The classic sitcom Three's Company was primarily filmed on soundstages in the Los Angeles area, creating the iconic apartment setting seen on screen. Although the show is set in Santa Monica, California, most interior scenes were shot at studios owned by ABC and later by Lorimar Television.
Below is a structured overview that outlines where the series was set, where it was actually filmed, and key locations tied to production and story world.
| Aspect | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Narrative Setting | Santa Monica, California | Jack, Janet, and Chrissy live in a Santa Monica apartment building |
| Primary Filming Location | ABC Television Center, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California | Later stages at Lorimar Television Studios |
| Exterior Apartment Shots | 1319 North Highland Avenue, Hollywood | Used for establishing views of the building façade |
| Audience Taping | Fifth Street Stage, Los Angeles | Live audience recordings during early seasons |
| Show Running Years | 1977–1984 | Eight seasons across multiple studio partners |
Inside the Story Setting: Santa Monica, California
Three's Company is set in a walk-up apartment building located in Santa Monica. The characters frequently reference local landmarks, the laid-back coastal vibe, and the challenges of living in a busy Southern California city. This setting shapes many storylines about young adults navigating life, relationships, and work near the Pacific Ocean.
Behind the Scenes: Studio Filming Locations
Most of the interior action, including the living room, kitchen, and bathroom sets, was filmed at the ABC Television Center in Hollywood. Later in the series, production moved to Lorimar Television Studios, where updated sets and improved facilities allowed for more elaborate staging and multi-camera comedy routines.
Iconic Apartment Exteriors and Street Shots
While interiors were staged in studios, recognizable exterior shots of the apartment building were captured at a real walk-up near Highland Avenue in Hollywood. These establishing shots, combined with façade details, help anchor the show's Santa Monica location in the viewer's mind despite studio-based filming.
Production Details and Studio Shifts
Over its eight-season run, Three's Company balanced multiple production partners, moving from ABC to Lorimar Television, which affected everything from set design to audience placement. Understanding this production history clarifies how the on-screen home evolved while staying rooted in the same fictional neighborhood.
Modern Legacy and Locations Today
- Three's Company helped define the multi-cam sitcom format still popular today
- Former studio locations are now used for other television productions
- The show's fictional Santa Monica apartment remains iconic in TV history
- Fans often visit the Highland Avenue façade for photos and nostalgia
- Streaming platforms keep the series accessible, reinforcing its lasting appeal
FAQ
Reader questions
Was Three's Company actually filmed in Santa Monica?
No, the interior scenes were filmed on soundstages in Hollywood, even though the story takes place in Santa Monica.
Where can I see the original apartment set used on the show?
The primary interior sets were built on stages at ABC Television Center and later Lorimar Television Studios and are not open to the public.
Do the exterior shots used in the show show a real Santa Monica building?
The establishing shots feature a real walk-up apartment building in Hollywood, not Santa Monica, chosen for its visual appeal and proximity to the studios.
Were the laugh track and audience recordings added during post-production?
Many episodes were recorded in front of a live audience at Fifth Street Stage, with the laugh track enhanced or adjusted later in post-production.