Cheers Season 2 Unveils Two Game-Changing Surprises from Its Epic Opening Episode

Summary

Cheers season 2 made two big changes: the first scene outside of Cheers and promoting Cliff to the main cast.

Leaving the bar in season 2 proved to be a beneficial move, as it opened up opportunities for the show to venture beyond the pub and discover new locations.

Cliff's promotion to a series regular in season 2 introduced an entertaining and knowledgeable dynamic, particularly with Carla. Additionally, his distinct Boston accent further emphasized the show's setting.

The second season premiere of Cheers brought about two significant changes to the sitcom, ultimately proving to be beneficial in the long term. It's hard to fathom that Cheers was once at the bottom of TV ratings during its inaugural year. However, this Boston-based sitcom eventually gained recognition as one of the greatest comedies ever, earning multiple Emmys and captivating 40% of the US population with its 1993 finale. Despite NBC considering canceling the show, the lack of a potential replacement compelled them to continue for a second season.

NBC's daring decision to persist with the show paid off, as evidenced by the success of Cheers. If not for Ted Danson's desire to depart from the series, NBC could have prolonged its run. Despite its initial difficulties, one aspect of Cheers always remained apparent — its consistent quality. This was evident from its numerous Emmy nominations in its first year, despite having a meager viewership. Nevertheless, some changes had to be made to ensure that the public finally caught on, leading to bold moves right from the beginning of season 2.

Cheers Season 2's Premiere Had The First Scene Outside Of Cheers

Diane and Sam's will-they/won't-they dynamic finally culminated in the season 1 finale of Cheers, bringing the freshman year to a close with their first real kiss. As season 2 commenced, the story picked up right where it left off, with the entire bar eagerly listening in on their intense conversation in Sam's room. Recognizing the need for privacy, they made the decision to leave the pub and head to Diane's apartment. This marked the first scene in Cheers that took place outside the familiar confines of the bar.

Given the show's simple premise, it made sense that the entirety of season 1 unfolded within Cheers. This choice effectively integrated the location into the storytelling, solidifying it as an iconic sitcom set. However, venturing outside the bar in season 2 proved to be a beneficial move. It expanded the storytelling possibilities, allowing for characters to venture beyond the pub's boundaries.

Cheers Season 2's Premiere Promoted Cliff To The Main Cast

John Ratzenberger's character, Cliff Clavin, started as a regular presence in the Cheers bar during season 1. However, it wasn't until season 2 that he became a series regular, as seen by the inclusion of his name in the show's well-known opening theme. The addition of Cliff was essential as the show required someone like him to spark social interactions. His interactions with Carla, although at times contentious, added a enjoyable dynamic to the show. Furthermore, Ratzenberger's thick Boston accent further highlighted the setting of Cheers.