HT4. The Photo Is Not Edited. Look Closer!

This television series is undeniably a classic, and I am certain that I am not alone in having spent countless hours enjoying the antics of Sam, Diane, Norm, and the rest of the ensemble.

However, there are some astonishing behind-the-scenes revelations about the show that even its most ardent fans may not be aware of. Are you curious about what truly transpired on set? Explore these insights and share whether you were already familiar with any of them!

Cheers remains a timeless favorite. The experience of gathering at the pub with such a delightful cast of characters never loses its charm. I have recently begun rewatching the series on Paramount+, and it continues to deliver the same level of humor that I recall!

Nevertheless, there are numerous aspects of the show that surprised me, and I suspect many fans share this sentiment. Like any production, Cheers encountered its share of errors and bloopers.

From the outset, the creators of Cheers made a deliberate choice to avoid depicting characters leaving the bar intoxicated and driving home. This decision was not merely for comedic effect; it became an integral part of the show’s overarching message.

As the series progressed, Cheers garnered recognition and commendation from organizations advocating against drinking and driving for its responsible portrayal of alcohol consumption. The show played a significant role in promoting the concept of designated drivers, thereby raising awareness and encouraging safer practices among its audience.

The Writers Guild of America fully endorsed this initiative, resulting in an unprecedented collaboration among the leading television networks of that era.

In total, 160 prime-time programs incorporated designated driver messaging into their narratives, ultimately contributing over $100 million worth of “donated” television airtime to support this cause.

Indeed, it is quite remarkable how numerous prominent television shows united to advocate for such a vital message. This illustrates the considerable impact that pop culture can have.
Real Beer on Cheers?
Although it may have appeared that the cast of Cheers was enjoying cold beers throughout the day, they were actually consuming a far less appealing beverage.

For practical purposes, the bar’s taps were filled with a non-alcoholic, flat ale. To create the illusion of authenticity, salt was added to mimic carbonation. It is safe to say that this was not the most refreshing drink on set.

From Last Place to First
One particularly intriguing aspect that contributes to the historical significance of Cheers is that it is the only sitcom in television history to have been ranked both first and last during its airing.

On its premiere night, it was positioned at 77th place—dead last—but by its ninth season, it ascended to the number one spot in the ratings. This represents a remarkable turnaround!

However, Cheers was not without its somber moments related to alcohol. One of the show’s most cherished stars, Kelsey Grammer, faced significant challenges with drinking, particularly during the final season.

The actor has openly acknowledged that he resorted to cocaine and alcohol as a means of self-medication to cope with the difficulties he encountered in his life.

While this struggle may not be apparent upon rewatching the episodes, his co-stars witnessed it firsthand. He became increasingly challenging to work with and often appeared nearly catatonic between takes.

Another prominent actor from the series, Ted Danson, once confronted Grammer directly, which strained their relationship. In retrospect, Danson has expressed regret for not providing more support to his friend, who was evidently in distress. “I missed out on the last 30 years of Kelsey Grammer. … I feel like it’s my bad, my doing,” Danson remarked.

Despite numerous attempts at intervention, it took several years before Grammer was able to make a significant change. He ultimately sought help, but his genuine journey to recovery did not commence until the early seasons of Frasier in 1993.
Even 43 years after the debut of Cheers, Woody Harrelson and Ted Danson maintain a remarkable friendship. Their closeness is evident as they cohost a podcast titled Where Everybody Knows Your Name, where they engage in conversations with old friends, including former cast members from Cheers.

Their camaraderie began in the fourth season when Harrelson joined the cast, and Danson fondly recalls their memorable first encounter. On that day, Harrelson managed to get into a bar fight and was carjacked, making quite an impression. However, just when one might think they have him figured out, he surprises everyone with a beautifully composed poem and an invitation to witness a play he authored.

As Danson aptly states, “You cannot pigeonhole that guy.”

Initially, the creators of Cheers had cast another actor for the role of Woody, but Ted Danson took it upon himself to advocate for Woody Harrelson to secure the part behind the scenes.

Their friendship was so profound that when Danson chose to depart from Cheers, NBC sought to continue the series with Woody taking over the bar. However, Harrelson declined to proceed without his friend, exemplifying true loyalty to the spirit of Cheers.

Regarding Woody’s name, it is intriguing that both he and his character share the same first name, but this was purely coincidental. The character of Woody had already been named prior to any auditions. Harrelson himself admitted to having never watched the show and was not particularly interested in television at that time. It was a friend who encouraged him to audition, leading to his eventual casting.

“In fact, nobody had ever heard of Woody at that point. We were looking for a country bumpkin type, someone from Iowa or Ohio, a farm boy. And there’s the big city of Boston. So he has a bit of naivety and needs to learn things,” remarked Glen Charles, one of the creators of Cheers. “We read a guy who was perfect for the role, but I can’t even recall his name.”
Woody Harrelson and Ted Danson were present at the American Oceans Campaign’s Partner Award event held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, United States. (Getty Images)

Although Danson possessed a fair amount of natural hair, it was not as voluminous as it appeared on screen. Behind the scenes, he faced considerable thinning, which led to feelings of self-consciousness regarding his looks. To maintain the suave persona of Sam Malone, Danson resorted to a discreet solution — a toupee. This ingenious non-surgical hairpiece concealed the balding area on the crown of his head, preserving the illusion for many years.

Surprised? You are not alone! He mentioned that their casting director, Steve Kozak, had recommended Harrelson.

“In the meantime, this John had gone out and purchased a car, and yes, he got married and is now listening,” Les humorously remarked about the original actor.

After Harrelson’s audition, Glen noted that Danson “fought vigorously” for him.

“I distinctly remember you saying, ‘I know you believe you have your guy, but this individual is more intriguing,’” he recounted. “We ended up with the other actor, who was indeed a perfect fit. However, while he embodied everything we desired for the role, he was just a bit more than that.”

Ted Danson indeed had a bald spot.

Danson’s hair was almost a character in its own right on Cheers — fans admired it, discussed it, and even Sam Malone himself seemed more preoccupied with his hair than with romantic pursuits!

However, the reality was that this iconic hairstyle was not entirely as it appeared.

Keeping Shelley Long’s pregnancy under wraps was another intriguing aspect of the show.

Shelley Long, who portrayed Diane, had no intention of remaining on Cheers for an extended period. In fact, she initially agreed to co-star in the series with a short-term contract.

Yet, viewers quickly became enamored with Diane’s quirky personality, her tumultuous relationship with Sam, and her sharp, intellectual dialogue. She evolved into one of the series’ most cherished characters, making her eventual exit all the more poignant.

As for memorable moments, when both Shelley Long…