5 Reasons Why ‘Three’s a Crowd’ Flopped Big Time
I am absolutely sure that most of you remember the classic sitcom Three’s Company, but there are probably a few of you out there that do not remember its 1984 spinoff, Three’s a Crowd, which also featured John Ritter as Jack Tripper. The reason that you probably don’t remember it is that Three’s a Crowd fizzled out after just one season — a sharp contrast to Three’s Company, which ran from 1977 to 1984.
Back then, I was surprised when ABC chose to cancel the show so quickly. However, a few decades past the decision, I can now say that I understand why it didn’t last.
Let’s take a look at the top five reasons why Three’s a Crowd couldn’t capture the same comedic magic as its predecessor did.
1 It Was No Longer a Crowd
©ABC/Everett Collection
At the heart of Three’s Company, there was an unconventional (at least for its time) living situation, with a single man pretending to be gay so that he could live with two women. Episode after episode, this scenario fueled hilarious misunderstandings and just a tiny bit of sexual tension.
Three’s a Crowd removed that key ingredient. Instead, Jack and Vicki (Mary Cadorette) were simply a cohabitating couple, and although living together without being married was still seen by some as scandalous, it lacked that same comedic spark.
As you read, please understand that I’m not trying to take anything away from Mary Cadorette, the actress who played Vicki on the spinoff. I truly believe that she did the very best that she could with the material that she was given. However, that does take me to reason number two.
2 No Chemistry
©ABC/Everett Collection
While John Ritter’s comedic brilliance is undeniable, the magic that he shared with Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers in Three’s Company simply could not be replicated with Mary. Their onscreen chemistry felt a bit forced compared to the natural banter of the original trio. I truly believe the fault for this decision belonged to the production team — and to the casting director who chose to exclude all of the other Three’s Company cast members from the new show, with the sole exception of one appearance by Richard Kline as Jack’s best friend, Larry Dallas.
3 Too Much Slapstick
©ABC/Everett Collection
The third reason for the show’s failure is that it leaned too heavily toward physical humor and slapstick. While John Ritter excelled at physical comedy, it simply wasn’t enough to carry the show. Prior to the debut of Three’s a Crowd, John promised that the show would be more of a sophisticated romantic comedy. However, the witty dialogue and clever situations that, at times, made Three’s Company laugh-out-loud funny were conspicuously absent.
4 The A-Team
Universal Television/courtesy Everett Collection
This was actually a problem that Three’s Company faced, as well: both shows aired on ABC opposite the highly-rated The A-Team on NBC. This tough competition made it difficult for the new show to find a foothold in the ratings. Even a familiar face like John Ritter couldn’t compete with a hit TV show that included Mr. T.
5 John Ritter
Mario Casilli /TV Guide/©ABC/Everett Collection
The final reason for the show’s cancellation turned out to be John Ritter himself. Apparently, John refused to return for a second season unless ABC would guarantee a full-season order. With low ratings and a potentially disgruntled star, the network would only guarantee 13 weeks. After John expressed his hesitation, ABC simply chose to pull the plug.
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