"Cheers" finale 25th anniversary - creators look back

[TMC]

http://variety.com/2018/tv/features/...ew-1202812246/

In the cutthroat environment of the prime-time landscape, it’s not unheard of for a series to make its debut and receive its walking papers within the same week. For a sitcom to end its first season rated #74 out of 77 shows yet still survive to see a second season, that’s nothing short of miraculous. Yet that’s exactly what happened with “Cheers” — and look how things worked out: Not only did this conceptually simple show about a Boston bar owned and its stable of regulars find its way out of its ratings doldrums, it became the top-rated television series in America, carrying on for eleven seasons before anyone said, “Last call!”

When “Cheers” closed its doors on May 20, 1993, NBC pulled out all the stops, promoting the finale so vociferously that any series would’ve had trouble living up to the hype. Thankfully, the episode was every bit the ratings blockbuster that the network had hoped it would be, watched in an estimated 42.4 million households across the country.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the finale, Variety spoke with five figures who were key in bringing it to fruition: series co-creators and executive producers Glen Charles and Les Charles, who co-wrote the final episode; series co-creator James Burrows, who directed the episode; co-executive producer Rob Long; and longtime series writer Ken Levine, who also served as a creative consultant on the finale.

ALSO:

• Cheers had one of the greatest closing scenes in TV history
  Here are nine essential episodes for getting caught up on Cheers
  May 20 is also the 25th anniversary of the Cheers cast getting wasted live on Jay Leno's Tonight Show from Boston
  At the time, Leno called the infamous live episode "a huge mistake. But that's OK. You win some and lose some"

[king of comedy]

It went off the air just in time. It already overstayed its' welcome.

[chipsaugratin]

What do you think was the funniest laugh-out loud moment of the finale? I think it was when Cliff announced his promotion. At that point, Paul walks in and says, in exasperation "This, I"m here for!"

Screamingly funny.

[TVQuack]

Is the Last Call special available anywhere? I've been really wanting to see this since it first aired.

[MA]

Originally Posted by TVQuack

Is the Last Call special available anywhere? I've been really wanting to see this since it first aired.

I found this on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeNlbmWppg8

[TVQuack]

Thanks! I saw that one too, was hoping to find the one with Bob Costas

[MA]

Originally Posted by TVQuack

Thanks! I saw that one too, was hoping to find the one with Bob Costas

You're welcome! I can see if I can look for the Bob Costas one for you.