I know that there were some character cross-overs from the "Cheers" series to the "Wings" series (Frasier and Lilith Crane, Norm and Cliff, Rebecca Howe), but "Wings" was not considered a true spin-off of "Cheers"....it started as a fresh, new show, and the "Cheers" tie-ins didn't start until "Wings" was well under way.

I wonder if "Wings" would have gotten more respect and would have been treated more seriously by critics and NBC if it had started life as a TRUE spin-off of "Cheers"...maybe have Tim Daly play Joe Hackett in a "Cheers" episode and talk about having just started a new airline in Nantucket...and a few weeks later begin "Wings" as a spin-off series (with a short "Cheers" mention or tie-in).

Norman Lear spin-offs like "The Jeffersons" and "Maude" seemed to get more attention and recognition as "All In The Family" spin-offs than they probably would have gotten if they had started out as brand-new series and characters with no "All In The Family" tie-in.

Just one of those crazy thoughts that I have every once in a while!

It wouldn't have made a difference. Cheers had two spinoffs one Frasier, and the other one the Tortellis...Frasier did as you know great on Nbc and still is doing awesome ..but Frasier has an excellent cast. The tortellis lasted one season and then got cancelled...so it really all depends on how good the show is, and how good the critics find the show...and a show can have the lowest ratings and the critics still love it....I don't think it would have made a difference it all depends on Wings..

Diane, for some reason I had a FEELING that you would be the first person to respond to my message! :wave:

lol :D ! ;) ofcourse!:wave:

I don't think it would have made too much of a difference either. I think too many people thought it was a Cheers rip-off or something.

While I am a big Cheers fan, I do have to admit, I actually prefer Wings.