Cheers! The Beloved Sitcom Comes To The Stage: Then & Now Cast Revealed

In the world of television, few shows have managed to leave as lasting an impact as the beloved sitcom Cheers. First airing in 1982, the show followed the lives of the lovable and quirky residents of Boston's Cheers bar, where everyone knew your name and the beer was always cold. Over the course of 11 seasons, the show became a staple of American television, earning widespread critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. But as the years went by, the show's popularity never wavered, and it remains one of the most iconic and beloved sitcoms of all time. In this article, we'll take a look back at the original cast of Cheers, and introduce you to the talented actors who brought the show to life.

One of the key factors that contributed to Cheers' success was its talented cast of characters. The show's core group of cast members included Ted Danson as Sam Malone, Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, Rhea Perlman as Carla Tortelli, John Ratzenberger as Cliff Clavin, and George Wendt as Norm Peterson. Each of these actors brought their unique brand of humor and charm to the show, making the characters feel like old friends to audiences everywhere.

In addition to the core cast, Cheers also featured a number of talented guest stars throughout its run. These actors brought a fresh perspective to the show, and often played off the established characters in hilarious and unexpected ways. Some notable guest stars included Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane, who would go on to star in his own spin-off show, and Woody Harrelson as Woody Boyd, a lovable but awkward barroom regular.

As the years went by, the cast of Cheers began to evolve and change. Shelley Long, who played the intelligent and independent Diane Chambers, left the show after season five, and was replaced by the talented Kirstie Alley as Rebecca Howe. This change marked a new era for the show, as the writers began to explore more comedic storylines and character developments.

The Golden Years: Seasons 1-5

The first five seasons of Cheers are widely regarded as the show's best work. During this time, the cast was still relatively new, and the chemistry between the actors was at its peak. The show's writers, led by Glen Charles and Les Charles, crafted some of the most iconic episodes in television history, including "Coach House" and "The Visiting Frankenstein." These episodes showcased the cast's incredible comedic talents, and helped establish Cheers as a household name.

During this period, the show also began to establish its own unique voice and style. The writers drew heavily from the show's setting, using the Boston bar scene as a backdrop for hilarious and often poignant storylines. The show's use of humor and wit also helped to set it apart from other sitcoms of the time, and paved the way for future comedies.

Notable Episodes from the Golden Years

• "Coach House" (Season 1, Episode 14) - In this classic episode, Cliff Clavin is forced to drive a group of eccentric passengers to the airport, leading to a series of hilarious misadventures.
• "The Visiting Frankenstein" (Season 2, Episode 10) - When the bar is forced to hire a new bartender, Norm becomes convinced that the newcomer is a former patient of Dr. Frankenstein's, leading to a series of ridiculous misunderstandings.
• "The Quietest Place in Boston" (Season 3, Episode 14) - In this standout episode, Cliff becomes obsessed with finding the quietest place in Boston, leading to a series of absurd and hilarious attempts to achieve this goal.

The New Era: Seasons 6-11

As the show entered its seventh season, the cast began to undergo significant changes. Shelley Long's departure was followed by the introduction of Kirstie Alley as Rebecca Howe, and the show's tone began to shift in response. The writers started to explore more character-driven storylines, and the show's humor became more absurdist and offbeat.

Despite these changes, the show remained incredibly popular, and the cast continued to deliver standout performances. Rhea Perlman's portrayal of the lovable but cantankerous Carla Tortelli became a fan favorite, and Ted Danson's Sam Malone remained one of the most iconic characters in television history.

Notable Episodes from the New Era

• "The Blind Date" (Season 6, Episode 13) - In this classic episode, Norm takes Diane on a blind date, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and awkward moments.
• "The Yule Shoot Your Eye Out" (Season 6, Episode 12) - In this holiday-themed episode, Norm becomes convinced that his nephew is the killer in a series of yuletide-themed murders, leading to a series of ridiculous and hilarious attempts to uncover the truth.
• "One for the Road" (Season 11, Episode 24) - In the show's final episode, the cast gathers to bid farewell to the bar and the friends they've made along the way.

The Legacy of Cheers

In the years since its initial run, Cheers has continued to inspire new generations of comedians and writers. The show's influence can be seen in everything from The Big Bang Theory to Modern Family, and its iconic characters and catchphrases remain ingrained in popular culture.

The show's impact on television is immeasurable, and it remains one of the most beloved and enduring sitcoms of all time. As we look back on the original cast of Cheers, it's clear that the show's enduring success is due in large part to the incredible talents of its cast.

The Cast's Careers After Cheers

• Ted Danson has gone on to have a successful career in television and film, including starring