To celebrate the sitcom’s 48th anniversary, a never-before-seen original pilot of Three’s Company has resurfaced, offering fans a surprising look at how different the show once was. In this early version, John Ritter still starred — but his character was named David, not Jack Tripper. The two female roommates were Jenny and Samantha, portrayed by Valerie Curtin and Susanne Zenor, and even the theme song was completely different from the familiar “Come and Knock on Our Door.”
Initially, the pilot was created as an independent project. It wasn’t until ABC decided to officially adapt the British sitcom Man About the House that the concept was reshaped. That’s when the storyline evolved into the now-famous premise of a man living with two women by pretending to be gay — a daring idea for network television in the late 1970s.
Eventually, the cast changed completely, with Suzanne Somers, Joyce DeWitt, and John Ritter becoming the iconic trio that led the series to massive popularity. Suzanne Somers’s departure after season five, following a very public contract dispute, marked a major shift in the show’s tone and momentum. The writers tried to recapture the magic by introducing new characters like Cindy Snow and Terri Alden, but for many fans, the original chemistry was unmatched.
A Rare Glimpse Behind the Curtain
The release of this original pilot offers more than just a nostalgic treat. It reveals how much development, trial, and fine-tuning went into making Three’s Company a household name. From casting choices to character names and comedic tone, nearly every element of the show was transformed before reaching air.
For fans and TV historians alike, it’s a reminder that even the most beloved shows are the result of bold changes, second chances, and creative risk-taking.
