Why did Susan Somers exit from “Three’s Company”?

Susan Somers’ Exit from “Three’s Company”

Susan Somers is a beloved character on the classic sitcom “Three’s Company,” which ran for eight seasons from 1976 to 1984. However, after seven successful years on the show, Somers left in 1981.

The Early Years of Three’s Company

Before Susan Somers became a household name, she was known for her work as a model in New York City. In 1975, she landed the role of Chrissy, the ditzy and naive blonde girlfriend of Jack Tripper, played by Anthony Daniels. The show was an instant success, with its unique premise – two men (Jack and Larry) trying to seduce a woman (Chrissy) who is unaware of their advances – capturing the hearts of millions of viewers.

The Role of Susan Somers on Three’s Company

Susan Somers quickly became a fan favorite, with her portrayal of Chrissy earning critical acclaim and numerous awards. Her comedic timing and innocent charm were perfectly suited for the role, making her an integral part of the show’s success. Somers also brought a refreshing energy to the set, with her infectious enthusiasm and playful demeanor often causing laughter among the cast and crew.

Why Susan Somers Left Three’s Company

Despite her popularity on the show, Susan Somers made the difficult decision to leave “Three’s Company” in 1981 after seven seasons. The reasons behind her departure were multifaceted, with several factors contributing to her decision.

• First and foremost, Somers was growing tired of the repetitive nature of the show. After seven years playing the same character, she felt stagnant and ready for a new challenge.
• She had also become increasingly disillusioned with the lack of creative freedom and control over her character’s development.
• Another factor that contributed to Somers’ decision was the show’s declining ratings. While “Three’s Company” had been a ratings success in its early years, by 1981 it was struggling to maintain its audience.
• Finally, Somers was also facing personal challenges outside of work. She had recently gone through a difficult divorce and was grappling with the emotional toll it had taken on her. With a heavy heart, she made the decision to leave “Three’s Company” and focus on her personal life.

The Impact of Susan Somers’ Exit on Three’s Company

Susan Somers’ departure from “Three’s Company” was felt throughout the industry and had a significant impact on the show’s success. While the ratings continued to decline after her departure, the show’s popularity never fully recovered.

The absence of Somers’ character, Chrissy, left a gaping hole in the show’s narrative. Without the central love triangle that drove the plot, the show struggled to maintain its focus and appeal to viewers.

Furthermore, Somers’ departure also marked the end of an era in television. The 1970s and 1980s were a time of rapid change in the industry, with new technologies and production methods emerging. As the show’s ratings declined, it became increasingly clear that traditional sitcoms like “Three’s Company” were struggling to compete with the new wave of programming.

FAQs

Q: Why did Susan Somers leave “Three’s Company”?

A: Susan Somers left “Three’s Company” after seven seasons due to a combination of factors, including growing tired of the repetitive nature of the show, declining ratings, and personal challenges outside of work.

Q: How did Susan Somers’ departure affect the success of “Three’s Company”?

A: Susan Somers’ departure from “Three’s Company” had a significant impact on the show’s success, with her exit marking the end of an era in television and the decline of traditional sitcoms like “Three’s Company.” The loss of one of the show’s most beloved characters was also felt deeply by fans.

Q: Did Susan Somers return to “Three’s Company”?

A: No, Susan Somers did not return to “Three’s Company” after her departure in 1981. She went on to pursue other acting roles and eventually settled down with her second husband, Philip de Souza.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Susan Somers’ exit from “Three’s Company” marked the end of an era in television and had a significant impact on the show’s success. While her departure was felt deeply by fans, it was also a natural evolution of the industry as new technologies and production methods emerged. As we look back at “Three’s Company,” we can appreciate the unique premise and beloved characters that made it such a beloved part of television history.