10 Best Cheers Episodes, Ranked – SlashFilm

“Cheers” ran for 11 seasons on NBC from 1982 to 1993. At the moment, it is nonetheless thought of to be one of many biggest sitcoms of all time. The collection adopted the staff and patrons of a neighborhood Boston bar known as Cheers, an institution owned and operated by the charming Sam Malone (Ted Danson), a former Pink Sox aid pitcher. The present kicks off when a snobbish grad scholar named Diane Chambers (Shelley Lengthy) begins working on the bar as a cocktail waitress.

The present’s different principal characters included the sarcastic waitress Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman), lazy however lovable barfly Norm Peterson (George Wendt), and know-it-all mailman Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger). Each Wendt and Ratzenberger weren’t initially meant to final greater than three episodes, however they crushed their roles and have become staples. The primary three seasons additionally starred Nicholas Colasanto as Ernie “Coach” Pantusso, who sadly handed away in 1985. He was changed by Woody Harrelson, who performed farmboy Woody Boyd. Each Coach and Woody had been sort-hearted and easy-minded. 

Kelsey Grammer joined the forged within the present’s third season as Frasier Crane, a psychiatrist and new love curiosity of Diane. Ultimately, he married Lilith Sternin (Bebe Neuwirth), who turned one other common on the present. After season 5, Lengthy famously left the collection, however Kirstie Alley then joined the forged, including a hilarious character when the present wanted it most. She performed Rebecca Howe, an bold bar supervisor who might by no means appear to catch a break.  

All through its run, “Cheers” was nominated for 117 Emmys and received 28. That included 11 consecutive nominations for Excellent Comedy Collection, which it received 4 instances. The collection additionally spawned the favored spin-off, “Frasier,” which additionally ran for 11 seasons. 

With over 270 episodes, it is troublesome to decide on solely 10, however listed below are our picks for the most effective “Cheers” episodes. 

“Cheers” had a handful of thrilling visitor stars through the years, and probably the greatest was “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek. In “What Is… Cliff Clavin?,” the episode’s titular character, performed by John Ratzenberger, earns a spot on the beloved sport present. All through the collection, Cliff was identified for spouting out details, so it made sense that he would apply. Through the sport, he’s given some dream classes like “Stamps From Across the World,” “Beer,” and “Celibacy.” Nonetheless, his greatest pal Norm Peterson (George Wendt) is within the viewers, and he is aware of Cliff goes to blow it, regardless of an unbelievable $22,000 lead.

Certain sufficient, Cliff bets all of it within the last spherical and loses, solely to assert that his reply is technically proper. The proper reply was, “Who’re Cary Grant, Tony Curtis, and Joan Crawford?” Cliff wrote, “Who’re three individuals who have by no means been in my kitchen?” Cliff put up a struggle, however he left defeated. On the finish of the episode, Trebek exhibits up at Cheers and tells Cliff he made him rethink the complete thought of the sport, and he was contemplating quitting. Cliff satisfied him to remain on the job, which Trebek did for one more 30 years till his loss of life at age 80. Seems, Trebek solely mentioned that as a result of he walked into the bar for a beer and noticed Cliff, who “scared” him. 

There’s an enchanting story behind the “Cheers” and “Jeopardy” crossover episode, if you wish to test it out. It was really the B-plot of this episode too, a the principle motion targeted on Sam Malone (Ted Danson) looking for his little black guide after it was stolen.  

A longtime staple of “Cheers” was the bar’s feud with Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern, and their first massive battle occurred in “From Beer to Eternity.” When the Cheers gang loses a sport of baseball to the rival bar, they change into decided to lastly beat Gary at one thing. Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman) suggests bowling, however a follow sport proves they don’t seem to be significantly proficient in that sport both. The group believes their luck is altering after they study Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson) has a trophy-profitable previous in bowling. Sadly, Woody is afraid to play as a result of he as soon as maimed a person throughout a sport again in Indiana. 

Simply when all hope appears misplaced, Woody exhibits up on the bowling alley, decided to assist Cheers beat Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern. Regardless of his greatest try, he freezes up and is unable to play. That’s when the massive twist of the episode is revealed. It seems that Diane Chambers (Shelley Lengthy) took a bowling class throughout her a few years of academia. She steps in and helps win Cheers its first victory in opposition to Gary. 

The “Bar Wars” continued in season six and have become a everlasting fixture throughout the remainder of the present’s run. Cheers misplaced to Gary’s loads extra instances, however their bowling win remained an iconic piece of the bar’s historical past. In “From Beer to Eternity,” Gary was performed by Joel Polis, however he shared the position with Robert Desiderio. Every man performed the Cheers nemesis thrice through the years, buying and selling off the position. 

Harry Anderson had a recurring position as Harry the Hat on “Cheers.” The character was a hustler who would present up on the bar and con the regulars out of cash. In his third episode, “Choose a Con… Any Con,” Harry finally ends up serving to the Cheers gang. When Sam Malone (Ted Danson) learns that Coach (Nicholas Colasanto) is being scammed by a hustler named George (Reid Shelton), he enlists Harry to assist Coach win his a reimbursement.

Many memorable moments make this a prime-tier “Cheers” episode. Anderson’s efficiency as Harry is pleasant, and he by no means stops being sly. There’s an awesome scene by which he tips Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger) twice in a row. Regardless of his fixed duplicity, audiences nonetheless love Harry, which is why it stung when it appeared like he had been working with Rick. Fortunately, that ended up being one more trick, and the episode concludes with the reveal that Harry was secretly working with Coach.

Anderson went on to star in “Evening Court docket” as Decide Harry Stone. After the sitcom took off, Anderson made two extra appearances on “Cheers.” He returned as Harry within the season six episode “A Kiss Is Nonetheless a Kiss” and the season 11 episode “Bar Wars VII: The Bare Get together.” Sadly, Anderson handed away in 2018 at age 65. A “Evening Court docket” revival debuted in 2023 and starred Melissa Rauch as Abby Stone, Anderson’s character’s daughter, however the collection was cancelled by NBC in 2025.

Along with the enjoyable companies with Harry, “Choose a Con… Any Con” is an early instance of why Sam and Dianne had been so fascinating collectively. Their flirtations had been effervescent at this level, making their romance really feel inevitable. 

Many tv exhibits have nice Thanksgiving episodes, and “Cheers” isn’t any exception. The collection hit its peak in season 5, which occurred to be the ultimate season to star Shelley Lengthy as Diane Chambers. In “Thanksgiving Orphans,” the gang decides to get collectively at Carla’s (Rhea Perlman) home for the vacation. There are various nice moments as the buddies all hang around exterior the bar. From Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) by no means getting a superb have a look at the TV to Norm (George Wendt) bringing a uncooked turkey, the laughs on this Thanksgiving episode are nonstop. 

“Thanksgiving Orphans” actually turns into iconic on the finish, when a meals struggle erupts. First, it is simply pleasant to observe grown adults behave so ridiculously. Second, the present delivers a satisfying, nearly-look by Norm’s spouse, Vera. All through everything of “Cheers,” Norm’s vital different isn’t proven on display. 5 years in, followers thought the bit was coming to an finish. Vera arrives at Carla’s, lastly prepared to fulfill Norm’s associates. Sadly, Diane throws a pie and by chance hits her within the face, obstructing her from being seen, and persevering with one ofthe sitcom’s longest-working jokes. Whereas the meals struggle is enjoyable to observe, it was not precisely simple to movie. In truth, the scene got here with a nightmarish stench.

Not solely is “Thanksgiving Orphans” a hilarious episode, but it surely showcases the significance of discovered household. It additionally proves that escaping your precise kinfolk in the course of the holidays doesn’t at all times assure a drama-free day.

The 2-half season 10 finale, “An Previous-Common Marriage ceremony,” noticed Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson) marrying his longtime girlfriend, Kelly Gaines (Jackie Swanson). Kelly first joined “Cheers” in season seven, and she or he was the proper match for Woody, regardless of her excessive wealth. Throughout their wedding ceremony, the Cheers gang spends the complete two-parter within the kitchen on the Gaines’ mansion, as a result of the bar was employed to supply the reception’s liquor. In typical sitcom trend, all the things goes mistaken, from Kelly tearing her gown to the minister dying within the kitchen. 

“An Previous-Common Marriage ceremony” seems like a traditional comedic stage play, with all the motion coming by one small location. The issues proceed to develop and change into extra excessive all through each episodes. Everyone seems to be attempting to ensure Kelly’s father does not discover out she and Woody lastly consummated their relationship forward of the marriage. In the meantime, the Gaines’ Dobermanns are wreaking havoc, and the alternative minister is a drunk who hates marriage. To not point out the hilarious, non-cease bodily bits involving a dumbwaiter.

Each forged member delivers a few of their greatest work because the wackiness of the marriage unfolds. It’s precisely the kind of season finale that “Cheers” followers got here to count on from the sitcom, and it ended up being the very best-rated episode of the penultimate season. It was additionally extraordinarily good to see Woody get a contented ending, particularly contemplating how candy and emotional he was all through the present. In truth, Harrelson received the position forward of the present’s fourth season by breaking down in tears.

Sam and Diane had been probably the most well-known romantic pairing of “Cheers,” however probably the greatest issues concerning the present was the partnership between Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and Lilith Sternin (Bebe Neuwirth). Lilith had appeared briefly in a season 4 episode by which she had a foul date with Frasier, however when she confirmed up once more in “Irregular Psychology,” all the things modified. 

Frasier and Lilith had been set to seem on a psychology discuss present collectively, a lot to Frasier’s dismay. He claimed to hate Lilith, however Diane Chambers (Shelley Lengthy) suspected Frasier had emotions for her. Frasier dismissed the idea, however when Lilth got here to the set along with her hair down as an alternative of in her normal tight bun, Frasier was transfixed. The 2 change into overwhelmed by need on dwell TV, turning all the things of their dialogue sexual. Not solely is it snigger-out-loud humorous, however the begin of their romance is a pivotal a part of “Cheers.” Frasier and Lilith finally get married, and Neuwirth turned a collection common on the present. She received two Emmys for enjoying Lilith and was nominated once more for visitor-starring because the character on the “Cheers” spin-off, “Frasier.”

In 2023, a “Frasier” revival debuted on Paramount+ and made historical past by bringing again Neuwirth as Sternin for an episode. Even many years after their divorce, Frasier and Lilith continued to have intense sexual chemistry.

“Limitless Slumper” was one of many first “Cheers” episodes to deal with a critical matter. It was well-known that Ted Danson’s Sam Malone was a recovering alcoholic, and this marked the primary time the character’s dependancy was examined. When a Pink Sox participant named Rick Walker (Christopher McDonald) involves Sam for recommendation about his stoop, Sam lends him his fortunate bottle cap. Rick’s sport begins to thrive, however Sam finds himself having a string of dangerous luck. This contains being unable to carry out his well-known bar slide trick. 

In direction of the tip of the episode, Sam reveals to Diane Chambers (Shelley Lengthy) that the bottle cap was from the final drink he ever had. Now that it was out of his possession, he discovered himself getting the itch for alcohol once more. After confessing his need to drink once more to Diane, Sam learns Rick misplaced the bottle cap, so he opens a beer. In a tense second, Diane tries to cease him, and he shuts her down. Nonetheless, it seems he solely needed to get his mojo again by attempting his bar slide trick once more. When he succeeds, he claims that cap as his new good luck appeal. 

The episode is extraordinarily efficient as a result of it takes the time to acknowledge the difficulties of proudly owning a bar as a recovering alcoholic. Danson delivers a strong monologue about how the bottle cap stored him from ingesting throughout robust instances, and it offers better perception into his previous struggles. All through the present’s 11 seasons, Sam solely fell off the wagon as soon as. He began ingesting once more within the season three premiere after his first massive breakup with Diane. 

It was later revealed that Danson was initially uncomfortable enjoying Sam, however that was because of the character’s womanizing, not his dependancy. 

“Dinner at Eight-ish” marked Bebe Neuwirth’s first return to “Cheers” as Lilith Sternin after the dynamite episode “Irregular Psychology.” Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and Lilith announce they’re transferring in collectively, and so they need Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and Diane Chambers (Shelley Lengthy) to be their first dinner friends. Much like “An Previous-Common Marriage ceremony,” many of the episode takes place in a single location and seems like a stage play. 

Unsurprisingly, issues rapidly go mistaken when Lilith and Fraiser get right into a struggle. Each time one thing will get smoothed over, one other dramatic second causes Lilith to lock herself within the rest room. She is very upset to study that Fraiser and Diane had beforehand been engaged. In the meantime, poor Sam simply desires to eat dinner. 

Not solely does “Dinner at Eight-ish” have many humorous moments, however it is usually a rarity in “Cheers.” Neuwirth solely appeared in three episodes of the collection throughout Lengthy’s time on the present. Whereas they did have some interactions in “Irregular Psychology,” it’s past pleasant to see the 2 ladies share the display for many of an episode. They each have excessive idiosyncrasies which might be fairly contrasting from each other, and it’s a disgrace there weren’t extra episodes that featured each of them. Nonetheless, there’s a two-half episode within the ninth season of “Frasier,” titled “Don Juan in Hell,” by which the famed psychiatrist has imaginary conversations with the ladies from his previous. Throughout this, Neuwirth and Lengthy seem collectively. 

The three-half collection finale of “Cheers” is taken into account probably the greatest tv endings, and it marked the return of Shelley Lengthy as Diane Chambers. When Lengthy left the collection on the finish of season 5, she was met with backlash. Followers could not forgive her for closing the door on Sam and Diane, however when she got here again for “One for the Highway,” most welcomed her. 

In traditional “Cheers” trend, Diane returns to Boston and each she and Sam fake they’re married to different folks. Unsurprisingly, their lies crumble. Diane’s pretend husband seems to be homosexual, and his accomplice crashes their dinner. In the meantime, Sam made Rebecca Howe (Kirstie Alley) fake to be his pretend spouse, however Rebecca was going by a breakup of her personal and was a large number.

The very best factor about this chaotic reunion was attending to see Diane and Rebecca collectively. Whereas the “Diane versus Rebecca” debate is among the most longstanding in popular culture, there isn’t any denying that each ladies had nice presence, and seeing them share the display was particular. It was additionally a delight to see Diane work together with everybody from the bar once more. 

Sam and Diane resolve to rekindle their romance, and Sam pronounces he is leaving Cheers. The previous couple finally realizes they’re making a mistake, and Sam returns to the bar to share a ravishing second with the present’s longstanding regulars. The collection ends with a buyer coming to the door, and Sam saying, “Sorry, we’re closed.” He then goes to straighten an image of Geronimo, which was a nod to the late Nicholas Colasanto (Coach). Sam then exits in direction of the pool room, marking the present’s ending. It was such an emotional ship-off that it had the forged in a disastrous drunken state. 

The 2-half season one finale of “Cheers” is a showcase of all the things that made the sitcom nice. In “Present Down,” the gang learns that Sam (Ted Danson) has a brother named Derek, whom Sam dislikes as a result of he is higher than him at all the things. Sam’s insecurities deepen when Derek begins courting Diane (Shelley Lengthy), bringing their season-lengthy “will they, will not they” dynamic to a head. 

A intelligent facet of “Present Down” is that Sam’s brother isn’t seen on-display. Regardless of being within the bar for everything of “Half One,” Derek is at all times hid. When Diane reveals to Sam that Derek has requested to fly her to Martha’s Winery, he pretends to not care. This results in a memorable alternate. Sam retains asking Diane to remain in a whisper, however when she asks him to make clear, he pretends he did not say something. The episode ends with Diane muttering, “I would relatively stick with you,” however she additionally pretends it did not occur.

Within the second episode, Diane begins courting Derek and decides to stop Cheers. Nonetheless, she has bother getting out the door. She retains going again to Sam’s workplace to struggle with him. Naturally, everybody within the bar is invested of their drama, and one of many funniest moments of the collection occurs when Sam opens his workplace door to find everybody listening in. Ultimately, Sam and Diane’s explosive dialog results in a kiss. The season ends with them lastly getting collectively, formally kicking off probably the most well-known tv romances.

Whereas season one in all “Cheers” ended with a bang, the present nearly crashed and burned in its first season. The scores had been horrible, however “Cheers” was saved by vital acclaim and phrase of mouth. If NBC hadn’t believed within the present, it by no means would’ve lasted one other decade.