No More Happy Days & Three’s Company Became A Crowd!
The Disastrous 1984 Season
In 1984, American sitcoms faced a surprising shake-up. Some of television’s most beloved shows, which had reigned over the small screen for years, saw their final episodes, while others struggled to survive. Two iconic sitcoms, Happy Days and Three’s Company, were both canceled, marking the end of an era for TV comedy. Meanwhile, Cheers — a show that would go on to become one of the most successful sitcoms of all time — was almost scrapped after a rocky first season. It was a tough year for the sitcom landscape, as viewers’ tastes shifted and networks began to take new risks with programming.
The End of Happy Days
For over a decade, Happy Days captured the essence of 1950s Americana with its lighthearted humor and relatable characters. The show, set in Milwaukee, introduced audiences to the Cunningham family and gave the world The Fonz, a character whose catchphrases and charisma turned him into a cultural icon. However, by the early 80s, the show's once-massive popularity began to wane, and ratings started to dip. After eleven seasons, ABC made the difficult decision to cancel Happy Days, airing its final episode in 1984. This cancellation signaled not just the end of a beloved show but also a fading interest in the nostalgic, idealized past that Happy Days represented.
Three’s Company Says Goodbye
Another casualty of 1984 was Three’s Company, a racy comedy that had entertained audiences with its zany misunderstandings and love triangle antics since 1977. Starring John Ritter as Jack Tripper, Three’s Company focused on a man sharing an apartment with two women, Janet and Chrissy (later Cindy and then Terri), while constantly avoiding the suspicions of their landlord. The show pushed boundaries and leaned into double entendres, creating comedic scenarios that were bold for the time. Like Happy Days, however, Three’s Company had seen a decline in viewership, and after eight successful seasons, ABC decided it was time for the show to end. Its finale in 1984 marked the close of another comedy classic that had, for many years, defined the sitcom genre.
Cheers: A Close Call
Today, Cheers is remembered as one of the most iconic sitcoms in television history, but its journey was far from smooth at the beginning. When Cheers premiered in 1982, it struggled to find an audience. Its first season received lukewarm ratings, ranking near the bottom of Nielsen’s charts. NBC nearly pulled the plug on the series, but the network decided to give it a second chance, and Cheers was greenlit for a second season. Slowly, word of mouth and strong writing helped the show build a dedicated fanbase. By its third season, Cheers had found its footing, and by the end of its run, it was widely celebrated. However, 1984 was the make-or-break year that could have seen the series disappear before it truly had a chance to thrive.
A Transitional Year for Sitcoms
The cancellations of Happy Days and Three’s Company and the near-loss of Cheers reflect how turbulent 1984 was for sitcoms. Audiences were beginning to move away from the wholesome, formulaic style that had defined much of the 70s and early 80s, making room for more grounded, character-driven comedies. It was a transitional period, but one that laid the foundation for new, innovative sitcoms that would follow. Though a rough year for established shows, 1984 ultimately paved the way for the next generation of classic comedies.
MAT NASTOS…Ok, yeah, I wrote this one, too. I mean, c’mon, this is mostly a one-man show. Plus, this gives me a chance to hang out with you guys a little more this week.