In the late 1970s, the hit sitcom Three’s Company dominated American television with its outrageous misunderstandings, physical comedy, and unforgettable trio of roommates. At the center of the show’s success were John Ritter as the lovable Jack Tripper, Joyce DeWitt as Janet Wood, and Suzanne Somers as the bubbly and naive Chrissy Snow.
But behind the laughter and record ratings, a dramatic salary dispute would soon shake the entire production—and ultimately change the future of the show.
Suzanne Somers’ Demand for Equal Pay
By 1980, Three’s Company had become one of the most watched sitcoms in the United States. Suzanne Somers’ character, Chrissy Snow, had become a fan favorite, known for her comedic timing and iconic personality.
At the time, Somers was reportedly earning about $30,000 per episode, while John Ritter—the show’s central star—was making around $150,000 per episode.
Believing that her popularity contributed significantly to the show’s success, Somers asked the network and producers for a dramatic pay raise. She requested $150,000 per episode, matching Ritter’s salary, along with a share of the show’s profits.
Her request sparked one of the biggest salary conflicts in sitcom history.
The Producers’ Response
The producers and the network were not willing to meet Somers’ demands. While they acknowledged her popularity, they insisted that John Ritter was the main lead of the series and therefore justified his higher salary.
Instead of negotiating further, the conflict quickly escalated.
Producers made a controversial decision: Somers’ role would be drastically reduced. During the fifth season, Chrissy Snow appeared only briefly in episodes—often filmed separately from the rest of the cast, sometimes delivering lines over the phone.
The move shocked fans, who noticed the sudden absence of one of the show’s most beloved characters.
Tension With the Cast
The dispute also created tension behind the scenes.
According to several reports and interviews over the years, Suzanne Somers’ relationship with co-star Joyce DeWitt became strained during the conflict. Communication between the actresses reportedly broke down as the situation intensified.
Meanwhile, John Ritter tried to remain neutral, though he was said to have supported the show’s production decisions at the time.
Eventually, Suzanne Somers was officially written out of the series.
A Major Change for the Show
Following Somers’ departure, the show introduced new characters to replace Chrissy Snow.
First came Cindy Snow, played by Jenilee Harrison, followed later by Terri Alden, portrayed by Priscilla Barnes.
Although the series continued for several more seasons, many fans believe the dynamic of the original trio was never quite the same.
Looking Back Decades Later
In the years after the show ended, Suzanne Somers spoke openly about the salary dispute. She said her request was partly inspired by actress Farrah Fawcett, who had successfully negotiated a major television salary at the time.
Somers later argued that she simply wanted to be paid closer to what male leads were earning in television—a conversation that still resonates in Hollywood today.
Decades later, the story remains one of the most famous contract disputes in TV history.
Despite the controversy, Three’s Company continues to be remembered as a classic sitcom, and the performances of its original stars—especially John Ritter and Suzanne Somers—remain a cherished part of television history.