19 Surprising Facts About Cheers

Cheers ran for 11 seasons.

Cheers, the iconic American sitcom, graced our television screens for a remarkable 11 seasons. From its premiere in 1982 to its final episode in 1993, this beloved show brought laughter and heartwarming moments into millions of homes.

The theme song, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” became a classic.

One of the most recognizable TV theme songs of all time, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” perfectly captured the essence of Cheers. Written by Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo, it struck a chord with viewers and added to the show’s warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The character of Sam Malone was originally written for Fred Dryer.

Before Ted Danson stepped into the role, Sam Malone was intended to be portrayed by Fred Dryer, a former NFL player turned actor. However, Dryer declined the offer, leading to the opportunity for Danson to make the character his own and become a household name in the process.

Kelsey Grammer’s character, Frasier Crane, became the center of a successful spin-off.

Frasier Crane, the snobbish psychiatrist in Cheers, proved to be so popular that he was given his own spin-off series, aptly titled “Frasier.” The show ran for 11 seasons, garnering critical acclaim and further solidifying Grammer’s place in sitcom history.

Cheers was set in Boston, but most of it was filmed in Los Angeles.

Although Cheers was set in the iconic city of Boston, the majority of the show was actually filmed on a studio lot in Los Angeles. The bar’s iconic interior was meticulously recreated, capturing the spirit of the Boston pub where “everybody knows your name.

The Cheers bar set is now on display at the Hollywood Museum.

After the show ended, the iconic Cheers bar set found a new home at the Hollywood Museum. Fans can now visit and immerse themselves in the familiar surroundings where the beloved characters once gathered for endless laughter and heartfelt conversations.

Shelley Long left the show after five seasons.

Shelley Long, who portrayed the lovable but sometimes clumsy Diane Chambers, departed from Cheers after five seasons. Her departure opened the door for new storylines and the introduction of Rebecca Howe, played by Kirstie Alley.

Ted Danson won two Emmys for his role as Sam Malone.

Ted Danson’s portrayal of the charming bartender, Sam Malone, earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. Danson’s witty and charismatic performance contributed greatly to the show’s success.

“Norm!” became a catchphrase.

No character was as perpetually greeted as Norm Peterson was. Whenever he walked into the Cheers bar, the regular patrons would chime in unison, “Norm!” This catchphrase became synonymous with the show and remains an enduring part of its legacy.

Cheers inspired the creation of real-life Cheers bars.

The show’s popularity led to the opening of several bars and restaurants under the name “Cheers.” These establishments aimed to recreate the cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the iconic TV bar, allowing fans to experience a taste of the fictional world they had come to love.

The series finale attracted over 80 million viewers.

When Cheers bid farewell with its series finale, appropriately titled “One for the Road,” it drew an astonishing viewership of over 80 million people. This marked the end of an era and solidified Cheers’ place in television history as one of the most successful sitcoms ever.

The cast and crew had a real-life Cheers-like camaraderie.

Just like the characters they portrayed, the cast and crew of Cheers formed a tight-knit community off-screen. Their genuine camaraderie translated into compelling chemistry among the characters and contributed to the authenticity of the show’s relationships.

The show tackled important social issues.

Beyond its comedic moments, Cheers wasn’t afraid to address serious social issues. The show tackled topics such as addiction, homosexuality, and women’s rights, demonstrating its commitment to exploring meaningful stories and resonating with a wide range of viewers.

The phrase “jump the shark” originated from an episode of Cheers.

The phrase “jump the shark,” which refers to the moment when a TV show declines in quality, originated from an episode of Cheers. In the episode titled “Never Love a Goalie: Part 2,” Fonzie from Happy Days literally jumps over a shark while waterskiing, resulting in the creation of the now-famous phrase.

Cheers earned a dedicated fan base.

Throughout its run, Cheers garnered an incredibly loyal fan base that eagerly tuned in week after week. The show’s relatable characters, sharp writing, and timeless humor endeared it to audiences of all ages and made it a staple of television for over a decade.

The show featured a fictional drink called the “Flaming Homer.”

In one memorable episode, the character of Homer Simpson from The Simpsons shares a secret recipe with the gang at Cheers. This concoction, known as the “Flaming Homer,” became a popular reference among fans of both shows.

Cheers broke new ground for sitcoms.

With its ensemble cast, witty writing, and blend of comedy and drama, Cheers set the stage for a new era of sitcoms. It demonstrated that sitcoms could tackle complex storytelling, explore character development, and leave a lasting impact on viewers.

Cheers inspired other successful workplace sitcoms.

The success of Cheers paved the way for other workplace sitcoms, such as The Office and Parks and Recreation. Cheers’ ability to capture the dynamics within a workplace and balance humor with genuine emotion served as a blueprint for future shows in the genre.

Cheers remains a beloved classic.

Even years after its final episode aired, Cheers continues to be beloved by fans old and new. Its timeless appeal, relatable characters, and heartfelt storytelling ensure that “where everybody knows your name” will forever hold a special place in television history.

Conclusion

After exploring these 19 surprising facts about Cheers, it’s clear that this iconic sitcom holds a special place in television history. From its humble beginnings as a struggling show to becoming a beloved cultural phenomenon, Cheers has left an enduring legacy. Its talented cast, witty writing, and relatable characters made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Whether it’s the famous theme song, the iconic setting of the bar, or the memorable catchphrases, Cheers has undoubtedly made its mark on popular culture. Its success paved the way for many other sitcoms and demonstrated the power of strong writing and engaging characters. So, raise a glass to Cheers and the unforgettable memories it has provided to fans around the world!

FAQs

1. When did Cheers first air?

Cheers first aired on September 30, 1982.

2. How many seasons of Cheers were there?

Cheers had a total of 11 seasons, spanning from 1982 to 1993.

3. Where was Cheers filmed?

The exterior shots of the bar were filmed in Boston, Massachusetts, while the interior scenes were shot on a soundstage in Los Angeles, California.

4. Who were the main characters on Cheers?

The main characters on Cheers included Sam Malone, played by Ted Danson, Diane Chambers, played by Shelley Long, Norm Peterson, played by George Wendt, and Cliff Clavin, played by John Ratzenberger.

5. Did Cheers win any awards?

Yes, Cheers received numerous awards throughout its run, including 28 Primetime Emmy Awards and 6 Golden Globe Awards.

6. What is the significance of the Cheers theme song?

The theme song of Cheers, “Where Everybody Knows Your Name,” became an instantly recognizable tune that captured the essence of the show’s warm and inviting atmosphere.

7. Did any spin-offs come from Cheers?

Yes, there were two spin-offs from Cheers: Frasier, which followed the life of Frasier Crane, and The Tortellis, which focused on the character of Carla Tortelli’s ex-husband.

8. How many episodes of Cheers were produced?

A total of 275 episodes were produced during the show’s 11-season run.

9. What was the inspiration behind the creation of Cheers?

The creators of Cheers, James Burrows, Glen Charles, and Les Charles, were inspired by a real bar in Boston called the Bull & Finch Pub.

10. Why did Shelley Long leave the show?

Shelley Long decided to leave Cheers after five seasons to pursue other acting opportunities, and she felt that her character’s story had reached a natural conclusion.