A pilot is a sort of “first impression” of a new show for the audience and for “Three’s Company,” there were actually three of them.
Surprisingly, ABC rejected the first two pilots submitted by the show, but finally picked up the third, which aired on March 15, 1977. Thankfully, the show made it past the pilot premiere to have a successful 8 seasons.
Loni Anderson Auditioned for the Part of Chrissy.
Actress Loni Anderson auditioned for the role of Chrissy on the show but ultimately lost the role to Suzanne Somers. However, it wasn’t at all a devastating blow to Anderson as she went on to play the character, Jennifer Marlowe, on the sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati."
The show landed her both Emmy and Golden Globe nominations.
Billy Crystal Auditioned for the Part of Jack.
Billy Crystal (who probably would have made a great Jack) auditioned for the lead role that eventually went to John Ritter.
But seeing how successful Crystal is today, it certainly wasn’t a major loss for the legendary comedian.
The Theme Song Was by The Same Composer Who Did "Sesame Street"
Some theme songs just get stuck in our heads, which is often how they are designed to be. The "Three's Company" theme song became a very catchy tune and was actually created by the same composer who did the "Sesame Street" theme.
Composer Joe Raposo wrote the theme song for both of the shows, as well as for "The Electric Company."
Stanley Roper Was Based on a Real Person.
The landlord-tenant relationship isn’t always the most congenial. The character of Mr. Roper was the high-strung landlord to the three roommates, but he wasn't a complete work of fiction.
Norman Fell, who played Roper, confessed that he modeled the character after someone he knew in real life. He summarized the character as someone who "just can't do things right...and yet he thought he was the cat's meow."