Many people still consider Three’s Company to be a classic because of the cast’s incredible chemistry. Although two of its stars, John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, have sadly passed away, their remarkable performances endure because to repeats and memorable snippets.
Fans are feeling emotional again after a specific clip went viral recently. However, why?
Three’s Company, with its straightforward but amusing premise—two attractive ladies in their 20s, played by Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers, and one foolish man, played by John Ritter, living platonically in a Santa Monica apartment—thriving on miscommunications and slapstick humor. Jack (Ritter) posed as gay in order to avoid their curious landlords, which led to several humorous scenarios full of misunderstandings and innuendo.
Three’s Company was a top ten smash from 1977 to 1983 and was adored by both crowds and critics. Even now, forty years after the show’s conclusion, it still has the ability to evoke strong feelings.
Additionally, a specific moment from Season 5 has been receiving a lot of attention lately, generating debate and controversy. What is it that has everyone talking about this episode? To discover out, you’ll need to stay put.
A Communal Romance
“A Crowded Romance” was the 83rd episode of the series overall and the fifth episode of Season 5 of Three’s Company. It was directed by Dave Powers and written by Mark Tuttle. It debuted on ABC on December 2, 1980.
In summary, Larry (Richard Kline) asks Janet (Joyce DeWitt) to send her some flowers after meeting a female he believes to be “the one.”
Janet then requests that Jack (played by John Ritter) bring them. Jack concurs with Larry that she is the one after they first meet. However, when Jack and Larry wind up dating her without realizing the other is also interested in her, things take a turn for the worst.
When Larry takes her to a new job that Jack has obtained, the situation becomes even more difficult. As the love triangle develops, there is drama, misunderstandings, and amusing miscommunications.
Why is this episode so unique?
What’s the matter with this episode, then? First of all, the backstory of this specific episode of Three’s Company turns out to be really fascinating. While it wasn’t the first episode to air, it was the first to be recorded for Season 5.
It’s difficult for true fans of Three’s Company to overlook the fact that Suzanne Somers doesn’t appear in any of the frames of “A Crowded Romance.” Don’t assume that Suzanne Somers’ contract disagreement is the reason she wasn’t included just yet, though.
The problem is that no TV series or films could be produced that summer due to the 1980 Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA strike.
This resulted in the Three’s Company production being delayed from its July start date to October. It was somewhat of a scramble because the show finally debuted in early November.
Now, Suzanne had already scheduled her September and October stage play at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Her Vegas appearances conflicted with the show’s taping schedule when it appeared that the strike could eventually end. In order to prevent any problems, the producers chose to write her out of this episode and reschedule its airing for the fifth spot in the season.
The catch is that Suzanne’s contract issue had already started by the time this show aired, which resulted in her missing multiple subsequent programs. It’s incredible to consider that, as a result of the timing of that strike, this episode truly signifies the start of her departure from the program.
Why did Suzanne Somers lose her job?
To briefly discuss Suzanne Somers’ contract dispute, in 1981, the question of equal compensation for men and women wasn’t particularly popular or even discussed. Somers, however, was determined to make that adjustment. When she demanded a 500% rise from the producers, she caused issues. She desired $150,000, the same amount as her male co-star John Ritter, in place of the $30,000 she made each week.
Instead of complying with her requests, Suzanne Somers lost her job.
In the same year, she told The New York Times, “I’ve been playing what I think is one of the best dumb blondes that’s ever been done, but I never got any credit.” “I was so good at it that everyone thought I was a stupid blonde.”
Does the nudge make you laugh or cringe?
In the A Crowded Romance episode, Joyce DeWitt really took center stage and was the main attraction without Suzanne Somers. Wearing her trademark pink shirt and blue shorts, Janet is in one of the many amusing situations that have made Three’s Company a beloved series.
This iconic ensemble, which combines Janet’s fun sense of style with the show’s trademark hilarious pandemonium, is inextricably linked to a beloved episode. As usual, there was no denying John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt’s chemistry. Even though the entire cast was hilarious, Jack and Janet were the show’s mainstays; Three’s Company couldn’t have functioned without them.
Janet urges Jack to perform some wake-up exercises in this episode clip. Ever the jester, Jack jokes that he has already completed “two sets of teeth brushing and twenty hair combs,” adding that he doesn’t want to “overtrain.”
Jack quips that he has already done some wake-up exercises, such as “20 hair combs and two sets of teeth brushing,” and doesn’t want to “overtrain” when Janet pushes him to perform them in the Three’s Company clip from the episode below.
Janet responds, “I hate when you do that,” when Jack gives her a lighthearted nudge on the butt a few seconds later.
Even though it was humorous at the time, this sequence probably wouldn’t pass modern scrutiny. The move has elicited significant reactions from some viewers, especially on TikTok, indicating a change in the standards of acceptable humor.
pushed the limits
“I haven’t watched this since I was a kid, never realized how inappropriate Jack was! 🤣,” wrote one TikTok user. The reply from another user was, “It was funny idiotic humor! “Unfortunately gone today 😔,” expressing longing for a period when such scenes in TV comedies were more acceptable.
Others, on the other hand, are less understanding; one comment reads, “A full on predator,” highlighting the more critical viewpoint that such jokes convey.
Many sitcoms in the past, particularly those from the 1970s and 1980s, have pushed the limits of acceptable representations of men and women by including slapstick comedy, provocative humor, and gender-based gags.This also applied to Three’s Company.
However, the way that TV content is produced and viewed has changed significantly in the modern era due to cultural ideas on gender equality, women’s rights, and workplace respect. What was formerly viewed as harmless fun is now frequently perceived as perpetuating negative stereotypes.
Did Janet and Jack have the same hairstylist?
More than merely the debate over Jack’s smack has been generated by this specific scene from Three’s Company. Fans have also taken notice of another, far less controversial, detail: Jack and Janet share the same hairdo.And it’s difficult to deny if you look closely! Online viewers have frequently debated Joyce DeWitt’s haircut, particularly during the show’s duration.
The thick, smooth appearance of Janet’s hair in the middle seasons (4/5/6), which many fans remember with fondness, is praised. On the other hand, opinions regarding her later hairstyles are divided. While some viewers loved her earlier, more iconic cuts, others did not like her later, longer hairstyle.
As a matter of fact, Janet’s hairdo from the first season was occasionally likened to the well-known “Dorothy Hamill haircut,” which was made popular by Olympic ice skater Dorothy Hamill. Her distinctive wedge cut encapsulated the fashion zeitgeist of the 1970s.
“I just have to say that Janet (Joyce DeWitt) had the best hair,” an admirer said in praise of Janet’s hair. It had the thickness, sheen, and beauty of a young girl. However, I’m curious as to how her hair became so curled and thin in the start of Three’s Company. After that, it returned to being thick and straight. Why was that happening?
How Joyce DeWitt’s hair works its magic
It’s evident that DeWitt’s changing haircut was well-received, as women all over the world flocked to their salons to try to replicate her spiky, perky look.
What, however, was the true backstory of Joyce DeWitt’s magical hairstyle?
In order to create that airy, breezy vibe, New York freelancer Harry King painstakingly trimmed short, even layers all around her skull. He gave her neck a little more length and thickness, which perfectly balanced the way her face was framed, according to AP. The outcome? It was an easy-to-wear design that only required occasional trimmings to maintain its softness and form.
Is it a bloop or not? The “Set Top” controversy
Finding a conspicuous error in the Three’s Company episode “A Crowded Romance” can be difficult for anyone who enjoys bloopers. Still, astute fans have discovered something that makes some people take notice.
“Has anyone else noticed that when he discusses the job, you can see the top of the set?” As a fan pointed out a detail that you might overlook if you’re not paying close attention, they questioned.
Whether a piece of equipment intrudes into the scene or a backstage item makes an unexpected appearance, these kind of on-set mishaps are not unusual. However, it appears that the so-called “blooper” in this instance is more of a miscommunication.
There isn’t a real error here, as many fans have noted. What some people thought was the top of the set is actually just some vintage décor. In the setting of Three’s Company, those vintage design elements could seem out of place to contemporary eyes.
Whether you’re laughing at Jack’s antics, remembering Janet’s famous hairdo, or wondering if his playful slap went too far, one thing is certain: the program still has the ability to spark conversation.
Do you have a favorite series blooper, interesting fact, or trivia item? Or do you believe Jack’s cheeky gesture went too far? We would love to hear your opinions, so please leave a comment below! Remember to tag your pals who would enjoy a little journey down memory lane!
