Don Nicholl was one of the key creative minds behind some of the most beloved television sitcoms of the 1970s and 1980s, including the iconic Three’s Company. As a writer and producer, Nicholl played a pivotal role in bringing humor, wit, and charm to the small screen. His talent for crafting memorable characters, clever dialogue, and situational comedy helped create enduring shows that resonated with audiences and continue to be celebrated today. Alongside his partners Michael Ross and Bernie West, Nicholl was responsible for shaping the comedic landscape of American television, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the medium’s most influential writers and producers.
This article explores Don Nicholl’s life and career, from his early years in England to his monumental impact on American television, highlighting his work on Three’s Company and other classic sitcoms.
Early Life and Career in England
Don Nicholl was born on August 9, 1925, in Sunderland, England. He grew up during the tumultuous years of World War II, and like many young men of his generation, he faced the hardships brought on by the conflict. Despite the challenges, Nicholl developed a love for humor and writing, skills that would eventually define his career.
His early career began in the United Kingdom, where he worked as a writer for BBC radio. Nicholl contributed to various comedy programs, gaining experience in scriptwriting and comedy development. It was during this time that he honed his craft, learning how to structure jokes, create engaging characters, and develop humorous scenarios that would resonate with audiences.
By the 1960s, Nicholl had established himself as a talented comedy writer, contributing to British television shows that showcased his sharp wit and knack for situational humor. However, Nicholl’s ambitions extended beyond the British entertainment industry. He saw the growing potential of American television, which was expanding rapidly with the rise of network sitcoms. In the late 1960s, Nicholl made the bold decision to relocate to the United States, where he believed his writing talents could flourish in the burgeoning world of American television.
Breaking Into American Television
After moving to the United States, Don Nicholl began working as a comedy writer in Hollywood, where his skills were quickly recognized by producers and networks. His sharp, observational humor and experience in the British comedy scene made him a valuable addition to American television, which was increasingly looking for fresh, innovative voices to appeal to a growing audience.
One of Nicholl’s early successes came when he was hired as a writer for The Lucy Show, starring Lucille Ball. The show was already a well-established hit, but Nicholl’s contributions helped keep the comedy sharp and engaging. Writing for a legend like Lucille Ball was an important milestone in Nicholl’s career, and it helped solidify his reputation as a gifted writer capable of delivering high-quality sitcom scripts.
Nicholl’s ability to create relatable, humorous scenarios with universal appeal set him apart from many of his contemporaries. His writing style was grounded in character-driven comedy, focusing on the relationships and interactions between individuals rather than relying solely on slapstick or gag-based humor. This approach would serve him well throughout his career, particularly as he transitioned into creating and producing his own television shows.
The Birth of Three’s Company
One of Don Nicholl’s most significant contributions to American television was his work on Three’s Company, a sitcom that became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Nicholl, along with his writing and producing partners Michael Ross and Bernie West, was instrumental in adapting the British series Man About the House for American audiences. The American version, Three’s Company, premiered in 1977 and quickly became one of the most popular and influential sitcoms of its time.
The premise of Three’s Company revolved around three single roommates—Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter), Janet Wood (played by Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy Snow (played by Suzanne Somers)—sharing an apartment in Santa Monica, California. To satisfy the conservative sensibilities of their landlord, Mr. Roper (played by Norman Fell), Jack pretended to be gay, allowing him to live with two women without raising suspicions. The show’s comedic energy came from the misunderstandings, sexual innuendos, and slapstick humor that arose from the roommates’ interactions with one another and with their eccentric neighbors.
Nicholl’s genius as a writer and producer was evident in the way Three’s Company balanced broad physical comedy with character-driven humor. The show relied heavily on misunderstandings and farcical situations, but it also had a warmth and relatability that resonated with viewers. The chemistry between the cast, particularly John Ritter’s lovable portrayal of Jack Tripper, was a testament to Nicholl’s ability to create characters that felt real, even in the midst of absurd scenarios.
Three’s Company was a massive ratings success, running for eight seasons and becoming one of the top-rated sitcoms of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Its popularity helped cement Nicholl, Ross, and West as one of the most successful creative teams in television, and the show’s influence can still be seen in modern sitcoms that rely on similar comedic tropes.
Other Successes: The Jeffersons and All in the Family
While Three’s Company is perhaps Don Nicholl’s most famous work, it was far from his only contribution to the world of television. Nicholl, along with his partners Ross and West, also worked on some of the most groundbreaking and influential sitcoms of the 1970s, including The Jeffersons and All in the Family.
All in the Family, created by Norman Lear, was a trailblazing sitcom that tackled controversial social issues such as race, gender, and class with humor and honesty. Nicholl contributed as a writer and producer on the show, helping to shape its sharp, socially conscious voice. The show’s protagonist, Archie Bunker, became an iconic character, and the series as a whole revolutionized the way sitcoms could address serious societal issues while still delivering laughs.
The Jeffersons, a spin-off of All in the Family, followed the lives of George and Louise Jefferson as they moved up the social ladder and became part of New York’s upper class. The show, which ran for 11 seasons, was notable for its portrayal of African American success and its exploration of race relations in a humorous but thought-provoking way. Nicholl’s contributions to The Jeffersons further solidified his reputation as a writer who could blend comedy with social commentary, creating shows that were both entertaining and meaningful.
Legacy and Impact on Television
Don Nicholl’s career left an indelible mark on the world of television comedy. His work on Three’s Company, The Jeffersons, and All in the Family helped define the sitcom genre during one of its most important eras. Nicholl had a unique ability to blend humor with heart, creating characters and stories that resonated with audiences on a deep level.
One of Nicholl’s greatest strengths as a writer and producer was his ability to take complex or controversial subjects and make them accessible through comedy. Whether it was exploring the dynamics of a co-ed living arrangement in Three’s Company or tackling racism and classism in All in the Family and The Jeffersons, Nicholl used humor to challenge social norms and encourage viewers to think critically about the world around them.
In addition to his creative talents, Nicholl was known for fostering strong relationships with his writing and producing partners. His long-standing collaboration with Michael Ross and Bernie West was one of the most successful partnerships in television history, and together, they created some of the most iconic sitcoms of the 1970s and 1980s.
Nicholl’s work continues to influence modern television comedies, as his approach to situational humor, character development, and social commentary remains relevant today. His legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of the shows he helped create, and his contributions to the sitcom format are still celebrated by fans and industry professionals alike.
On July 5, 1980, Don Nicholl passed away at the age of 54, cutting short a brilliant career. Despite his untimely death, Nicholl’s impact on the world of television remains profound. His ability to create laughter while also addressing important issues helped elevate the sitcom genre, and his work continues to inspire writers, producers, and comedians to this day.