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I've read before that three characters are often used because it looks better visually.
Exactly, that way when a sitcom starts out they can have the kids in 3 very distinct age brackets for the most story possibilities. They can have an elementary school age, middle school, and high school. Of they can go younger and have baby, toddler, and elementary school age. Allows more story possibilities.
I have sometimes wondered why so many Sitcoms with a Family in it or about a Family have 3 Kids at most.? This is so common among those type of TV Shows. You don't see many with just 1, 2 or 4 and 5 Kids.
Three is the number required for conflict. It is the point at which the number of kids outnumber their parents and it provides the potential to set up "us against them" rivalries within the kid set and for the parents themselves.
It also makes greater age ranges/gaps between ages more possible, so provides the potential for a greater range of story lines.
I think that "My Three Sons" set the standard that others, like "Full House, etc., have followed.
With one, the viewer is presented with only one argument. With two, it is two arguments but it is "obvious" that one side is going to win with the likely winner being the older or stronger.
With three, however, a decent conflict is produced, leaving the viewer to ponder and anticipate who is going to win, which side they should be on. Will one side win out over the others or will they work out an answer and for holding the viewer, it should be that they work it out. That gets the viewer more involved.
It is not only kids. Charmed, even without its Wicca and femininity basis (maiden, mother, crone), was directly like that and to a certain extent, Andromeda with "Romi". Conceptually, The Mod Squad could be like that but I have not seen enough of that show to be able to say for certain; equally, Charlie's Angels might also be like that.
It might further extend into having three elements where none is ultimately supreme over the others, such as the landing party in ST:TNG "The Royale" of the brawn, the brains, and the charm.
Classically, there was Star Trek where Kirk has to make a decision and has two sides to help him with McCoy who presented the human angle and Spock for the harsh logic. Scotty and the crew in this analysis are usually considered "the people" or those who will be affected. Hence, while it may appear there is a 4th element such as Bosley or Captain Greer, they aren't the prime elements. Like in The Rookies, there were three elements and Kate Jackson was more of a supporting component to one of those elements instead of being another element herself.
In my humble opinion....................
Excellent analysis.
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Now there's three kids I can live with!
