Three’s Company was a sitcom that ran from 1977 to 1984. It starred John Ritter as Jack Tripper and Joyce DeWitt as Janet Wood for the entire run. Suzanne Somers played Chrissy Snow until a contract dispute lead to her departure in season 5. She was replaced briefly by Jenilee Harrison as Cindy Snow, before Priscilla Barnes joined the cast as Terri Alden in season 6. The show also featured Audra Lindley and Norman Fell as the Ropers. When they departed for their own spinoff series, Don Knotts joined the cast as Ralph Furley.
The series revolves around ladies-man Jack Tripper who lives with two female roommates, a rather risque situation in the time period. Much of the humour was based on misunderstandings and John Ritter’s penchant for slapstick comedy.
Three’s Company was set in an apartment building complex in Santa Monica, California. The roommates live in the second floor apartment 201.
The Three’s Company Apartment
The building used for establishing shots is located at 2912 4th Street in Santa Monica. It is seen in the opening credits for the first 3 seasons. It is actually a house as opposed to an apartment.
Opening Credits – Version 1
The show featured three different opening credits throughout it’s run. The first version was used in seasons 1-3. Most of the clips were filmed on the set, but were bookended by scenes filmed along Santa Monica Beach. It starts with Jack riding his bike, and then falling off as he sees an attractive girl (rumoured to be Suzanne Somers in a wig). At the end we see a brief clip of the three main characters riding bikes along the beach.
Opening Credits – Version 2
The second version of the opening debuted in season four. This version shows the characters on a visit to Santa Monica Pier. We see clips like Jack on the bumper cars, Chrissy playing a throwing game, Janet on a sail boat, and Mr. Furley on the merry-go-round. We also see Larry and Lana during this sequence. The pier has changed quite a bit over the years, and many of the amusement attractions have been replaced.
Opening Credits – Version 3
The third and final version of the opening credits was used in seasons six to eight when Priscilla Barnes joined the show. It features the cast exploring the Los Angeles Zoo, located in Griffith Park. I haven’t had a chance to visit the zoo yet, but hope to have some photos to share in the future.
CBS Television City
Seasons 1, 6, and 7 of Three’s Company were filmed at ABC Television Center. Seasons 2 through 5 were filmed at CBS Television City.
