If you were a fan of the classic American sitcom “Three’s Company,” you may be wondering why one of its most beloved characters, Susan Somers, left the show. While the reasons for her departure may seem simple, in reality, there is much more to it than meets the eye. In this article, we will delve into the factors that contributed to Susan’s decision to leave the show, and how it affected the success of the series as a whole.
Firstly, let’s take a look at some background information about the show and its main characters. “Three’s Company” was a popular sitcom that ran from 1976 to 1984, starring three young actors: Larry, Darryl, and Chrissy.
“Three’s Company” was set in a Los Angeles apartment building called the Rye, where the three main characters – played by John Ritter, Richard Kramer, and Suzanne Somers – lived together.
At its peak, “Three’s Company” was one of the most watched sitcoms on television. However, by the end of the series, ratings had started to decline, and the show was eventually canceled. While there are several factors that contributed to the decline in ratings, one of the main reasons was Susan Somers’ decision to leave the show.
1. Career Advancement Opportunities
One of the main reasons why Susan Somers left “Three’s Company” was to pursue her acting career. At the time, she was becoming increasingly popular and had several opportunities to appear in other TV shows and movies.
For example, Susan had a recurring role on the show “St. Elmo’s Fire” as Dr. Dana Foster, which allowed her to showcase her acting skills in a different genre and receive critical acclaim for her performance.
She also appeared in several successful TV movies and miniseries, including “The Colby-Earls of Hazzard” and “The Greatest American Hero.”
In addition to her acting career, Susan also pursued other interests outside of the show. For example, she started a fitness empire called ThighMaster, which became a household name in the 1980s and 1990s. She also released several successful exercise videos, including “ThighMaster: The Complete Workout.”
2. Creative Differences with Producers and Writers
Another reason why Susan Somers left “Three’s Company” was creative differences with the show’s producers and writers.
At the time, the show was undergoing a significant creative overhaul, with new writers and producers taking over. This change in direction led to some creative differences between Susan and the new team.
For example, during the final season of “Three’s Company,” the show introduced several controversial storylines that were not well-received by fans. These included a storyline where Chrissy was raped by her boyfriend, which was widely criticized for its insensitive handling of the subject matter.
In addition to these storyline issues, there were also creative differences between Susan and the show’s producers over the direction of her character. For example, during the final season, Chrissy became more of a caricature of herself, with her trademark “blonde bimbo” persona taking center stage. This was not something that Susan felt comfortable with, and she may have left the show as a result.
3. Personal Reasons
Finally, there were also personal reasons why Susan Somers left “Three’s Company.” At the time, she was going through a divorce from her husband, actor Kevin Kline. This was a difficult time for her, and she may have been looking for a fresh start in her life.
In addition to this, Susan was also dealing with health issues at the time. She had several surgeries, including liposuction and a thyroidectomy, which may have made it more challenging for her to continue working on the show.
4. Impact on the Show’s Success
Now that we have looked at some of the reasons why Susan Somers left “Three’s Company” let’s examine how this decision affected the show’s success.
During the final season, ratings for “Three’s Company” continued to decline. By the end of the series, it was clear that the show had reached its peak and was on the downward slope.
Without Susan as a regular presence on the show, there was less of a connection between the audience and her character. This led to a decrease in viewership and ultimately the cancellation of the show.
Summary
In conclusion, Susan Somers’ decision to leave “Three’s Company” was influenced by several factors, including career advancement opportunities, creative differences with producers and writers, personal reasons, and the impact on the show’s success. While her departure may have contributed to the decline in ratings of the show, it did not stop the beloved classic from remaining a fan favorite today.
FAQs
If you are a fan of “Three’s Company,” it’s worth taking a closer look at some of the factors that led to Susan Somers’ decision to leave the show. By understanding these factors, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the impact that this decision had on the show and its place in popular culture history.
