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The Ropersis an Americansitcomtelevision series that aired onABCfrom March 13, 1979, to May 15, 1980. It is aspin-offofThree's Companyand loosely based on theBritish sitcomGeorge and Mildred,which was itself a spin-off ofMan About the House,on whichThree's Companywas based.
| The Ropers | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Based on | George and Mildred byJohnnie MortimerandBrian Cooke |
| Developed by | Don Nicholl Michael Ross Bernie West |
| Starring | Norman Fell Audra Lindley Jeffrey Tambor Patricia McCormack Evan Cohen |
| Theme music composer | Joe Raposo |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| No.of seasons | 2 |
| No.of episodes | 28 |
| Production | |
| Production locations | CBS Television City Hollywood, California |
| Running time | 30 minutes |
| Production company | The NRW Company |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | March 13, 1979– May 15, 1980 |
| Related | |
It was taped atCBS Television Cityin theFairfax DistrictofLos Angeles,where its parent series,Three's Company,was taping at the time, from February to April 1979 (Season 1) and from July 1979 to February 1980 (Season 2).[1]
Plot
editThe series focused on coupleStanley(Norman Fell) andHelen Roper(Audra Lindley), who were landlords toJack,JanetandChrissyonThree's Company.
In this spin-off, the Ropers have sold their apartment building in theThree's Companyepisode "An Anniversary Surprise" (season 3, episode 20) to live in the upmarket community ofCheviot Hills,where the social-climbing Helen struggled to fit in with her neighbors. Stanley made little attempt to fit in with the standards of the community, thereby causing Helen much embarrassment.
As was the case during their time onThree's Company,opening credits forThe Ropersalternate between Audra Lindley and Norman Fell being credited first.
Characters
editMain characters
edit- Stanley Roper(Norman Fell) —A lower-middle-class, frugal, and often embarrassing retiree, who moved toCheviot Hillsafter he is duped into buying a townhouse
- Helen Roper(Audra Lindley) —A sexually frustrated, social-climbing middle-aged woman who tries to fit into the community despite her husband Stanley's constant boorishness. Despite her attempts to fit in, she often proves herself to be as bumbling as her husband.
- Jeffrey P. Brookes III(Jeffrey Tambor) —The snobbishrealtorwho is also the Ropers' next-door neighbor.
- Anne Brookes(Patricia McCormack) —Brookes' long-suffering, down-to-earth homemaker wife, who looks after the house and their young son David. She and Helen become friendly, despite their husbands' frequently adversarial relationship with one another.
- David Brookes(Evan Cohen) —Jeffrey and Anne Brookes' 7-year-old son who is always tempted to bother Mr. Roper, which his father doesn't approve of.
Recurring characters
edit- Jenny Ballinger(Louise Vallance) (season 2)—A young woman who had been living in the Ropers' storeroom
- Ethel Ambrewster(Dena Dietrich) —Helen's snobby elder sister; gives Helen an air kiss every time she sees her.
- Hubert Ambrewster(Rod Colbin)—Ethel's husband and Helen's brother-in-law
- Debbie Hopper(Lois Areno) —The girl Stanley sees at the hot tub in the neighborhood
- Joey(Richard B. Shull) —Stanley's best friend and one of Helen's enemies
- Hilda(Lucy Lee Flippin/Darcy Pulliam) (season 2)—Helen's sister who has five children and one on the way with her husband, "Fertile" Freddy
- Mother(Lucille Benson) —The mother of Helen, Hilda, and Ethel.
Creation
editAfter the enormous success ofThree's Companyin its short first season in 1977, ABC headFred Silvermanwas anxious to capitalize on the show's success. In early 1977, Silverman approached Fell and Lindley with the subject of doing a spin-off from the show after its first full season wrapped in the spring of 1978. Both actors as well as theThree's Companyproducers backed off as the show had yet to prove itself for an entire season. With the show's continued success in its second season, however, the idea was brought up again in 1978, this time byThree's Company'sown producers as well as new ABC head Tony Thomopolous (Silverman had gone toNBC). The idea intrigued Lindley, but Fell was extremely reluctant, as he was satisfied with his role on a show that was already a proven hit. Fell feared that a spin-off would be unsuccessful and thus put him out of a good role and a job. To alleviate his fears,Three's Companyproducers contractually promised Fell that they would give the new series a year to prove itself. If the show were to be canceled prior to that time, then he and Lindley would return toThree's Company.A reluctant Fell agreed to the new terms.
LikeThree's Company,The Roperswas introduced as a late season replacement series in the spring of 1979 premiering the same night asThree's Companyon ABC's successful Tuesday night lineup, airing at 10pm. In its first season, theratingsfor the show were very high (the show finished at number 8 for the 1978–79 season), and had the second-highest series premiere rating at the time.[2]After the season premiere,Three's Companywent on hiatus, butThe Ropersstill did well. ABC reran the episodes over the summer of 1979 (in August on Sundays) where they continued to achieve high ratings leading many to believe that the series would enjoy a long run.
Cancellation
editAt the beginning of the 1979–80 season, ABC moved the show to Saturdays at 8pm, resulting in an audience drop that put it near the bottom of the ratings. Being placed on Saturday nights, rather than on the ABC Tuesday night lineup, caused an immediate fall into the bottom ten (number 52 out of 61 shows for the week of September 17–23, its second week of the season) as the show was in direct competition with the NBC showCHiPs.The show later moved to 8:30pm on Saturdays by January 1980. The move upset Fell to the point that he actually went to ABC headquarters in New York to plead with the network to move the show to a better time slot. His effort was in vain, however, and the show continued to pull in low ratings. The drop in ratings and the fact that the show was not pulling in the key young demographic audience led to announcement of the show's cancellation by ABC in May 1980. The last three episodes aired Thursdays at 9:30pm afterBarney Millerin May 1980. Audra Lindley stated in Chris Mann's 1997 book aboutThree's Companythat she was surprised thatThe Ropershad been cancelled after a late-season surge in the series ratings had allowed it to finish the 1979–80 season at number 25;[2]the Nielsen ratings for that year, however, list the seriesSoapat number 25.
With the series canceled, Fell approachedThree's Companyproducers about the Ropers returning to the show. However, during the timeThe Roperswas on the air, the landlord characters had been replaced onThree's Companyby Ralph Furley (Don Knotts). The addition had worked well andThree's Companyhad retained its popularity. The idea of returning Fell and Lindley to their originalThree's Companyroles was undesirable to producers and ABC, mainly because they had one character playing the landlord role now as opposed to two, which would require more money to be paid out per episode; the cancellation ofThe Roperscame just as Suzanne Somers began to renegotiate her contract, which would lead to her very public contract dispute during the 1980–81 television season and her departure from the series. The cancellation ofThe Roperscame just one month after the one-year contractual deadline had passed. Fell would later state that he always believed the decision to pull the plug on the show had been made much earlier, but that the network deliberately postponed making the cancellation official until after the one-year mark specifically to be relieved of the obligation to allow Fell and Lindley to return toThree's Company.There was an attempt by producers to sell the show to Silverman over at NBC; Silverman, however, passed on it too.
Despite the hard feelings, in March 1981 both Fell and Lindley made one final guest appearance onThree's Company(in Season 5, Episode #18 "Night of The Ropers" ) nearly a year after the end of their own series before the characters were retired for good. For audiences, it was a chance to see all of the three landlord characters – played by Fell, Lindley, and Knotts – on the same stage.
Tambor appeared onThree's Companythat same season playing a different character, a wealthy but unwelcome suitor of Chrissy's cousin Cindy (Season 5, Episode #13). Tambor also made other guest appearances onThree's Company,portraying different characters.
The show was included inTimemagazine's "Top 10 Worst TV Spin-Offs".[3]
In July 2002,TV GuidenamedThe Ropersthe 49th worst TV series of all time.[4]
Proposed spin-off
editIn 1986, distributor D. L. Taffner revealed its plans for a spin-off ofThe RoperscalledThree Apartments.The spin-off would again star Fell and Lindley, this time as landlords of a three-unit apartment building. The show was offered as either a two-year, 44-episode package in syndication starting April 1987, or as a 52-episode package on NBC-owned station checkerboards beginning in September 1987. Guest stars would includeJohn Ritter,Joyce DeWitt,Richard KlineandDon KnottsfromThree's Company;Robert MandanfromThree's a Crowd;andJim J. BullockandNancy DussaultfromToo Close for Comfort/The Ted Knight Show.Three Apartmentswas to replaceThe Ted Knight Show,a fellow Taffner-distributed show that ended production after the death of show namesakeTed Knightin August 1986.[5]The spin-off was withdrawn in January 1987 because of a glut of syndicated sitcom offerings, a lack of time slots, and a difficult advertising market.[6]
Episodes
edit| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6 | March 13, 1979 | April 17, 1979 | |
| 2 | 22 | September 15, 1979 | May 18, 1980 | |
Season 1 (1979)
edit| No. overall | No.in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | "Moving On" | Dave Powers | Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer | March 13, 1979 | |
|
Helen bugs Stanley into finally looking for a new house. Stanley, however, wants to buy a mobile home. This episode is sometimes included inThree's Companysyndication as an additional episode. Based on the episode of the same name by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 2 | 2 | "Friends and Neighbors" | Dave Powers | Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer | March 20, 1979 | |
|
Stanley embarrasses Helen when he locks himself outside of their house in nothing but his bathrobe while she's attending a posh party next door. Guest stars:Roger Bowenas James,Rick Garciaas Locksmith,Jean Gillespieas Margaret, andTom Pedias Moving Man.Based on "The Bad Penny" by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 3 | 3 | "Your Money or Your Life" | Dave Powers | Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer | March 27, 1979 | |
|
Stanley thinks he's dying when test results from his doctor don't come right away. Guest stars:Marilyn Bordenas Hetty,Rosalyn Bordenas Betty,Hope Clarkeas Dr. Young,Mickey Deemsas Uncle Bert,Jane Duloas Kate Morgan,John Fiedleras Bill Marsh,Lois Hamiltonas Marilyn Graham (credited as Lois Areno), andJillian Kesneras Linda Graham.Based on the episode of the same name by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 4 | 4 | "The Doris Letters" | Dave Powers | Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer | April 3, 1979 | |
|
Helen takes Stanley to a marriage counselor after finding many love letters written by him for another woman. Guest Stars:Don Chastainas Keith andAlice Hirsonas Mrs. Eastham.Based on "The Dorothy Letters" by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 5 | 5 | "The Family Planning" | Dave Powers | Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer | April 10, 1979 | |
|
Stanley gets upset when Helen's mother and sister Ethel visit, and he thinks that her mother has plans to stay with them permanently. Guest Stars:Lucille Bensonas Mother,Rod Colbinas Hubert Armbrewster,Dena Dietrichas Ethel Armbrewster, andLucy Lee Flippinas Hilda.Based on the episode of the same name by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 6 | 6 | "Opportunity Knocks" | Dave Powers | Brian Cooke & Johnnie Mortimer | April 17, 1979 | |
|
Larry Dallasvisits and tries to sell Stanley a mobile home. This idea excites him and the always devious Jeffrey. Stanley almost buys it without telling Helen. Guest Stars:William Cortas Mr. Williams,Lois Hamiltonas Marilyn Graham (credited as Lois Areno),Richard Klineas Larry Dallas,Cooper Nealas Councilman Clifford,Nancy Priddyas Mrs. Clifford, andMary-Robin Reddas Mrs. Williams.Based on the episode of the same name by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
Season 2 (1979–80)
edit| No. overall | No.in season | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 1 | "The Party" | Jack Shea | George Burditt | September 15, 1979 | |
|
Helen complains about never getting to take a vacation. To keep her quiet, Stanley prepares a secret disco birthday party with the aid of his former tenantsJack Tripper,Janet Wood,andChrissy Snow.This episode is sometimes included inThree's Companysyndication as "Stanley, the Ladies' Man". Guest Stars:Joyce DeWittas Janet Wood,John Ritteras Jack Tripper,Suzanne Somersas Chrissy Snow. | ||||||
| 8 | 2 | "Days of Beer and Rosie" | Jack Shea | Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski | September 22, 1979 | |
|
A man shows up at the condo and introduces himself as Stanley's son from an affair years ago. The Brookes want to send their son, David, to a private school. Guest Stars:Peggy Converseas Mrs. Hollingsworth,Squire Fridellas Bill, andVernon Weddleas Ernest Grimes.Based on the episode of the same name by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 9 | 3 | "Power Play" | Jack Shea | Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski | September 29, 1979 | |
|
When the electricity to the Ropers' house is cut off and Helen's sister is supposed to come for dinner, Stanley "borrows" electricity from the Brookes. Guest Stars:Rod Colbinas Hubert Armbrewster,Dena Dietrichas Ethel Armbrewster, andCliff Nortonas Don Webster.Based on "The Unkindest Cut of All" by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 10 | 4 | "Baby Talk" | Jack Shea | George Burditt | October 6, 1979 | |
|
Stanley fears that Helen will ignore him if they adopt a child. When a social worker says they're too old to adopt, he raises her spirits by giving her a puppy, Muffin. Guest Stars:Beverly Dixonas Hortense Bell,Lois Hamiltonas Debbie Hopper (credited as Lois Areno),Missy Howardas Little Girl, andHenry Suttonas Reverend Munson (listed in final credits as 'Reverend Sutton').Based on the episode of the same name by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 11 | 5 | "Two for the Road" | Jack Shea | Story by : Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski and Wayne Kline Teleplay by : Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski | October 13, 1979 | |
|
Stanley and Jeffrey get drunk and are arrested, after both have arguments with their respective spouses. Guest Stars:Richard Christieas Officer Hibbs (credited as Dick Christie) (final credits show 'Office Hibbs'),Alan Kossas Officer Slade,Art K. Koustikas Bartender (credited as Art Koustik), andFred Pinkardas Desk Sergeant. | ||||||
| 12 | 6 | "Puppy Love" | Jack Shea | Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski | October 20, 1979 | |
|
Stanley loses their dog and buys another one to try to calm Helen down. Guest Stars:Martin Ferreroas Salesman,Lois Hamiltonas Debbie Hopper (credited as Lois Areno), andSheila Rogersas Customer. | ||||||
| 13 | 7 | "All Around the Clock" | Jack Shea | George Burditt | October 27, 1979 | |
|
On their 23rd wedding anniversary, Stanley buys a fake antique clock that happens to resemble the Brookes' stolen clock. Helen then tries to sneak into their house to return it. Guest Stars:Joey Formanas Officer McNab andSam McMurrayas Charles Remington.Based on the episode of the same name by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 14 | 8 | "Odd Couples" | Jack Shea | Mark Fink | November 3, 1979 | |
|
When Stanley accidentally sets his kitchen on fire, Brookes thinks it's from faulty wiring and lets the Ropers stay with his family. Guest Star:Carleton Carpenteras Roland Calvert. | ||||||
| 15 | 9 | "Pal Joey" | Jack Shea | Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski | November 17, 1979 | |
|
When Stanley gets a new (or so he tells Helen) living room suite from his friend Joey, he finds out the furniture once belonged to Helen's sister, Ethel. Guest Stars:Rod Colbinas Hubert Armbrewster,Dena Dietrichas Ethel Armbrewster, andRichard B. Shullas Joey. | ||||||
| 16 | 10 | "Helen Makes Music" | Jack Shea | Stephen Neigher | November 24, 1979 | |
|
The Brookes and Ropers fight over the commission money Helen gets when she sells one of the townhouses to a buyer, so the Brookes decide to buy her an organ. Guest Star:Matthew Tobinas Donald Carey. | ||||||
| 17 | 11 | "The Skeleton" | Jack Shea | Alan Hackney | December 1, 1979 | |
|
Jeffrey's hobo uncle comes for a visit, much to Jeffrey's embarrassment. Guest Star:Barry Nelsonas Uncle Bill. | ||||||
| 18 | 12 | "The Other Man" | Jack Shea | George Tricker & Neil Rosen | December 15, 1979 | |
|
Helen asks the gardener to pose as her "Latin lover" Ramon, in order to make Stanley jealous. Guest stars:Dante D'Andreas Second Man,Jillian Kesneras Linda Graham,Julio Medinaas Third Man, andJay Varelaas Mr. Ramirez. | ||||||
| 19 | 13 | "And Who's Been Sleeping in My...?" | Jack Shea | Story by : Don Nicholl & Michael Ross & Bernie West and George Burditt & Stephen Neigher Teleplay by : George Burditt | January 26, 1980 | |
|
The Ropers find out that an 18-year-old girl has been living in their store room for weeks. IntroducingStevie Vallanceas Jenny Ballinger (credited as Louise Vallance). | ||||||
| 20 | 14 | "Jenny's Date" | Jack Shea | Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski | February 2, 1980 | |
|
Stanley pays the Brookes' nephew, Michael, $50 to take Jenny out on a date. Guest Stars:Edward Edwardsas Michael Dinkelmann andStevie Vallanceas Jenny Ballinger (credited as Louise Vallance). | ||||||
| 21 | 15 | "Of Mice and Horses" | Jack Shea | George Burditt | February 9, 1980 | |
|
Ethel attempts to retrieve a valuable horse-shaped case, supposedly from the Ming Dynasty, from Helen. Guest Stars:Lucille Bensonas Mother,Dena Dietrichas Ethel Armbrewster, andStevie Vallanceas Jenny Ballinger (credited as Louise Vallance).Based on "I Gotta Horse!" by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 22 | 16 | "Family Feud" | Jack Shea | Barbara Allyn & Katherine Green | February 16, 1980 | |
|
The Ropers and Brookes feud on David and Helen's birthday. Guest Star:Stevie Vallanceas Jenny Ballinger (credited as Louise Vallance). | ||||||
| 23 | 17 | "The Other Woman" | Jack Shea | Stephen Neigher | March 1, 1980 | |
|
Helen is convinced Stanley is having an affair, when she sees him give a locket to another woman. Guest Stars:Jordan Charneyas Mr. McLaughlin,Lola Masonas Lucille Pomeroy,Paul Valentineas Maitre'D, andStevie Vallanceas Jenny Ballinger (credited as Louise Vallance). | ||||||
| 24 | 18 | "Men About the House" | Jack Shea | Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski | March 8, 1980 | |
|
After Helen volunteers Stanley to babysit David on poker night, he takes him to a game. Guest Star:Richard B. Shullas Joey. | ||||||
| 25 | 19 | "Old Flames" | Jack Shea | Martin Rips & Joseph Staretski | March 15, 1980 | |
|
Stanley is jealous when Helen's old USO boyfriend wants to see her and makes himself a date with an old girlfriend. Guest Stars:Lucille Bensonas Mother,James T. Callahanas Tom Cummins (credited as James Callahan),Mickey Deemsas Drunk,Joe Georgeas Bartender,Gloria LeRoyas Gloria Mealy, andStevie Vallanceas Jenny Ballinger (credited as Louise Vallance). | ||||||
| 26 | 20 | "The Rummage Sale" | Jack Shea | George Burditt | May 1, 1980 | |
|
Stanley's men's magazines are accidentally donated to a church rummage sale. Guest Stars:Edward Groveras Reverend Harper andStevie Vallanceas Jenny Ballinger (credited as Louise Vallance).Based on "Jumble Pie" by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 27 | 21 | "Four Letter Word" | Jack Shea | George Burditt | May 8, 1980 | |
|
When Stanley goes over to his brother-in-law Hubert's office to get a job, he finds two tickets for Hubert and his secretary to Acapulco. Guest Stars:Timothy Blakeas Louise Cooper,Rod ColbinasHubert Armbrewster,Dena Dietrichas Ethel Armbrewster, andStevie Vallanceas Jenny Ballinger (credited as Louise Vallance).Based on the episode of the same name by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke | ||||||
| 28 | 22 | "Mother's Wake" | Jack Shea | George Burditt | May 15, 1980 | |
|
Helen's mother holds a wake at the Ropers' house to discuss her will, complete with presents. Guest Stars:Lucille Bensonas Mother,Dena Dietrichas Ethel Armbrewster,Lois Hamiltonas Debbie Hopper (credited as Lois Areno),Darcy Pulliamas Hilda,Henry Suttonas Reverend Munson, andStevie Vallanceas Jenny Ballinger (credited as Louise Vallance). | ||||||
Home Media
editOn December 22, 2023, VEI released a special 40th anniversary box set ofThree's Companythat also includes all episodes ofThe RopersandThree's a Crowd.[7]
In September 2024,VEIreissued the complete series in a separate standalone set entitled:The Ropers- The Complete Series.[8]
Syndication
editThe Roperswas aired insyndicationonlocal channelsin the 1980s and early 1990s, but has had limited airings in recent years, likely because, due to its relatively short network run—roughly a season-and-a-half—there are not enough episodes tostripthe show. Two episodes of the series, however, play in the syndication package ofThree's Company.When initially offered in syndication, the series ran under the titleThree's Company's Friends, The Ropers.That version used an instrumental version of the original series' theme song. Six episodes of the series were aired onTV Landin September 2006, and four episodes were aired onWGN Americain October 2008.
Beginning in January 2011Antenna TV,a television network designed for digital television subchannels and owned byTribune Broadcasting,aired the sitcom.[9]The series started on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, and went through one entire rotation of all episodes before being removed from the lineup.[10]On August 29, 2011, the show returned to the lineup as theThree's Companycycle again came to the point of the series where the Ropers left.
Antenna TV usually shows back-to-back episodes ofThree's Company.But when the cycle comes to the point of the Ropers' departure, the network then airsThe Ropersfollowing a single episode ofThree's Companyuntil the end of theRoperscycle, then resumes the back-to-backThree's Companyairings.
Beginning in 2015, Antenna TV began airing the series on weekends back to back with the otherThree's Companyspin-off seriesThree's a Crowd.
The Ropers can currently be seen onPluto TVchannel Classic TV Comedy,Tubi,andPeacock.
References
edit- ^"Shows - CBS Television City".cbstelevisioncity.Archived fromthe originalon 2011-07-13.Retrieved2015-01-24.
- ^abMann, Chris (1998).Come and Knock on Our Door: A Hers and Hers and His Guide to Three's Company.Macmillan. p. 113.ISBN0-312-16803-9.
- ^"The Ropers, 1979–80 – Top 10 Worst TV Spin-Offs".Time.Time Inc.October 1, 2008. Archived fromthe originalon October 4, 2008.Retrieved2010-12-30.
- ^TV Guide Book of Lists.Running Press. 2007. p.181.ISBN978-0-7624-3007-9.
- ^"Another 'Three' for Taffner"(PDF).Programing.Broadcasting.Vol. 111, no. 16. Washington. October 20, 1986. p. 46.ISSN0007-2028.
- ^Dempsey, John (January 28, 1987). "Buyer's mart for syndie shows".Variety.Vol. 326, no. 1. New Orleans, Louisiana. pp. 1, 59.ISSN0011-5509.
- ^Three's Company - The official 40th Anniversary Collection
- ^The Ropers The Complete Series
- ^"Our Exclusive Interview with Antenna TV's Sean Compton; KTLA Preview of Antenna TV; 2011 SAG Nominations - SitcomsOnline News Blog".sitcomsonline.
- ^"Antenna TV Premieres The Ropers on Feb. 15, 2011; Remembering Character Actor Peter Hobbs - SitcomsOnline News Blog".sitcomsonline.