Decades may have passed since Three’s Company first graced our screens, but its laughter, charm, and timeless appeal remain as strong as ever. This classic sitcom, known for its unforgettable characters and comedic misunderstandings, forever changed television. In a heartfelt reflection, Joyce DeWitt shares what truly made the show a lasting treasure.
From the hilarious adventures of three single roommates to the iconic performances of John Ritter and Suzanne Somers, Three’s Company holds a special place in American television history. It’s hard to believe 40 years have passed since the series finale aired, yet its humor and warmth still resonate with audiences today.
Watching the opening sequence featuring the Santa Monica Pier brings back memories of a different era. Sadly, both John Ritter and Suzanne Somers are no longer with us. However, Joyce DeWitt, now 75, keeps the show’s spirit alive by sharing her cherished memories of that time.
In a touching interview, DeWitt reflected on the sitcom’s deep impact on viewers: “The most precious and unexpected gift from working on Three’s Company are the many adults who told me it was their safe haven during their teen years—sometimes the only safe haven,” she shared with US Weekly.
As Janet Wood, DeWitt became a beloved television icon alongside Ritter and Somers, bringing joy to millions over 171 episodes from 1976 to 1984. “It became iconic, but who would have thought it?” DeWitt said in an interview with The Spec. “All we wanted to do was make people laugh. The show was a contemporary take on a 16th-century farce—silliness running wild, even as we touched on serious issues.”
John Ritter had a simple philosophy: “We didn’t want people to just laugh; we wanted them to fall off their couches laughing,” DeWitt recalled. Beyond the humor, it was the characters’ friendship that endeared them to viewers.
After Three’s Company ended, DeWitt stepped away from the spotlight for over a decade, but her connection with the show’s fans never waned. For many, the show was more than just entertainment; it offered a brief escape from life’s struggles. “It was a ‘time out’ from the difficult circumstances they were navigating in their young lives,” DeWitt explained. “The love and support among the characters made them lifelong fans.”
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