When Three’s Company first hit TV screens in 1977, it brought with it a wave of outrageous comedy, lovable characters, and plenty of unforgettable misunderstandings. But while audiences were laughing at Jack Tripper’s antics and Chrissy Snow’s innocent one-liners, there was an entirely different drama unfolding behind the scenes — one filled with contract disputes, unexpected rivalries, and emotional moments that nearly tore the hit sitcom apart.
What many fans don’t realize is that Three’s Company wasn’t just a TV show. It was a pressure cooker. At the center of it all was John Ritter, the breakout star whose charm and slapstick brilliance kept the show grounded. But even Ritter wasn’t immune to the backstage chaos.
Perhaps the most infamous chapter in the show’s off-screen saga was the firing of Suzanne Somers, who played the iconic and ditzy Chrissy Snow. At the height of the show’s popularity, Somers asked for a pay raise to match Ritter’s salary — a bold move at the time for a female lead. The network refused, tensions flared, and soon Somers was gone, replaced by a rotating lineup of blonde roommates who never quite captured Chrissy’s spark. The fallout created a rift between cast members that took years to heal.
Meanwhile, Joyce DeWitt (Janet Wood) became the quiet anchor of the trio — both on and off screen. Though she largely stayed out of the public disputes, she later revealed how painful the behind-the-scenes divisions were, especially when friendships fractured over studio politics. DeWitt and Somers didn’t speak for over 30 years — until an emotional reunion in 2012 brought long-overdue closure to one of TV’s most iconic duos.
And then there was Norman Fell and Audra Lindley, the actors behind nosy landlords Mr. and Mrs. Roper. Beloved for their constant bickering and hilarious timing, they were spun off into their own series, The Ropers, in what turned out to be a bittersweet decision. When the spin-off struggled, they hoped to return to Three’s Company, but the producers had already moved on with Don Knotts as Mr. Furley — another fan-favorite who brought his own brand of eccentric comedy.
Through it all, Three’s Company remained a ratings juggernaut. Its colorful sets, laugh-out-loud gags, and lovable characters made it appointment viewing. But the behind-the-scenes reality was far more complicated — a reminder that sometimes the funniest shows come from the most intense creative battles.
In the end, the cast — especially John Ritter — held it all together. Ritter’s warmth, energy, and undeniable talent turned Jack Tripper into a television legend. Even decades later, his performance is considered one of the greatest in sitcom history, and his legacy continues to draw fans to reruns and streaming platforms.
So next time you’re watching Jack fumble over a couch or misunderstand a conversation, remember: the laughter you’re hearing on screen came from a show filled with real people, real challenges, and more behind-the-scenes twists than anyone ever expected. That’s what makes Three’s Company such a timeless classic — both on camera and off.
