Going Old-School: Cheers – Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Growing up, the theme song echoed through our living room: “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.” “Cheers” was more than a TV show; it was a part of our lives. As I recently revisited the iconic bar from the outside and the locations where some scenes were filmed, I decided it was time to dive back into the series from the very beginning.

Despite “Cheers” premiering in 1982, when I was merely two years old, it feels like it’s been a fixture in my life forever. The show’s ensemble cast—Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Woody Harrelson, and others—became like old friends, and their escapades in the Boston bar never failed to entertain.

Rewatching the early episodes brought forth surprises I hadn’t remembered. From Diane being left at Cheers by her professor-fiancé to Coach’s departure making way for Woody, the show’s evolution unfolded before me anew. A particularly amusing realization struck me: I once crossed paths randomly in a hallway with a “Cheers” cast member when I met Woody Harrelson during his visit to my college campus while in town filming “Zombieland.”

While revisiting older shows like “Saved by the Bell” and “Beverly Hills, 90210” had become somewhat routine, “Cheers” provided a cultural shock. The show, now over 40 years old, showcased a world without cell phones, internet, and other modern conveniences. Norm’s wife’s concerns about his whereabouts could now be easily addressed with a simple text, and Cliff, the mailman, might grumble about rising postage rates.

Yet, the show also highlighted societal shifts. Themes that once passed without much thought now evoke discomfort. Sam’s once-charming promiscuity might lead to discussions about STDs and AIDS. Instances of inappropriate behavior in the bar, like grabbing Carla’s backside or forcing kisses on Rebecca, would be rightfully condemned today.

For example, scenes like the one between Diane and Sam, which once played for laughs, wouldn’t be deemed acceptable in today’s more aware and sensitive culture.

In 2023, “Cheers” celebrated the 30th anniversary of its finale, a time when 90 million viewers gathered to bid farewell. Streaming services and DVRs were not yet on the scene, making catching the episode at 9 pm on Thursday a must, unless your trusty VCR was set.

To mark the occasion, cast members reunited in Austin for an interview with NBC’s “The Today Show.”

Should You Watch It: Yes! Not only for the nostalgia trip but also because shows like “Cheers” with its memorable characters are a rare find today. As reality TV and dramas dominate, the era of classic sitcoms is slowly fading away. Give “Cheers” a chance and revel in the timeless humor and camaraderie.

And for a touch of humor, here’s a compilation of every time Norm walks into the bar: