Three’s Company, the classic 1970s sitcom known for its slapstick humor, misunderstandings, and memorable characters, continues to be a fan favorite. Recently, a forgotten episode from Season 5 has stirred up debate among fans, reigniting conversations about the show’s humor, especially in light of today’s standards. What’s all the fuss about? Let’s take a look.
A Crowded Romance – The Episode That Divides Opinions
The episode in question, titled A Crowded Romance, originally aired on December 2, 1980, as the fifth episode of Season 5. The plot revolves around a love triangle involving Larry (played by Richard Kline), Jack (John Ritter), and Janet (Joyce DeWitt). Larry meets a woman he believes is “the one” and asks Janet to send her flowers. Janet then enlists Jack to deliver them, only for the situation to escalate into a hilarious and complicated misunderstanding when both Jack and Larry end up dating the same woman, unaware of the other’s intentions.
Three’s Company. Credit / Getty Images
While the plot itself is a classic Three’s Company scenario—full of comedic confusion—the episode is remembered for a particular reason: Suzanne Somers, who played Chrissy Snow, was absent from this episode entirely. The reason? Timing conflicts due to the 1980 Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA strike, which delayed the production schedule. As a result, Somers was unable to participate in the taping, leading to her absence from the episode. This marked the beginning of her strained relationship with the show, culminating in her departure in 1981 after a contract dispute over pay.
The Controversial Scene: Jack’s Playful Nudge
The debate surrounding A Crowded Romance intensifies over a specific moment in the episode. In a scene where Janet encourages Jack to do wake-up exercises, Jack, ever the prankster, jokingly nudges Janet on the backside. Janet reacts, saying, “I hate when you do that.” The lighthearted nature of this moment, which was comedic at the time, now faces criticism from viewers on social media platforms like TikTok.
Some fans, looking back, find Jack’s actions in this scene inappropriate by today’s standards. One TikTok user commented, “I haven’t watched this since I was a kid, never realized how inappropriate Jack was! 🤣.” Another response expressed nostalgia, stating, “It was funny stupid humor! Unfortunately gone today 😔,” reflecting how different comedic boundaries were in the past.
However, the scene has sparked a divide. Some viewers now label the moment as a reflection of outdated gender norms, with one user commenting, “A full on predator,” indicating how humor that was once acceptable is now seen as crossing the line. The discussion highlights how sitcoms from the 70s and 80s often pushed boundaries in ways that would not be tolerated today, especially regarding how women were portrayed in comedic scenarios.
The Backstory of Suzanne Somers’ Absence
While A Crowded Romance is infamous for the absence of Suzanne Somers, it’s important to note that this episode wasn’t directly linked to her contract dispute. The 1980 strike led to delays in the show’s production, clashing with Somers’ pre-scheduled Las Vegas stage performances. As the production schedule was pushed back, the writers and producers made the decision to write her out of this specific episode.
However, by the time A Crowded Romance aired, Somers was already embroiled in her contract dispute, which ultimately led to her firing from the show in 1981. Somers had requested a significant pay raise, demanding $150,000 per episode to match her co-star John Ritter’s salary, a request that was not met, leading to her departure.
The Chemistry Between John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt
Without Somers in this episode, Janet (Joyce DeWitt) and Jack (John Ritter) take center stage, showcasing their chemistry and comedic timing that made the show so beloved. Janet’s role as the sensible, yet often exasperated, roommate allowed DeWitt to shine as a comedic force, even without her co-star Chrissy.
The episode’s playful humor, such as the exchange where Jack jokes about doing “20 hair combs and two sets of teeth brushing,” continues to provide laughs for viewers who appreciate the light-hearted slapstick comedy of the time. But the nudge, which would now likely be considered inappropriate, highlights how comedy has evolved. The fact that the scene is still part of the show’s legacy raises important questions about how we view humor in a modern context.
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The Evolving View on Three’s Company Humor
Three’s Company was known for pushing the limits of comedic boundaries, often using innuendo, slapstick, and gender-based humor to create laughs. In the past, viewers accepted this type of humor as harmless fun. But as societal views on gender equality, workplace respect, and personal boundaries have evolved, many people now question whether such humor is appropriate today.
While some fans long for the days when this type of humor was seen as just part of the fun, others argue that shows like Three’s Company reinforced harmful stereotypes and trivialized issues of consent and respect. As the discourse surrounding media representation continues to evolve, the shift in how we consume comedy highlights how entertainment reflects and influences societal values.
The Hairstyle Debate: Janet’s Iconic Look
Amid the debate over the episode’s content, one light-hearted topic has also emerged: Janet’s ever-changing hairstyle. Fans have long debated the evolution of Joyce DeWitt’s hair throughout the show, with many praising her voluminous, sleek look during the middle seasons. Her hairstyle in the early years, often compared to the famous “Dorothy Hamill” wedge cut, remains a topic of admiration for fans nostalgic for the 70s style.
As with any long-running show, small details like haircuts and fashion choices become part of the fan lore. Janet’s hairstyle was carefully crafted by New York freelancer Harry King, who created a wash-and-wear look that complemented her character’s fun, carefree personality.
Conclusion: Does A Crowded Romance Hold Up?
Whether you’re reminiscing about Janet’s iconic hairstyle, chuckling at Jack’s antics, or debating whether his playful slap crossed a line, one thing is clear: Three’s Company still has the power to get fans talking. The conversation surrounding A Crowded Romance highlights how television, even decades later, continues to challenge societal norms, especially as we reflect on how humor, respect, and representation have evolved.
For those interested in more light-hearted nostalgia and reflections on entertainment, check out these related articles:
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As Three’s Company continues to be a topic of conversation, it serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in our understanding of humor, respect, and social responsibility.
