I enjoyed both, but The Diane Years entertained me more. I never really liked Rebeccas Character

Absolutely the Diane years. Even though Shelley and Ted were not the best of friends off-screen, they had a sizzling (and intelligent!) chemistry onscreen. The Rebecca character never seemed to have a purpose.

Absolutely the Diane years. Even though Shelley and Ted were not the best of friends off-screen, they had a sizzling (and intelligent!) chemistry onscreen. The Rebecca character never seemed to have a purpose.

To me the Rebecca Character, seemed pathetic and desperate. Plus her constant whining and b$@#&!@g. Her character annoyed me to death.

It's tough to say.

On one hand, the supporting characters shined more during the Rebecca years. On the other hand, Sam and Diane definitely had much better chemistry.

If I had to choose, I would say the Diane years with Frasier & Woody.

Though Rebecca appeared in more episodes than Diane, I would say that I liked the Diane episodes a lot better. I didn't care for Rebecca at all. To me, she was a Type A neurotic crybaby.

Both but I prefer the Diane Seasons (1982-87)

I think that there's many more funny episodes in the first five seasons than in the last six.

I vote for Dianne. She seemed to be a better fit.

Plus I usually don't watch actors who are Scientologist.

I'd say the Rebecca Howe years. While Shelly Long was great as Diane Chambers and had good chemistry with Ted Danson, I really didn't like that Diane was all intellectual and high brow all the time. Also it just never made sense to me that any intellectual woman would want to have a relationship with Sam or stay in an environment with all of those working class people. Rebecca Howe was a much better fit in that setting.

Ed.

Diane was arguably the heart of the show even if she was as a character, such a wet blanket. She was a necessary straight woman and a good counterpoint to Sam.

The Shelley Long/Diane years, by far (I only own and watch those first five seasons on DVD). Yes, the starcrossed relationship of Sam and Diane probably went on a bit too long, but Danson and Long, combined with the great writing, had off the charts chemistry (both comedic and romantic) together. And they were wonderfully supported by Rhea Perlman (Carla), George Wendt (Norm) and especially Nick Colasanto (as the beloved Coach), who should have won his Emmy while he was still alive for "The Coach's Daughter" ep. in season one. The weakest link in the original cast was, IMO, Ratzenberger (Cliff tended to grate on me), while Grammer (Frasier) and Harrelson (Woody) were adequate later additions. As for seasons six thru eleven, the quality writing continued, by Alley's Rebecca Howe was a bore who never seemed to truly click with anyone. Her presence made the entire show less enjoyable, again, IMO.

I loved all eras equally, but if I have to pick, it's the Rebecca era. Every character shined a lot more.