Three’s Company thrived on a comedic formula of misunderstandings and slapstick humor. Its premise was delightfully simple: two beautiful, 20-something women—played by Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers—and one bumbling man, portrayed by John Ritter, shared a platonic living arrangement in Santa Monica. To avoid their nosy landlords’ prying questions, Jack (Ritter) pretended to be gay, resulting in endless comedic situations full of innuendo and confusion.
From 1977 to 1983, the show reigned as a top-ten hit, adored by critics and audiences alike. Even 40 years after its finale, Three’s Company continues to spark conversations and stir emotions.
One particular scene from Season 5 has been reigniting debates among fans. The episode, A Crowded Romance, has taken center stage, dividing opinions on social media. But what makes this specific installment so special? Let’s dive in.
A Crowded Romance was the fifth episode of Season 5 and aired on December 2, 1980. Written by Mark Tuttle and directed by Dave Powers, it was originally taped as the season opener but aired later due to scheduling changes.
In the episode, Larry (Richard Kline) thinks he’s found “the one” and enlists Janet (Joyce DeWitt) to send her flowers. Janet passes the task to Jack (John Ritter), who, upon meeting her, agrees with Larry’s assessment. However, a comedic love triangle ensues when both Jack and Larry unknowingly start dating the same woman. The chaos escalates when Larry takes her to Jack’s new job, creating a spiral of drama, misunderstandings, and classic slapstick humor.
One notable aspect of A Crowded Romance is the absence of Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow. While her later contract dispute is well-documented, this absence stemmed from a different issue entirely: the 1980 Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA strike.
The strike delayed the season’s production, pushing it into October. Unfortunately, this clashed with Somers’ pre-scheduled Vegas stage show commitments. To avoid further scheduling conflicts, the producers wrote her out of the episode. Ironically, by the time it aired, her contract dispute had already begun, leading to her sporadic presence throughout the season.
Suzanne Somers’ departure from the show came after a bold demand for pay equity. She requested a raise from $30,000 to $150,000 per episode, equal to John Ritter’s salary. Her request was denied, and Somers was ultimately fired. Reflecting on her role, she stated, “I’ve been playing one of the best dumb blondes, but I never got any credit. I did it so well that everyone thought I really was one.”
Without Suzanne Somers, Joyce DeWitt (Janet) stepped into the spotlight in A Crowded Romance. Sporting her iconic pink blouse and blue shorts, Janet finds herself navigating one of the hilarious predicaments that defined the show. Her chemistry with John Ritter shines as Jack delivers quips like, “20 hair combs and two sets of teeth brushing,” jokingly avoiding Janet’s call to exercise.
However, one playful moment—a nudge from Jack—has sparked debate. Once seen as harmless humor, this scene has faced scrutiny from modern audiences, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where shifting societal norms highlight evolving perspectives on gender-based jokes.
Aside from the comedy, fans noticed another detail: Jack and Janet shared strikingly similar hairstyles. Janet’s hair, styled by New York freelancer Harry King, became an iconic look of the era. Its short layers and airy design made it both practical and fashionable, inspiring countless fans to recreate the look.
Eagle-eyed viewers have combed through A Crowded Romance for bloopers but have mostly found retro décor mistaken for set errors. These design choices, while outdated to modern audiences, fit right into the quirky charm of Three’s Company.
Despite its age, Three’s Company remains a beloved sitcom that sparks nostalgia and debate, proving that great comedy transcends time—even as societal norms evolve.
