While Three’s Company delivered endless laughs on screen, the atmosphere behind the scenes was far more complex. Beneath the show’s lighthearted charm and comedic timing was a whirlwind of contract disputes, creative clashes, and emotional fallout—most notably surrounding the controversial departure of Suzanne Somers.
The Rise of Suzanne Somers and the Tipping Point
By the early 1980s, Suzanne Somers had become a household name. Her portrayal of Chrissy Snow, the ditzy but lovable roommate, was a cultural phenomenon. Ratings soared, and merchandise flew off shelves with her image. But Somers felt she deserved pay equal to her co-star, John Ritter—especially given her contribution to the show’s success.
When she demanded a raise and a share of the show’s profits, ABC and the producers refused. Somers was offered only a small increase, and when negotiations stalled, her character was abruptly written out. The official explanation on-screen involved Chrissy visiting family in Fresno. Off-screen, the decision sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.
The Fallout Among Cast and Crew
The tension didn’t stop with Somers’ departure. Reports revealed that Joyce DeWitt (Janet) and John Ritter both felt betrayed by Somers’ public handling of the dispute, particularly her use of the press. The once-close cast became fractured, and trust behind the scenes diminished.
Ritter remained the show’s anchor, and new characters like Cindy Snow (played by Jenilee Harrison) and Terri Alden (Priscilla Barnes) were introduced to fill the void. While the show remained successful, it never quite recaptured the original chemistry of the trio.
A Legacy Complicated but Resilient
Looking back, the drama behind Three’s Company offers a glimpse into a time when actors, particularly women, were just beginning to challenge unequal treatment in Hollywood. Somers became an advocate for pay equity and women’s rights in the workplace. Her departure—though professionally costly in the short term—helped ignite broader conversations in the industry.
Despite the off-screen discord, Three’s Company endures as one of television’s most beloved sitcoms. Its sunny apartment setting and comical misunderstandings masked a turbulent reality, making the show not only a product of its time but a mirror of the shifting dynamics in the entertainment business.
