My friend was asking me who was the biggest star to ever appear on Threes Company. I said other than John Ritter, I think it was Lucille Ball in season 6 The Best Of Threes--parts 1 and 2 and he thought I was lying. He had never seen The Best of Threes and didn't think Ball would go anywhere near a show like Threes Company. So I pulled out my season 6 DVD and had to make a believer out of him. He said to me "OMG! I didn't think Lucy would stoop that low." You see he doesn't like Threes Company. I wanted to throw him out out my house.

It does seem to contradict Lucille Ball's known preference for "clean" comedy.

It does seem to contradict Lucille Ball's known preference for "clean" comedy.

I think her objection was more to using controversial or offensive language and heavy adult topics as a basis for comedy ("terror in the streets," as she referred to it). It was the Normal Lear style of situation comedy she was uncomfortable with. Three's Company didn't fit into that mold. The subject matter of TC was always light and fluffy. Yes, it was somewhat controversial in it's day, but not because of language or of making comedy out of serious topics, but because of innuendo and being one of the crop of "jiggle shows" (http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zckiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=aqEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=906,5138386&dq=jiggle+television&hl=en). Over the years, there had been occasional episodes of her own show that featured sexy, scantily clad women, so I don't think the jiggle aspect would have offended her. And as for the sexual innuendo, it was just that: innuendo. The Normal Lear shows, on the other hand, were in your face with arguing and heavy subject matter. But Three's Company kept it light. And besides, Lucille Ball particularly admired John Ritter's skill in physical comedy. (Later on, she was a big fan of Cheers and The Golden Girls.) Incidentally, I personally think Normal Lear is a genius.

I think her objection was more to using controversial or offensive language and heavy adult topics as a basis for comedy ("terror in the streets," as she referred to it). It was the Normal Lear style of situation comedy she was uncomfortable with. Three's Company didn't fit into that mold. The subject matter of TC was always light and fluffy. Yes, it was somewhat controversial in it's day, but not because of language or of making comedy out of serious topics, but because of innuendo and being one of the crop of "jiggle shows" (http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zckiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=aqEFAAAAIBAJ&pg=906,5138386&dq=jiggle+television&hl=en). Over the years, there had been occasional episodes of her own show that featured sexy, scantily clad women, so I don't think the jiggle aspect would have offended her. And as for the sexual innuendo, it was just that: innuendo. The Normal Lear shows, on the other hand, were in your face with arguing and heavy subject matter. But Three's Company kept it light. And besides, Lucille Ball particularly admired John Ritter's skill in physical comedy. (Later on, she was a big fan of Cheers and The Golden Girls.) Incidentally, I personally think Normal Lear is a genius.

Right on, Little Ricky II. I was watching an old Norman Fell interview on youtube recently. He was asked about the controversial innuendo. He said the show was innocent. The only thing he found offensive about some TV dramas or movies was violence. "Three's Company" was pure, innocent and wonderful. Mr. Fell found no controversy with it.

Right on, Little Ricky II. I was watching an old Norman Fell interview on youtube recently. He was asked about the controversial innuendo. He said the show was innocent. The only thing he found offensive about some TV dramas or movies was violence. "Three's Company" was pure, innocent and wonderful. Mr. Fell found no controversy with it.

He was so right on. I've never understood how people can be so accepting of movie and TV violence, but get all bent out of shape over sex. Sex = life; violence = death/suffering. It's completely backwards. As for Three's Company, it may be the sexiest show ever on TV . . . that had no sex.

"Who cares what the preachers and critics say, we got a hit. WE GOT A BIG FAT HIT"

Fred Silverman On Threes Company

"Who cares what the preachers and critics say, we got a hit. WE GOT A BIG FAT HIT"

Fred Silverman On Threes Company


It was one of the best sitcoms EVER! Some people just dont have any sense of humor.