spin-offs and adaptations, including Three's a Crowd, a spin-off featuring Jack as a married man, and the British sitcom, George and Mildred, which was based on Man About The House.
The Controversies Surrounding Three's Company
Despite its success, Three's Company was not without its controversies. The show's premise was considered controversial at the time, with some critics feeling that it was too risqué for television. Others criticized the show for its portrayal of women, citing the character of Chrissy as a sexist stereotype.
The show's handling of social issues was also criticized, with some feeling that it was too simplistic in its approach. The show's treatment of homosexuality, in particular, was criticized by some members of the LGBT community for perpetuating stereotypes and not addressing more serious issues facing gay men and women at the time.
Behind The Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three's Company
Behind The Camera: The Unauthorized Story of Three's Company is a made-for-television movie that aired in 2003. The movie tells the behind-the-scenes story of the making of Three's Company, including the show's creation, casting, controversies, and eventual downfall.
The movie features a cast of actors portraying the show's creators and cast members, including Bret Anthony as Michael Ross, Melanie Paxson as Suzanne Somers, and Jud Tylor as Joyce DeWitt. The movie was criticized by some members of the show's cast for its accuracy, with John Ritter's widow, Amy Yasbeck, calling it "a complete fabrication of the truth."
The Legacy of Three's Company
Despite its controversies and criticisms, Three's Company had a lasting impact on television and popular culture. The show paved the way for future shows that tackled social issues and helped to break down traditional gender roles on television. Its physical comedy and clever writing inspired future sitcoms, while the chemistry between the cast members made it a beloved show for generations of fans.
Today, Three's Company remains a classic sitcom and a beloved part of television history. It continues to be syndicated on television and is available on streaming services, introducing new generations to the misadventures of Jack, Janet, and Chrissy.