When Three’s Company first hit the airwaves in 1977, few could’ve predicted that it would become one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time. From its daring premise—a man living with two women—to its unforgettable characters and theme song, the show didn’t just entertain millions; it helped reshape what American television comedy could look like. But behind the wacky hijinks and mistaken identities was a complex history that even loyal fans might not know.

Let’s pull back the curtain on the legacy, the laughs, and the little-known facts that still keep Three’s Company alive nearly four decades after its final episode.

It All Started Across the Pond

Believe it or not, Three’s Company wasn’t an original idea. It was adapted from the British sitcom Man About the House, which featured a similar setup: one man, two female roommates, and plenty of eyebrow-raising moments for its time.

Not only did Three’s Company mirror the concept, but it also spun off similar shows just like its UK counterpart. The Ropers and Three’s a Crowd were American echoes of George and Mildred and Robin’s Nest. Proof that good ideas (and a bit of cheeky humor) can travel well.

Video: Three’s Company… What Happened When the Cameras Weren’t Rolling?

Chemistry from Day One—Even If They Just Met

The magic between John Ritter, Suzanne Somers, and Joyce DeWitt felt so natural, it’s wild to think they met on the very first day of filming. There was no weeks-long bonding period or rehearsed camaraderie. It was instant. The three actors just clicked—and that spark helped skyrocket the show’s success.

Their energy made every misunderstanding, every pratfall, and every awkward moment feel believable. Even as the cast changed over the years, that original trio set the tone.

That Girl on the Bike Path? Surprise—It’s Suzanne Somers!

The opening credits are iconic: Jack (played by Ritter) biking along the beach, only to fall off when a stunning brunette walks by. Here’s the twist: that brunette? It’s actually Suzanne Somers in a wig.

A fun behind-the-scenes gem, this clever casting trick was never officially pointed out to fans. But now you know—the first thing that trips Jack up in the show was actually Chrissy all along.

Billy Crystal Almost Played Jack Tripper

It’s hard to imagine anyone but John Ritter playing the lovable, clumsy Jack Tripper—but he almost didn’t get the role. Comedian Billy Crystal, not yet the star he’d later become, was one of the top contenders. While Crystal went on to major success in When Harry Met Sally and City Slickers, this one just wasn’t meant to be. And honestly, Ritter’s physical comedy and charm were unmatched. It’s one of those perfect casting moments that changed sitcom history.

Suzanne Somers Fought for Equal Pay—and Paid the Price

In 1981, Suzanne Somers shook up the industry by asking for equal pay. She was earning $30,000 an episode while John Ritter made five times that. When her request was denied, she was written out of the show.

It wasn’t the end of her career though. Somers went on to star in Step by Step and become a successful author and businesswoman. But her exit marked a turning point in the show, and for many fans, it was never quite the same afterward.

They Almost Sang the Theme Song Themselves

“Come and knock on our door…” You’re already humming it, right? That iconic theme is one of the most recognizable in TV history. What you might not know is that producers originally wanted the cast to sing it.

But according to composer Joe Raposo, it didn’t go well. In his own words, “They tried… but they didn’t even come close.” Thankfully, professional vocalists stepped in—and the rest is musical history.

Larry Was Never Supposed to Stick Around

Video: The REAL Three’s Company Apartment TV Filming Location!!!

Richard Kline’s character Larry, Jack’s wild best friend, wasn’t planned as a regular. But the audience loved him, and his chemistry with Ritter was undeniable. So the writers wisely gave him more screen time. In fact, Larry became so central that he appeared in both of the show’s spin-offs as well.

Some of the show’s best moments came from Larry’s antics—proof that sometimes, happy accidents create the best TV gold.

Stanley Roper Was Based on a Real Guy

Norman Fell nailed the role of Stanley Roper, the bumbling but lovable landlord. His awkward charm and oddball confidence came from real life. Fell said he based the character on a man he knew in Philadelphia—someone who thought he was cooler than he really was.

That mix of self-delusion and innocence made Roper one of the funniest parts of the show—and his dynamic with Mrs. Roper (played brilliantly by Audra Lindley) brought in its own fanbase.

Suzanne Somers Was Hired the Day Before Filming

Yes, really. Casting for Chrissy was still up in the air just 24 hours before the cameras rolled. Then, a network exec saw Somers’ tape and knew instantly—she was Chrissy. She got the call, showed up on set the next day, and made sitcom magic.

She Almost Quit Acting the Day Before Her Audition

What’s crazier? The day before she was cast, Somers was nearly in a plane crash. The traumatic experience made her question her career entirely. But something told her to go to that audition. That “nothing to lose” attitude may have been exactly what gave her the edge.

Somers and Ritter Reconnected—Right Before He Passed

After Somers was let go from Three’s Company, her relationship with John Ritter cooled. For years, they didn’t speak. But just before his unexpected death in 2003, they reconnected and even discussed reuniting on 8 Simple Rules. Sadly, it wasn’t meant to be—but their late-in-life reconciliation offered some long-overdue closure.

Even Don Knotts Was Nervous

You’d think a TV legend like Don Knotts wouldn’t get nervous. But when he joined Three’s Company as Mr. Furley, he admitted he was intimidated. He had to adjust from the single-camera setups of The Andy Griffith Show to the fast-paced, multi-camera world of Three’s Company. It didn’t take long, though—audiences loved him, and he soon found his groove.

The Baby in the Zoo Opening? That Was Jason Ritter

In Season 6’s zoo-themed intro, a toddler wanders into Joyce DeWitt’s shot. That wasn’t a hired actor—it was John Ritter’s real-life son, Jason Ritter, who would go on to have his own acting career. A happy accident that became a perfect bit of TV trivia.

Not Everyone Had Fond Memories

Priscilla Barnes, who replaced Somers as Terri, didn’t enjoy her time on the show. She later said the environment was stressful and controlling. Though she respected her co-stars, the behind-the-scenes experience wasn’t as lighthearted as the show itself.

They Filmed Three Pilots to Get It Right

Getting Three’s Company on the air wasn’t easy. The show had to go through three separate pilot episodes before the network gave it the green light. Casting changes, rewrites, and timing challenges all got in the way. But once they nailed the mix, the show took off—and the rest is sitcom history.

Conclusion: A Legacy That Still Makes Us Laugh

Nearly 40 years after its finale, Three’s Company continues to bring joy to fans old and new. Its humor, its characters, and its surprising behind-the-scenes stories remind us that great television isn’t just about laughs—it’s about chemistry, risk-taking, and heart.

From mistaken identities to groundbreaking cast dynamics, the show captured lightning in a bottle. And decades later, we’re still answering the knock at the door.