When Three’s Company premiered in March 1977, few could have predicted that it would go on to become one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. With its farcical humor, lovable characters, and unforgettable opening theme, the show became a cultural staple. But what many fans don’t know is that before the world met Jack Tripper, Janet Wood, and Chrissy Snow, Three’s Company had a very different face — one that was never aired.
In celebration of the show’s 48th anniversary, a long-lost intro from the original unaired pilot has surfaced, offering fans a fascinating glimpse into what might have been. Instead of Suzanne Somers and Joyce DeWitt, the female leads were played by Valerie Curtin and Susanne Zenor. And John Ritter? He was still there — but playing a character named David, not Jack.
This early version of the series featured a subdued instrumental opening, lacking the iconic “Come and Knock on Our Door” theme song that would later become synonymous with the show. The footage feels quieter, more tentative — a sitcom still searching for its identity. The pacing, energy, and even the tone felt noticeably different, and while Ritter’s charm was evident even then, the chemistry that would eventually define the trio was missing.
The concept for Three’s Company was originally adapted from the British sitcom Man About the House, and in this early attempt, ABC enlisted acclaimed writer Larry Gelbart to bring the American version to life. However, Gelbart reportedly felt the premise was too lightweight compared to his earlier work, including MASH*, and eventually stepped away. ABC then retooled the show, recasting the female leads and shifting creative direction.
The final casting — with Ritter as Jack Tripper, DeWitt as Janet, and Somers as Chrissy — proved to be lightning in a bottle. With their infectious chemistry and perfectly timed comedic delivery, the trio helped turn Three’s Company into a phenomenon that lasted eight seasons and spawned multiple spin-offs.
This unearthed pilot serves as a powerful reminder of how close television history came to looking very different. The elements that didn’t work in the original version — misaligned casting, a flat intro, a lack of spark — were quietly but critically corrected before the show went to air. It’s a testament to the importance of chemistry, tone, and intuition in the creative process.
Decades later, revisiting the original pilot isn’t just an exercise in nostalgia — it’s a window into how even great ideas need time, revision, and risk to become something unforgettable. For fans of Three’s Company, it’s a reminder that the show’s magic didn’t just happen — it was built, tested, and ultimately, perfected.
