The Ultimate Ranking of All 11 Seasons of Cheers

Article Overview

Cheers

served as a blueprint for many sitcoms, with its outstanding chemistry and witty dialogue leaving a lasting mark on pop culture.

Despite facing challenges like the loss of a beloved actor,

Cheers

maintained its high quality and delivered humor and high ratings throughout its 11-season run.

Each season of the series had its own strengths, but there were a few standout ones that capitalized on the chemistry among the cast and the relevance of the themes.

Cheers not only served as a blueprint for many sitcoms that came after it, but each of its seasons had their own strengths, with some being undeniably stronger than others. The show demonstrated a winning formula for success, combining outstanding chemistry among the ensemble cast with sharp and witty dialogue. It also gave television one of its most memorable romances through the tumultuous yet passionate relationship of Sam and Diane. Additionally, Cheers paved the way for one of the greatest TV spinoffs of all time: Frasier. Clearly, Cheers has left an indelible mark on popular culture.

During its remarkable 11-season run, Cheers consistently delivered laughter and impressive ratings, solidifying its place as one of the greatest sitcoms in history. It faced its fair share of challenges, including the heartbreaking loss of a beloved actor and rumored tensions amongst the cast. However, Cheers persevered with its clever humor and unbreakable chemistry, resulting in an astonishing 275 episodes. While not every episode was a masterpiece, the show maintained an exceptional level of quality throughout its seasons. Taking a retrospective journey through all 11 seasons, from the least successful to the best, showcases the series' ability to grow and adapt while consistently delivering compelling storytelling.

11. Cheers Season 10

Repetitive And Mediocre Storylines

By the time Cheers season 10 premiered, it became evident that networks were grappling with determining the ideal end for a show. This particular season primarily delved into the complexities of Frasier and Lilith's tense marriage, particularly as they navigated the demands of parenthood. Additionally, a Bar Wars event unfolded, a recurring theme throughout the series. However, this season's portrayal of Bar Wars was notably lackluster compared to previous iterations. It took a decade for Cheers to produce a season that was noticeably mediocre, an unusual occurrence considering its impressive history.

10. Cheers Season 9

The Show Coasted Without Sam And Diane

In an attempt to replicate the beloved love story between Sam and Diane, Cheers introduced a fresh romantic entanglement involving Rebecca, Sam, and Rebecca's affluent British boyfriend, Robin. However, this storyline in season 9 lacked the depth of character development seen in earlier seasons, leaving Rebecca seemingly unaffected by the events and serving more as a filler narrative. Despite moments of enjoyment, such as Woody's humorous exploits with Veggie-Boy and the adorable first words of young Frederick Crane, the show felt as if it were merely coasting along without its iconic central dynamic.

9. Cheers Season 6

Shelley Long's Absence Proved A Challenge

The writers of Cheers faced a challenge during season 6 due to Shelley Long's absence. Sam and Diane's chemistry had been meticulously built over five years. While the writing team had previously successfully introduced Woody as a replacement for Coach (portrayed by Nicholas Colasanto before his untimely death), Diane's absence posed a unique obstacle. When Kirstie Alley's character, Rebecca, joined the cast as a career-driven businesswoman who co-managed Cheers with Sam, she eventually became Sam's love interest. The show managed to find its footing again, but not without going through a noticeable transitional phase.

8. Cheers Season 7

A New Format Led To Fun And Clever Moments

Cheers season 7 brought about a notable shift in its storytelling approach, as it chose to adopt a completely episodic format, departing from its traditional overarching narrative structure. Despite this change, the season delivered numerous enjoyable moments that highlighted the show's clever writing. One standout event was the Bar Wars, where Sam and Woody teamed up to take part in a Bloody Mary competition against Gary's Olde Towne Tavern. Moreover, this season delved deeper into Rebecca's backstory with the introduction of her sister, Susan, resulting in an entertaining and revenge-driven collaboration in the episode "Sisterly Love." While season 7 may not be remembered as one of the most memorable years for Cheers, it demonstrated the series' ongoing quest for fresh and innovative storylines.

7. Cheers Season 8

An Improvement From Two Lackluster Seasons

Cheers experienced a revival in its eighth season, surpassing the lackluster performances of the previous two seasons. The writing noticeably improved, presenting more captivating storylines, while the entire cast delivered exceptional performances. Notably, Kirstie Alley's portrayal of Rebecca stood out, earning her a well-deserved Golden Globe Award. Undoubtedly, the most memorable episode of the season was "What Is ... Cliff Clavin?" — widely regarded as one of the finest episodes of Cheers. This installment truly captured the essence of the show, blending wholesome humor with the occasional touch of risqué behavior. It remains a highly celebrated part of the series, with the late Alex Trebek making a memorable guest appearance.

6. Cheers Season 2

Had Potential But Struggled To Balance Its Cast

Season 2 of Cheers encountered difficulties in striking a balance between its ensemble-driven nature and its focus on the relationship between Sam and Diane. The constant arguing and on-again, off-again dynamic of their romance occasionally threatened to overshadow the entire series. However, standout episodes like "Where There's a Will..." demonstrated the show's potential. Despite some impressive moments in Cheers season 2, primarily emphasizing Sam and Diane presented challenges for the show's second year. Nevertheless, it also paved the way for remarkable character development and highlighted the cast's ability to navigate both comedic and dramatic realms.

5. Cheers Season 5

Shelley Long's Departure Marked A Turning Point

Long's departure from Cheers at the conclusion of season 5 made a profound impact on the series, underscoring the significance of her character. Les Charles, writer and producer of Cheers, highlighted her importance by acknowledging that the show's initial success owed much to her contributions. Long injected the series with a vibrant energy and charm. Her exit was thoughtfully crafted in the season 5 finale, as Diane opted to pursue her writing career instead of marrying Sam. Despite maintaining some echoes of its former glory throughout the following six seasons, the show never fully recovered from Long's departure.

4. Cheers Season 1

Laid A Solid Foundation For The Series

The first season of Cheers introduced a fresh and captivating sitcom that brought a new energy to comedy with its sharp and witty writing. Unlike the established successes of MAS*H and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Cheers demonstrated a distinctive experience with impeccable performances and contemporary wit. Season 1 not only introduced viewers to the colorful characters who would occupy the bar for over a decade, but it also tackled significant societal issues from the beginning. Although it didn't initially receive instant acclaim, the season organically cultivated its audience and laid the foundation for one of America's most cherished television shows.

3. Cheers Season 11

Ending Things With Satisfying And Memorable Moments

Season 11 of Cheers continued to deliver the beloved classic humor that fans had come to expect, with a series of memorable moments leading up to the much-anticipated finale. The show skillfully tied up loose ends by showcasing Woody's foray into local politics, Frasier and Lilith's separation, Rebecca's unexpected discovery of love, Sam's determination to seek therapy for his sex addiction, and Cliff's unwavering belief that his neighbor was none other than Adolf Hitler himself. The grand finale of Cheers was an epic event, featuring the much-anticipated return of Diane and culminating in a heartfelt late-night gathering at the bar, where the group solemnly reflected on the meaning of life. With purpose and an unwavering commitment to humor, Cheers bid farewell to its dedicated viewers after an incredible 11-season run.

2. Cheers Season 3

A Great Season With One Major Flaw

Determining whether Cheers season 3 or 4 reigns supreme is a difficult task, as both offered exceptional episodes, comedic brilliance, character growth, and gripping storylines. By season 3, the show had earned critical acclaim, honing its comedic prowess. The introduction of Frasier Crane as Diane's love interest, although initially met with resistance, added a classic element of conflict to the series. However, season 3 clumsily handled Colasanto's unfortunate passing. Coach's absence in the final eight episodes of the season was explained with peculiar excuses, failing to provide the respectful closure that Colasanto deserved.

1. Cheers Season 4

The Strongest Outing Of Cheers

Cheers season 4 brought about a significant change as Woody Boyd took over the role of Coach, previously played by Colasanto. Woody Harrelson's portrayal of Woody's character injected a fresh energy into the show, breathing new life into it. The season also introduced the bar's rivalry with Gary's Olde Towne Tavern, sparking the exciting Bar Wars competitions. At this point, the show had hit its stride and established its distinct tone, allowing the writers and actors to unleash their creativity and truly enjoy themselves. Season 4 stands as the true beginning of the beloved Cheers that we know and cherish today.

All 11 seasons of Cheers are now available for streaming on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S

Cheers is one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time, and its 11 seasons are a testament to its enduring popularity. The show's humor, characters, and storylines have left an indelible mark on pop culture, and it continues to be beloved by fans around the world.

While some seasons of Cheers are stronger than others, there is no denying the impact that the show had on television. It paved the way for future sitcoms, and its characters and storylines are still referenced today. Cheers is a classic that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.