Even decades after its finale, Three’s Company still sparks conversation.
A single clip from Season 5 has resurfaced online, drawing laughter, nostalgia, and debate. Beyond the humor lies a fascinating mix of behind-the-scenes drama, TV history, and shifting cultural standards.
Timeless Comedy
Three’s Company remains a classic, remembered for its perfectly timed slapstick, clever misunderstandings, and the undeniable chemistry of its cast. Though we’ve lost two of its stars—John Ritter and Suzanne Somers—their performances continue to entertain new audiences through reruns and viral clips.
Recently, a scene from the Season 5 episode “A Crowded Romance” went viral, prompting fans to revisit both the humor and the context of the show.
The Episode at a Glance
In “A Crowded Romance,” Larry (Richard Kline) believes he has met “the one” and asks Janet (Joyce DeWitt) to send her flowers. Janet enlists Jack (John Ritter) to deliver them, but both men end up dating the same woman, unaware of each other’s intentions. The result is a classic cascade of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and comedic chaos.
Behind the Scenes: Suzanne Somers’ Absence
Suzanne Somers is notably absent from this episode. While fans often link this to her later contract dispute, the real reason was scheduling. In 1980, a Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA strike delayed production. Somers had previously booked stage performances in Las Vegas, which conflicted with the rescheduled taping. The producers wrote her out of the episode, which had originally been taped first but aired fifth in the season.
Her contract dispute followed in 1981, after she requested a 500% pay raise to match John Ritter’s salary. The producers declined, leading to her firing—a turning point for both her career and the show.
Comedy, Nostalgia, and Modern Perspectives
Without Somers, Janet became the focal point, navigating one hilarious predicament after another. One memorable moment features Jack playfully nudging Janet, prompting her to exclaim, “I hate when you do that.” Audiences in the 1980s found it funny, but modern viewers, especially on TikTok, have debated whether the gesture is appropriate, reflecting evolving societal standards.
Jack and Janet’s Shared Hair Mystery
Fans have also noticed an amusing detail: Jack and Janet appear to share similar hairstyles at points in the episode. Joyce DeWitt’s ever-changing haircuts became a signature of the show, evolving from the “Dorothy Hamill wedge” of Season 1 to sleeker, fuller looks in Seasons 4–6. Her stylist, Harry King, layered her hair for volume and movement, creating a style admired and emulated by viewers.
The Bloopers Debate
Eagle-eyed fans have also speculated about a possible blooper in the episode, where the top of the set appears visible. Most agree it’s not an error but rather a piece of retro décor that seems out of place to modern eyes—a charming quirk of 70s and 80s sitcom production.
Conclusion
Whether it’s Janet’s iconic hair, Jack’s antics, or discussions about evolving comedy standards, Three’s Company continues to captivate audiences decades later. It’s more than a sitcom—it’s a cultural touchstone, reflecting both the humor and the norms of its era while sparking modern debates about comedy, gender, and television history.
The magic of the show remains: it can make us laugh, debate, and reminisce—proof that some television classics never truly fade.