What if [i]Cheers[/i]... - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Chambers · 06-26-2004, 08:46 AM

had been set in California and Sam was a football player - like it was originally intended? Would it have been as good a show? Would you have liked it as much?

In my humble opinion, the fact that Sam was lean and played a less aggressive sport made his character a lot more likable. It was essential - despite his jock persona, his sexist attitudes, and his blunt stupidity - that he was non-threatening. It could have still worked if he was a big bulky football player, but I think Ted´s physique allowed us to forget his athleticism and see him as more of a whole person. A football player could have made Sam too cartoonish.

As for Barstow vs. Boston - Boston wins!!

Moondance · 06-26-2004, 03:29 PM

Let me picture this - a drunk football player...

-Naaaaaah!!

I think CHEERS was best set in Boston. Every other show seemed to be set in California or New York. Even Laverne and Shirley moved to California....EVERYONE else was there. Cheers was simply unique.

Feen

Brian Damage · 06-26-2004, 05:38 PM

If they stuck with the football idea, I'm sure Fred Dryer would've been selected to play Sam.

CarJackSnyder · 06-26-2004, 08:31 PM

Quote:

I think CHEERS was best set in Boston. Every other show seemed to be set in California or New York. Even Laverne and Shirley moved to California....EVERYONE else was there. Cheers was simply unique.

exactly!!

Chambers · 06-27-2004, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Brian Damage
If they stuck with the football idea, I'm sure Fred Dryer would've been selected to play Sam.

I'm so glad they chose actors more for their performances rather than their appearances. It's not everyday that the creators of a show will change a character to accomodate an actor.

CheersChild4life · 06-27-2004, 10:53 PM

I dunno. I think it would have been basically the same, just different teams and dirrerent sport. But Ted Danson is way to skinny to be a football player Fred Dryer would have most likely gotten that role.

Janice · 07-06-2004, 03:21 AM

Living in Boston all my life, it's difficult for me to be objective on this one. I love that Cheers was set in Boston and that Sam was a former Red Sox player. I can't imagine it any other way, but I can't picture Seinfeld set in Boston either.

The show is not only set in Boston, but the city is really played up on the show. The references they make to streets, buildings, Boston Commons, etc., are very accurate. Boston athletes and politicians make guest appearances. I've often wondered if any of the show's creators or writers have Boston roots.

Compared to, for example, Frasier, set in Seattle....it seems the show was simply set there. Cheers went to great lengths to really capture Boston. I catch references to things that I know, that unless you live here, you're not going to get.

06-26-2004, 08:46 AM	#1
Chambers The Crane Trinity Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 27, 2004 Location: Where everybody knows a Crane. Posts: 5,427	What if Cheers... had been set in California and Sam was a football player - like it was originally intended? Would it have been as good a show? Would you have liked it as much? In my humble opinion, the fact that Sam was lean and played a less aggressive sport made his character a lot more likable. It was essential - despite his jock persona, his sexist attitudes, and his blunt stupidity - that he was non-threatening. It could have still worked if he was a big bulky football player, but I think Ted´s physique allowed us to forget his athleticism and see him as more of a whole person. A football player could have made Sam too cartoonish. As for Barstow vs. Boston - Boston wins!!
	__________________ Member of the "God, Lilith is so ing cool" Fan Club Where everybody knows your tossed salads and scrambled eggs. FREEDOM OF THOUGHT blank Last edited by Chambers; 06-26-2004 at 09:16 AM.

06-26-2004, 03:29 PM	#2
Moondance MCR Moderator Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 25, 2001 Posts: 4,008	Let me picture this - a drunk football player... -Naaaaaah!! I think CHEERS was best set in Boston. Every other show seemed to be set in California or New York. Even Laverne and Shirley moved to California....EVERYONE else was there. Cheers was simply unique. Feen

06-26-2004, 05:38 PM	#3
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	If they stuck with the football idea, I'm sure Fred Dryer would've been selected to play Sam.

06-27-2004, 10:53 PM	#6
CheersChild4life Absolutely Fabulous Senior Member Join Date: Nov 23, 2002 Location: Somwhere Fabulous Posts: 2,814	I dunno. I think it would have been basically the same, just different teams and dirrerent sport. But Ted Danson is way to skinny to be a football player Fred Dryer would have most likely gotten that role.

07-06-2004, 03:21 AM	#7
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Living in Boston all my life, it's difficult for me to be objective on this one. I love that Cheers was set in Boston and that Sam was a former Red Sox player. I can't imagine it any other way, but I can't picture Seinfeld set in Boston either. The show is not only set in Boston, but the city is really played up on the show. The references they make to streets, buildings, Boston Commons, etc., are very accurate. Boston athletes and politicians make guest appearances. I've often wondered if any of the show's creators or writers have Boston roots. Compared to, for example, Frasier, set in Seattle....it seems the show was simply set there. Cheers went to great lengths to really capture Boston. I catch references to things that I know, that unless you live here, you're not going to get.