Why isn't Cheers as remembered in quite the same way as other shows

[TMC]

Originally Posted by Duster76

A couple of points, this may not be a Cheers problem in particular but a larger problem that many 80's series have had in the syndication marketplace. Kate & Allie, Newhart, Perfect Strangers, 227, Family Ties to name a few are additional examples of series that have not done as well in reruns as might have been expected.

In addition, I wonder if the outcome of the Sam and Diane relationship might not have cast a shadow over the series, maybe not immediately damaging the relationship the series had with the audience but it might have had a negative long-term impact. That final scene with Diane walking up the stairs as Sam looks on and utters have a good life, and the imagined flash forward scene of the two of them as old people dancing to the Irving Berlin standard "What Will I Do" is a pretty powerful sequence. The heart of that series over the first 5 seasons is that relationship, it ended badly and at the end of the series when the production team had a chance to fix it, they didn't. That may have been a mistake that the fans of the series were not willing to forgive or forget.

I a long time ago, gave my thoughts towards why Family Ties may have traditionally done poorly in syndication. Besides what I said, the show with all due respect, is very, very dated now.

[TMC]

Originally Posted by TMC

I naturally have to assume that Cheers is a problematic show to fully syndicate because it has two very distinctive eras: The Diane era with Shelley Long (Seasons 1-5) and the Rebecca era with Kirstie Alley (Seasons 6-11). It's one thing to watch the show during its original run on NBC. The "Rebecca episodes" you could say, are particularly part of its own show. And thus, there's going to be people who will say that the Diane era was better and there's going to be people who will argue that the Rebecca era was better.

And unless you've seen Shelley Long's exit episode and already know the backstory behind her character's departure, you're probably going to be lost if you randomly tune into a syndicated episode one day, and see Kirstie Alley as the female lead. Any show that has a hard narrative shift relatively early or in the middle of its run like that is going to be a challenge no matter what.

Also, I honestly don't know for sure if a show like Cheers could even work or make it on the air today. I've read comments elsewhere that that say that a sitcom that in essence, makes light of alcoholism (i.e. doesn't delve into the darker aspects like drunk driving and domestic abuse) for one thing, wouldn't fly so easily. Of course, Sam's struggles with alcohol were mentioned, but otherwise, many of the characters (Norm and Cliff in particular) were daily drinkers and much of the humor was about the consumption of alcohol.

Another problem that has been argued is that although women played a major role in Cheers, it was usually from a subordinate position. So if Cheers was being made today, it would have to change some of the male characters to women (and that would seriously alter the narrative) and the women’s roles would have to be stronger than they were in the original series. But that would take a great deal of good writing to do that and keep the series funny. Plus, that level of writing seems to be somewhat scarce in today’s television.

10 Hit '80s TV Shows That Haven't Aged Well

If none of the previous entries have outraged you yet, this one might be the first that will have you wishing we had a comment section you could sound off in. "Cheers" is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, lasting for an impressive 11 seasons, during which it never strayed far from being at the top of the ratings. Its simple premise (the staff and regulars of the eponymous establishment sitting around and chatting), stacked cast of gifted performers, and its multiple iconic characters have made it easy to revisit and enjoy in the over 30 years since its finale.

So, what's the issue? Well, it's essentially a show that celebrates alcoholism. No, not everyone that drinks is an alcoholic. You could even have a certain bar that you stop by every day after work for a beer or two and not be an alcoholic. But these are people that go to this same bar, day after day without fail, and hang out there for hours on end. So much so that people shout the names of the regulars as they walk in the door.

It wouldn't be so bad, except it's basically never addressed. You never see any of the downsides to how much time all these people spend in bars. You also almost never see anyone actually depicted as drunk. Sure, that was probably a decree from the network, but it nonetheless made it seem like it's perfectly okay to basically live in a bar and it will have zero negative effects on your life, health, and relationships. Several people have spouses that are discussed but are rarely, if ever, seen — and when they are mentioned, it's typically more examples of the "boy, wives sure are annoying, aren't they?" humor that was prevalent in the era.