John Ritter had previously had a role on the wholesome, family show, The Waltons, as Reverend Fordwick. As a nod to this previous role, he dropped a line that was very well known from The Waltons.
In one episode, John said “goodnight, John boy”. The audience definitely would have known where this line was from as it pointed directly to a final line often said in The Waltons.
John Ritter Remembered His Actor Father in a Unique Way
John Ritter is actually the son of a well known actor (from many western films) named Tex Ritter. Tex died before he ever saw his son on "Three’s Company" but John was still able to honor his memory on the show.
In one episode he dropped the following line: “well, you know you have to learn to trot before you can gallop...who said that?”It’s believed he said this line to point to his father’s acting career in so many westerns.
Priscilla Barnes Recalled The Set Being Unpleasant
Priscilla Barnes (who played Terri, one of Chrissy’s replacements) said that the behind-the-scenes set of "Three’s Company" was not enjoyable at all.
Whether it was the tension between the cast and crew or another disturbance to the work environment, she said that she almost left after she started on the show and that her time as Terri was the most miserable of her entire career.
Don Knotts Supported Suzanne Somers
While the rest of her castmates shunned her, Don Knotts actually empathized with Somers. He recounted a time where he also had a salary dispute with producers when he was on "The Andy Griffith Show."
He was disappointed to see her co-stars leave her to herself so Knotts actually made a point to speak with Suzanne on set as a demonstration of support.
The Show Was Based On a British TV Series
Interestingly enough, "Three’s Company" was actually based off of a British show from the 70s called "Man About the House." "Man About the House" centered on two female roommates who (after a night of partying) wake up to find a man asleep in their apartment.
The three later become roommates, exactly like "Three’s Company!"