Cheers
Cheers
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Cheers

"Where everybody knows your name."

7.6
Yr 1982
Status Ended
Comedy
Your Verdict

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Series Brief

Overview

The story about a blue-collar Boston bar run by former sports star Sam Malone and the quirky and wonderful people who worked and drank there.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 95 /100

Cheers is widely regarded as a comedy goliath of the 1980s, praised for its well-drawn characters, clever writing, and top-tier ensemble performances. By blending romantic comedy, satire, and light slapstick, the series transcended the traditional sitcom format, earning significant critical acclaim and industry recognition starting with its debut season.

Its legacy remains formidable, frequently appearing on rankings of the greatest television series of all time. Critics emphasize the strength of its character studies and its role as a bridge between classic sitcom styles and later, more absurdist comedies.

“A mix of quirky romantic comedy, satire and light slapstick with a growing ensemble of top-notch comedians made Cheers the comedy goliath of the eighties.”

“An excellent show, then, well worth raising our glasses to.”

“Set in a Boston bar, CHEERS is one of the 1980s' best-loved sitcoms.”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Hulu
US
Paramount Plus Premium
US • CA • UK
Paramount Plus Essential
US
Show 5 more
Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel
US • UK • CA
Paramount Plus
UK • CA
Paramount+ Amazon Channel
UK • US • CA
Paramount Plus Basic with Ads
CA • UK
Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel
US
Why fans love it

The appeal of this long-running sitcom relies on the specific rhythm of its setting. By focusing on a Boston bar, the series transforms a neutral workplace into a third home for characters like Ted Danson’s bartender Sam Malone. Its strength lies in how it balances the shifting dynamics between colleagues and regulars, maintaining a steady, lived-in atmosphere that feels distinct from the fast-paced punchlines of other comedies from its 1982 era.

The writing pivots between low-stakes workplace humor and the evolving relationships of people who are essentially stuck together by habit. Whether it is a postal worker finishing his shift or a bartender managing the chaos of the room, the series treats its ensemble like a found family. It keeps the core tension grounded in the simple fact that these people have nowhere better to go, making even the most repetitive arguments feel like a reliable part of a routine.

Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 7
Longest run 269 eps
Ted Danson
Ted Danson
as Sam Malone
269 episodes
Kirstie Alley
Kirstie Alley
as Rebecca Howe
148 episodes
Shelley Long
Shelley Long
as Diane Chambers
122 episodes
Nicholas Colasanto
Nicholas Colasanto
as Ernie 'Coach' Pantusso
69 episodes
Rhea Perlman
Rhea Perlman
as Carla Tortelli
269 episodes
George Wendt
George Wendt
as Norm Peterson
269 episodes
John Ratzenberger
John Ratzenberger
as Cliff Clavin
269 episodes
Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson
as Woody Boyd
200 episodes
Show 67 more
Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane 201 episodes Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith Sternin 79 episodes Fred Dryer as Dave Richards 4 episodes Leah Remini as Serafina Tortelli 2 episodes Doris Grau as Corinne 3 episodes Derek McGrath as Andy Schroeder 4 episodes Kevin Conroy as Darryl Mead 2 episodes Georgia Brown as Madame Lazora 2 episodes Joel Polis as Gary 3 episodes Amanda Wyss as Beth Curtis 2 episodes Jay Thomas as Eddie LeBec 9 episodes Max Wright as Jim Fleener 2 episodes Robert Desiderio as Gary 3 episodes Jean Kasem as Loretta Tortelli 6 episodes Sam Scarber as Lewis 2 episodes Peter Keleghan as Kirby 2 episodes Diedrich Bader as Waiter 2 episodes Dean Dittman as Harrison Fiedler 2 episodes Cynthia Stevenson as Doris 2 episodes Bill Medley as Bill Medley 2 episodes Keene Curtis as John Allen Hill 15 episodes Kate Mulgrew as Janet Eldridge 3 episodes Michael Currie as Mr. Sheridan 2 episodes Jarrett Lennon as Ludlow Tortelli 3 episodes Eric Christmas as Father Barry 4 episodes Jackie Swanson as Kelly Boyd 24 episodes Kenneth Tigar as Dr. Lowell Greenspon 2 episodes Ernie Sabella as Stan 2 episodes David Paymer as Phil Schumacher 3 episodes Philip Perlman as Phil 21 episodes Robert Machray as Fire Marshal Dobbins 4 episodes Alan Koss as Alan 41 episodes Tim Cunningham as Tim 37 episodes Jack Knight as Jack 7 episodes Paul Vaughn as Paul 10 episodes Harry Anderson as Harry the Hat 6 episodes Paul Willson as Paul Krapence 55 episodes Thomas Babson as Tom 10 episodes Michael McGuire as Sumner Sloan 3 episodes Dan Hedaya as Nick Tortelli 6 episodes Al Rosen as Al 27 episodes Frances Sternhagen as Esther Clavin 7 episodes Larry Harpel as Larry 11 episodes Steve Giannelli as Steve 28 episodes Jacqueline Cassell as Customer 4 episodes Raye Birk as Walt Twitchell 3 episodes Catherine MacNeal as Joanne 3 episodes Timothy Williams as Anthony Tortelli 5 episodes Hugh Maguire as Hugh 14 episodes Peter Schreiner as Pete 40 episodes Mark Arnott as Mark 8 episodes Tom Skerritt as Evan Drake 6 episodes Michael Holden as Joe 8 episodes Annie Golden as Margaret O'Keefe 4 episodes Richard Doyle as Mr. Walter Gaines 8 episodes Roger Rees as Robin Colcord 17 episodes Tony DiBenedetto as Tony 9 episodes Webster Williams as Miles 3 episodes Barry Zajac as Barry 5 episodes Anthony Cistaro as Henrí 5 episodes Josh Lozoff as Gino Tortelli 4 episodes Christopher Graves as Frederick Crane 6 episodes Kevin Graves as Frederick Crane 6 episodes Thomas Tulak as Jesse LeBec 3 episodes Danny Kramer as Elvis LeBec 3 episodes Amanda Ingber as Annie Tortelli 5 episodes Mark Watson as Bar Patron (uncredited) 34 episodes
Signal Match

Similarity

Where Cheers overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

boston, massachusetts bartender postal worker sitcom workplace comedy bar celebratory
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 30, 1982
Status
Ended
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
679