My Three Sons Questions

Why did the show move from ABC to CBS? Were the ratings dropping or was there another reason? Also, does anyone know if the ratings went up or down following the network change?

Also, what was the one-hour special about in 1972 and were there any reunion shows following the end of the series?

Thanks.

Don Fedderson sold the show to CBS in 1965, when it went to color, after ABC cancelled it. Don probably felt it would do better on CBS.
I never or don't remember seeing the one-hour special, in 1972, but, from what I've heard, I think it was a retrospective, with clips from past episodes. I first have been hearing rumors about a one-hour finale episode, where Steve has amnesia, but, I don't know if people think that's the same one-hour episode

PS;The ratings were substantially plummeting by the FINAL SEASON

[SYonack]

I do have memories of the 1 hr specail, yes Steve fell down a flight of stairs of the basement and they used the clips to jogg his memoris but that's about I recall. and there was a reuion show of sorts in 1976 or 77 where EVERYONE was shown from Mike right on down to Polly perhaps someone could recall that show

The 1977 SPECIAL was a THANKSGIVING show, where the cast members of BOTH MY THREE SONS AND THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY reminisce respectively about their shows. From what I've heard, DAWN LYN(Dodie)was absent from the special

Hello I noted that there was some discussion about the reunion show. So, I got out my copy and here is a synopsis of what happened.

Opens up Fred walking up to Bryant Park home today. Then there is opening credits with current pictures of cast members.

Next scene Fred and Shirley Jones on director chairs chat a bit. Clip of Fred w/ washing machine acting up.

Clip of Fred coming home asking where everyone is as he says each name- the three original sons answer today.

They al sit down in living room set. Fred asks what they are now doing. Tim says producing, writing and acting. Clip of Mike angry because his girl has a crush on Steve.

Then Stan says- writing a screenplay and in movie HOTWIRE. Clip of Chip complaining a certain girl doesn't pick him for spelling bee contest.

Then Don says- writing and recording album.
Clip- Robbie taking ballet lessons

Barry comes out. Clip of Ernie's first appearance. Says he is still acting recently on Broadway.

Fred says that he is travelling with June and playing bad golf.

Partridge side takes over.
Clip of Rubin and Danny dieting and not smoking
Madden and Danny come out.
Clip of two little kids running away Suzanne Crough 14 and Danny Forrester 17 come out
Another clip of them running away.

Danny says he did Police Story & movie Stingray and Murder on Flight 172
Dave Madden says comic in Vegas.

Dey is not there but sends video saying she is sorry she cannot be there but she is promoting her movie FIRST LOVE
Clip of Laurie pouring pitcher of something over Danny.

Outtakes of show

Clips w/ Keith and little kids sayng they want to grow up to become Black.

Cassidy comes out. Clip Looking thru Eyes of Love. Says he is breeding horses and acting. Did Movie of the week. Says happily married to Kay Lenz

David sings a song.

Back to M3S.

Fred introduces wives. Meredith, Tina, and Ronne come out but go to wrong husbands. Ernie complains and Tramp comes out for him.

Meredith says she really dated Tim but now married to Greg Mullavey and doing nightclub act. Clip of Mike trying to propose to Sally.

Tina says she and Don almost got married in real life. Now member of King cousins. She sings a song that Don wrote after their breakup.

Ronne- Clip of elopement of Polly and Chip.

Clip of Steve and Barbara's wedding.
Bev comes out. Trips over Tramp. And when they all sit down couch breaks for real and the almost all go tumbling backwards. That is pretty funny and spontaneous.

Bev says still acting and Hotel in N. Hollywood. She has 2 kids.

Bev asks boys what they thought of her as a mother all answer at once. Fred sends Don to his room.

Fred introduces Shirley. She sings HE TOUCHED ME.

Fred and Beverly do a skit about what the show would be like if on the air today. Fred and Beverly are both new age. Alot of Far outs and groovys. Ernie stops by and is very conservative. Says they got divorced so they could live together. He brings a minister along to make it legal.

Video of William Demarest. Introduces clip of triplets. Clip of Bub and Mike. Clip of himself and Chip. Finishes up saying it was an honor to be a part of TV history. Says he has known Fred for over 40 years and he never knew a nicer man or a better friend.

Shirley and Fred wrap up. Shirley sings MOMENTS MAKE THE MEMORIES
Cassidy sings AS TIME GOES BY. Fakes playing the piano.

Both families come out and they all sing MOMENTS MAKE THE MEMORIES. Whew, that is it.