Premiering on September 30, 1982, Cheers quickly became one of the most iconic sitcoms in American TV history. But it wasn’t an instant success. Its pilot ranked near the bottom of Nielsen ratings. Fortunately, NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff believed in the show and kept it on the air. That gamble paid off, as Cheers eventually ran for 11 seasons, winning 28 Emmy Awards and spawning one of the most successful spin-offs of all time—Frasier.
Here are some fascinating behind-the-scenes facts and lesser-known trivia about Cheers and its lasting impact on television.
1. The Real Bar Behind the Cheers Exterior
The exterior shots of the bar come from the Bull & Finch Pub in Boston, located across from the Boston Public Garden. After the show’s success, the pub embraced its connection and changed its name to Cheers Beacon Hill. It remains a popular tourist destination today.
2. Sam Malone Was Originally a Football Player
Writers first envisioned Sam Malone as a former football star. However, when Ted Danson was cast, producers decided he didn’t have the build of a football player. Instead, they made Sam a retired Boston Red Sox relief pitcher. This change gave the character more authenticity and allowed for plenty of baseball-related humor.
3. Ted Danson Trained as a Bartender
To prepare for the role, Ted Danson took a two-week bartending class in Burbank, California. While the show rarely focused on drink-making, his training helped him look more convincing behind the bar.
4. Cheers Had a Rocky Start
Despite its later popularity, Cheers almost got canceled after its first season due to low ratings. It ranked 74th out of 77 shows in its debut week. Strong critical reviews and internal support from NBC kept the show afloat. By the time it ended in 1993, it was one of the most-watched programs in the country.
5. The “Laugh Track” Wasn’t a Track at All
Some viewers complained about the laugh track volume. In response, NBC issued a disclaimer in 1983: Cheers was filmed in front of a live studio audience. The laughs were real—no artificial track was added.
6. Sam Malone Almost Continued Without Danson
When Danson decided to leave the show in 1993, producers briefly considered continuing Cheers with Woody Harrelson’s character. They offered Harrelson the lead role, but he declined. He felt the show wouldn’t be the same without Danson, and Cheers ended on a high note with a celebrated finale.
7. Carla’s Husband Was Killed Off for Real-Life Reasons
Jay Thomas played Eddie LeBec, Carla’s hockey-playing husband. During a radio show, a caller asked what it was like to work on Cheers. Thomas made a disparaging joke about working with Rhea Perlman. She heard the comment and was reportedly offended. The producers responded by writing Eddie out of the show—he was killed off in a bizarre accident involving a Zamboni.
8. Ted Danson Wore a Hairpiece
Sam Malone was known for his great hair. But Ted Danson’s wasn’t quite as thick in real life. He wore a hairpiece throughout the series. During his 1990 Emmy acceptance speech, he pulled back the curtain by appearing with his thinning hair in full view, surprising fans.
9. Frasier Was Born on Cheers
Frasier Crane, played by Kelsey Grammer, joined Cheers in Season 3. Originally intended as a temporary character to stir up drama between Sam and Diane, Frasier proved so popular that he became a series regular. After Cheers ended, Grammer continued playing Frasier for 11 more seasons in the spin-off Frasier.
10. Frasier Was Almost Played by Someone Else
Producers originally offered the role of Frasier Crane to actor John Lithgow. He turned it down, preferring to focus on film and theater. That opened the door for Grammer, who made the role his own and earned multiple Emmys for his performance.
11. Frasier Was in Development Before Cheers Ended
During Cheers’ eighth season, Grammer and producers Peter Casey, David Lee, and David Angell started working on a new sitcom concept. Their original idea had nothing to do with Frasier and focused on a disabled businessman. However, Paramount wanted to capitalize on the Cheers legacy and pushed for a Frasier-centered spin-off. Eventually, the producers agreed, and Frasier premiered in 1993 to critical acclaim.
12. Lisa Kudrow Almost Played Roz on Frasier
Before Friends made her a star, Lisa Kudrow was cast as Roz Doyle, Frasier’s producer. However, after a few rehearsal days, producers felt she lacked chemistry with Grammer. They recast the role with Peri Gilpin, who became a perfect fit.
13. Kirstie Alley Declined Frasier
Kirstie Alley, who played Rebecca Howe on Cheers, turned down a chance to appear on Frasier. A devout Scientologist, she objected to the show’s focus on psychiatry, which conflicts with Scientology teachings. Kelsey Grammer confirmed this in interviews, noting that Alley was otherwise supportive.
14. Rosie Perez Almost Played Daphne
For Frasier, producers briefly considered Rosie Perez for the role of Daphne Moon. Kelsey Grammer lobbied for a Latina character to avoid too many English accents and tropes. Eventually, Jane Leeves was cast, and her quirky portrayal became a fan favorite.
15. Jane Leeves Became the Highest-Paid British Actress on U.S. TV
By Frasier’s final seasons, Jane Leeves earned recognition and top billing. During the 11th season, she was reportedly the highest-paid British actress on American television. Meanwhile, Grammer became one of the highest-paid actors on TV, earning $1.6 million per episode before being surpassed by Ray Romano of Everybody Loves Raymond.
16. Kelsey Grammer Sang the Frasier Theme
The Frasier theme song, “Tossed Salads and Scrambled Eggs,” was written by Bruce Miller with lyrics by Darryl Phinnesse. The lyrics don’t mention psychiatry or Frasier by name. Instead, they metaphorically reflect the confusion of his callers. Grammer performed the song himself, giving it the jazzy tone that closed every episode.
17. The Legacy Lives On
Cheers didn’t just entertain millions—it changed the sitcom landscape. Its blend of workplace comedy, will-they-won’t-they romance, and ensemble cast set a template many shows have followed. Frasier, its spin-off, achieved equal acclaim and became the most successful spin-off in TV history. In 2023, Frasier even returned in a reboot with Grammer reprising his role, continuing the legacy.
Final Thoughts
From its shaky start to its triumphant run, Cheers remains a landmark in American television. It introduced memorable characters, launched legendary careers, and gave rise to Frasier, a spin-off that achieved greatness in its own right. Decades later, both shows continue to attract new fans through reruns and streaming platforms.
Whether you’re visiting the real-life bar in Boston or watching Sam, Diane, Norm, and Carla trade quips, Cheers still feels like a place where everybody knows your name.