If you grew up watching Three’s Company, you probably remember its wacky misunderstandings, cheeky innuendos, and unforgettable chemistry between the cast. But a resurfaced episode from Season 5 is now making waves online—and not just for the laughs.
Fans are divided: was it classic slapstick or crossing the line?
Here’s why the episode “A Crowded Romance” has everyone talking again—decades after it first aired.
The Episode Fans Can’t Stop Talking About
Originally taped in 1980 but aired out of order, A Crowded Romance follows one of the show’s many love triangle mishaps. Larry falls head over heels for a girl and sends flowers via Janet… who then ropes Jack into delivering them.
But when Jack meets the woman? He’s smitten too.
Cue chaos. Jack and Larry both pursue her—completely unaware of the other’s interest. Add in a new job, a secret crush, and plenty of awkward encounters, and you’ve got classic Three’s Company magic.
However, something—or someone—was noticeably missing.
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Suzanne Somers’ Mysterious Absence
Fans quickly noted that Suzanne Somers (Chrissy Snow) was nowhere to be seen in the episode. But contrary to popular belief, her absence wasn’t initially due to her infamous contract dispute.
Instead, a 1980 SAG-AFTRA strike had pushed production back, clashing with Somers’ Las Vegas stage shows. Producers simply wrote her out of the episode. Ironically, by the time it aired, her contract demands—asking for equal pay to co-star John Ritter—had led to her dismissal.
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That “Playful” Slap — Harmless or Harmful?
The most controversial moment? A seemingly lighthearted slap on the backside Jack gives Janet after a joke.
Back in the 1980s, it was typical sitcom fare. Today, fans are split.
🎥 One TikTok user commented:
“I haven’t watched this since I was a kid—never realized how inappropriate Jack was!”
Others defend the humor as a product of its time:
“It was funny stupid humor! Unfortunately gone today 😔”
Still, some were harsher, with one viewer writing:
“A full-on predator.”
This raises a broader conversation about how TV norms have shifted. In a world that now takes workplace behavior and consent seriously, moments like this are reevaluated through a different lens—something your attorney might even bring up in a harassment training case today.
Janet’s Hair: Iconic, Imitated, and Still Debated
While the slap sparked controversy, another detail quietly went viral: Jack and Janet’s matching haircuts.
Fans noticed Joyce DeWitt’s signature style—short, spiky, and full—was styled almost identically to John Ritter’s. Created by celebrity stylist Harry King, DeWitt’s hair was layered for volume and bounce, becoming one of the most copied looks of the early ’80s.
“Janet had the best hair! So thick and shiny!” one fan wrote.
Love it or not, her hairdo was as much a character as the cast itself.
Was It a Blooper… or Just Vintage Decor?
Eagle-eyed fans pointed out a moment in the episode where the “top of the set” was visible—sparking cries of a blooper. But others chimed in, saying it wasn’t a mistake at all, just a bit of retro set design.
Whether you spot an error or not, it’s clear this forgotten episode has reignited Three’s Company fandom—proving once again that nostalgia is a powerful thing.
Final Thought: More Than Just Laughs
This episode reminds us how much media, humor, and society have evolved. What made us laugh decades ago might make us cringe today. And when jokes cross a line—intentionally or not—it’s worth having a conversation.
Thinking about inappropriate behavior in the workplace? You might want to talk to an attorney.
They can help you understand your rights and whether you’re watching an old sitcom or navigating real-life boundaries, context matters.
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