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Television Thu Sep 22 2011
Sitcom Cast Change Countdown #1: Three's Company
It's hard to think of the cheesy, goofy Three's Company as groundbreaking television, but when it comes to cast changes, the show went where no sitcom had gone before. Everyone knows the three roommates were Jack, Janet, and Chrissy. But when Suzanne Somers left the show after a now-infamous salary dispute, Three's Company went on without a Chrissy...for four entire seasons.
First, Chrissy's cousin Cindy took her place for most of season five. Then Terri, the sexy nurse, stepped in for seasons 6-8. And of course, when new landlord Mr. Furley (played by Don Knotts) replaced the warring Mr. and Mrs. Roper, he carried on the misconception that Jack was gay -- otherwise, his living with two ladies would be scandalous! Nowadays, the idea of one guy and two girls as roommates seems like no biggie...maybe Three's Company was groundbreaking television after all.
Check out #2: Ladies of Cheers