Cheers--Why set in Boston? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Janice · 05-13-2002, 01:33 AM

I'm curious if the creators of Cheers have any ties to Boston or if it was chosen for other reasons?
The show makes so many references to streets and places in Boston, nearby cities--the consistent Red Sox theme, etc.
I'm from Boston so I recognize it all, and they're very accurate references.
I know David E. Kelley was a lawyer in Boston years ago, and that's why The Practice, Ally McBeal and Boston Public are set there, and I'm wondering if it was a similar type situation on Cheers.

TJL · 05-13-2002, 05:12 AM

hmmm..

Possibly because the bar the show is based on and modeled after(The Bull and Finch) is located in Boston.

Diane Chambers-Malone · 05-13-2002, 03:12 PM

I also recall hearing that they set it in Boston because of Boston's great reputation for having a lot of great pubs. Personally, I can't imagine a better place for Cheers.

Dr. Lilith Sternin · 05-13-2002, 04:10 PM

If I recall correctly, while they were trying to come up with an idea for a sitcom, they recalled visiting the Bull and Finch pub in Boston and they thought that type of environment would work well in their sitcom. Basically, that pub was their muse, so it would only make sense to have the show set in Boston as well, right?

I have to agree, they make very accurate reference to streets, attractions, etc. They've made reference to the fact Cheers is on Beacon St. and if I remember correctly, have mentioned Tremont St.... perhaps it was a different street, but I believe that was it. I give props to the writers for staying true to the setting.

I'd be interested to know if a writer had ties to Boston, though. Hmmmmm.

FOLN@NFan · 05-13-2002, 09:31 PM

The Bull and Finch Pub is actually 84 1/2 Beacon street. (on some of the newer exterior shots, from current seasons, you can see the # "84" on the awning in front of "Melville's"). The Library Grill is actually 84 Beacon St. (Melville's in the show).

Cheers' address is 112 1/2 Beacon street, and Melville's is 112 Beacon St.

i agree that they found the Bull and Finch Pub in Boston, so they made the show in Boston. actually, i think they changed the setting (from Barstow, CA) when they changed Sam Malone's character from a football player to a baseball player

Doug

05-13-2002, 01:33 AM	#1
Janice Retired Admin - Hollywood Swingin' Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 03, 2001 Location: Beantown Posts: 36,388	Cheers--Why set in Boston? I'm curious if the creators of Cheers have any ties to Boston or if it was chosen for other reasons? The show makes so many references to streets and places in Boston, nearby cities--the consistent Red Sox theme, etc. I'm from Boston so I recognize it all, and they're very accurate references. I know David E. Kelley was a lawyer in Boston years ago, and that's why The Practice, Ally McBeal and Boston Public are set there, and I'm wondering if it was a similar type situation on Cheers.
	Last edited by Janice; 05-13-2002 at 01:36 AM.

05-13-2002, 05:12 AM	#2
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,591	hmmm.. Possibly because the bar the show is based on and modeled after(The Bull and Finch) is located in Boston.
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05-13-2002, 03:12 PM	#3
Diane Chambers-Malone "Shelley Long Fan" Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 28, 2001 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 136	I also recall hearing... I also recall hearing that they set it in Boston because of Boston's great reputation for having a lot of great pubs. Personally, I can't imagine a better place for Cheers.
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05-13-2002, 04:10 PM	#4
Dr. Lilith Sternin Ice Cube in Heels Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 31, 2002 Posts: 523	If I recall correctly, while they were trying to come up with an idea for a sitcom, they recalled visiting the Bull and Finch pub in Boston and they thought that type of environment would work well in their sitcom. Basically, that pub was their muse, so it would only make sense to have the show set in Boston as well, right? I have to agree, they make very accurate reference to streets, attractions, etc. They've made reference to the fact Cheers is on Beacon St. and if I remember correctly, have mentioned Tremont St.... perhaps it was a different street, but I believe that was it. I give props to the writers for staying true to the setting. I'd be interested to know if a writer had ties to Boston, though. Hmmmmm.
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05-13-2002, 09:31 PM	#5
FOLN@NFan Member Forum Regular Join Date: Jan 27, 2001 Location: PA Posts: 706	The Bull and Finch Pub is actually 84 1/2 Beacon street. (on some of the newer exterior shots, from current seasons, you can see the # "84" on the awning in front of "Melville's"). The Library Grill is actually 84 Beacon St. (Melville's in the show). Cheers' address is 112 1/2 Beacon street, and Melville's is 112 Beacon St. i agree that they found the Bull and Finch Pub in Boston, so they made the show in Boston. actually, i think they changed the setting (from Barstow, CA) when they changed Sam Malone's character from a football player to a baseball player Doug