It’s hard to imagine anyone but John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, and Suzanne Somers lighting up the screen in Three’s Company, but the road to forming that unforgettable trio was filled with surprising near-misses, casting twists, and stars who just barely missed their shot at sitcom history. Before audiences ever saw Jack, Janet, and Chrissy share an apartment, a completely different cast was being considered—and in some cases, even filmed.
When producers were first developing Three’s Company, they were determined to find just the right chemistry for their unconventional roommate setup. The American version of the show was based on the British sitcom Man About the House, and the stakes were high: they needed three actors who could deliver physical comedy, flirtatious charm, and quick-witted banter—while still being lovable enough for prime-time television.
Believe it or not, Suzanne Somers was not the original Chrissy Snow. The first pilot actually featured actress Susanne Zenor in the role of “Samantha,” a character closer in tone to the British version’s roommate. But test audiences didn’t respond well, and the producers made a bold decision to recast. A second pilot was shot with Susan Lanier as the new blonde roommate—but again, the magic still wasn’t quite there.
Then came Suzanne Somers. She reportedly only had one day to prepare for her audition, and her reading nearly didn’t happen at all. But when she walked into the room, everything changed. Producer Fred Silverman was instantly convinced she was the one. Somers’ blend of innocence, beauty, and comic timing gave Chrissy Snow the vibrant personality that made her a breakout star overnight.
Joyce DeWitt, on the other hand, won the part of Janet fairly early in the process. With her strong stage background and grounded presence, she offered the perfect balance to the more outrageous personalities in the apartment. Her chemistry with John Ritter was instant, and it helped anchor the show through multiple cast changes and storylines.
As for Jack Tripper, the network originally approached Billy Crystal to play the role. While he turned it down, the part eventually went to John Ritter, who had already made a name for himself with small TV roles and theater work. His physical comedy skills and charisma proved to be a perfect fit. Ritter brought a Chaplin-like charm to Jack, making him both hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt.
Over time, other actors like Jenilee Harrison and Priscilla Barnes joined the cast, stepping in after Suzanne Somers’ controversial exit. Each brought their own flavor to the dynamic, but fans still recall the original trio as the golden era of Three’s Company. And while it’s fun to imagine alternate versions of the show with different stars, it’s clear that the final lineup was lightning in a bottle.
Behind every iconic show is a maze of “what ifs,” and Three’s Company is no exception. The casting process was a rollercoaster, but in the end, it led to one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history. For fans, that means we can enjoy not only the laughs on screen, but also the fascinating stories behind how it all came together.
