Let’s be honest—when Cheers first aired in 1982, no one expected it to become one of the most iconic sitcoms in American TV history. Believe it or not, it ranked near the bottom of the ratings. But thanks to word of mouth, sharp writing, and a cast that clicked like cold mugs in a bar, it lasted an incredible 11 seasons. Sit tight, because we’re diving into the surprising backstory of Cheers—a show that almost didn’t stand a chance.

From Worst to First: A Rocky Start for Cheers

When Cheers premiered on NBC, it was nearly dead on arrival. The ratings were so low, the show ranked 74th out of 77 shows during its debut week. Most networks would’ve pulled the plug. But NBC saw something special. With strong support from critics and a growing fan base, Cheers got a second chance—and thank goodness it did. By the time it wrapped in 1993, it had won 28 Emmys and pulled in millions of loyal viewers.

The Real-Life Pub That Inspired the Cheers Bar

That cozy, wood-paneled bar where “everybody knows your name”? It’s based on a real place. Cheers took its design and vibe from the Bull & Finch Pub in Boston. Once the show hit it big, fans from all over started flocking to the bar just to feel like part of the magic. Today, it’s a major tourist spot—proof that TV can make real places legendary.

Video: Cheers best bits | S01E22 | “Before you came here I was a happy man”

Sam Malone Was Almost a Football Star

Originally, the character of Sam Malone was supposed to be a retired football player. But then came Ted Danson—charming, lanky, and, well, more of a baseball kind of guy. The producers rewrote the role to make Sam a former Red Sox pitcher. That small change? It made all the difference, giving Sam a more Boston-local vibe that totally fit the show’s setting.

Frasier Crane Was Never Meant to Stick Around

Here’s a plot twist for you: Frasier Crane, played by Kelsey Grammer, was only supposed to appear in a few episodes. Just a side character. But fans loved his dry wit and awkward charm so much, he became a full-time cast member. Not only that—his spin-off series, Frasier, turned out to be a massive hit on its own. Talk about an accidental superstar.

Cheers Never Left the Studio (Almost)

Think all those bar scenes were filmed in an actual bar? Nope. Almost every scene in Cheers was shot inside a soundstage, carefully designed to look and feel like a real Boston pub. The creators wanted viewers to feel like they were walking into the same warm, familiar place every week. A few exterior shots were added later, but the soul of the show stayed indoors.

Ted Danson Couldn’t Mix a Drink to Save His Life

It’s kind of hilarious when you think about it—Ted Danson, the heartthrob bartender of Cheers, had no clue how to bartend in real life. He actually trained with a pro just to learn how to handle bottles and glasses without looking like a total rookie. Guess what? It worked. He made it look effortless—even if he had no idea what he was pouring.

Shelley Long’s Exit Shocked Fans

When Shelley Long (Diane Chambers) left the show after Season 5, fans were stunned—and not in a good way. Diane and Sam’s love-hate chemistry had been a core part of the show’s appeal. Long’s departure nearly derailed the series. But in came Kirstie Alley as Rebecca Howe, and over time, she won over audiences with her own quirky charm. A risky move that totally paid off.

Woody Harrelson Almost Missed His Big Break

Before Woody Harrelson became a household name, he nearly lost out on the role of Woody Boyd. The part wasn’t even written for him. But during auditions, Woody brought an earnest, goofy energy that no one else could match. The casting team took a chance on him, and boom—he became one of the show’s breakout stars.

Big Stars Popped In for Memorable Moments

Over the years, Cheers welcomed a ton of guest stars who made brief but unforgettable appearances. Think Alex Trebek, Johnny Carson, Emma Thompson, Christopher Lloyd, and even Michael Richards (pre-Seinfeld). These cameos added a touch of surprise and kept the show feeling fresh, even after a decade on the air.

The Finale Was One for the History Books

When Cheers said goodbye in 1993, over 80 million people tuned in to watch. That finale became one of the most-watched episodes in TV history. It wasn’t just a goodbye to a show—it was a farewell to an era. The characters raised a final glass, and fans everywhere did the same.

Conclusion: From Underdog to Sitcom Royalty

Cheers didn’t start off as a hit. In fact, it nearly vanished before anyone even noticed it was there. But thanks to its brilliant writing, unforgettable characters, and a whole lot of heart, it carved out a permanent place in pop culture. Whether you were rooting for Sam and Diane, laughing at Cliff’s trivia, or raising a glass with Norm, Cheers was the kind of show that made you feel like part of the gang. And that’s what great TV is all about.