10 Classic 'Cheers' Episodes That Still Shine

The beloved sitcom delivered some of the best TV comedy of its era.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:10am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast red and white, conceptually representing the iconic Cheers bar and its ensemble cast.Cheers' classic episodes continue to shine, with their timeless humor and enduring appeal.Boston Today

Cheers established itself as one of the all-time great sitcoms, with a loyal fanbase that has only grown over the years. Even decades later, the show's classic episodes continue to outshine much of today's TV comedy, delivering sharp writing, iconic characters, and timeless humor.

Why it matters

Cheers popularized many of the sitcom tropes and storytelling techniques that are now ubiquitous in modern TV comedy, from the "found family" dynamic to the will-they-won't-they romantic tension. Its best episodes showcase why the show remains so beloved and influential, even as the entertainment landscape has evolved.

The details

From the show's groundbreaking series premiere to the emotional series finale, Cheers was filled with standout episodes that combined laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine heart. Highlights include the high-concept "What Is...Cliff Clavin?" that saw the iconic mailman compete on Jeopardy, the chaotic "Dinner at Eight-ish" that trapped the characters in an awkward dinner party, and the poignant "Endless Slumper" that tackled Sam's alcoholism with sensitivity. Other fan-favorites like "Pick a Con...Any Con" and "Bar Wars II: The Woodman Strikes Back" showcased the show's talent for zany, over-the-top antics. Cheers may have debuted in the 1980s, but its best episodes remain as fresh, funny, and beloved as ever.

  • Cheers first aired in 1982 and ran for 11 seasons, concluding in 1993.

The players

Cheers

The iconic NBC sitcom that ran from 1982 to 1993, centered around the staff and patrons of a Boston bar.

Ted Danson

The lead actor who played Sam Malone, the former baseball player turned bar owner at the heart of Cheers.

Shelley Long

The actress who played Diane Chambers, Sam's on-again, off-again love interest and a central character in the show's early seasons.

Kelsey Grammer

The actor who portrayed Frasier Crane, the psychiatrist who became a regular at the Cheers bar and went on to star in his own spinoff series.

Woody Harrelson

The actor who played Woody Boyd, the naive but lovable bartender who joined the Cheers staff in later seasons.

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What they’re saying

“Cheers has to go up against modern sitcoms that have established themselves as top-tier entertainment. However, the NBC sitcom included many of the most beloved storylines and traits long before they joined the likes of Friends or Community.”

— Dani Kessel Odom, Author

“Cheers released many episodes that completely beat out anything made today. These ten episodes, in particular, defy expectations in fresh and exciting ways.”

— Dani Kessel Odom, Author

The takeaway

Cheers remains one of the most beloved and influential sitcoms of all time, with a legacy that continues to endure. Its classic episodes, filled with sharp writing, iconic characters, and timeless humor, still outshine much of today's TV comedy, proving the show's enduring appeal and cultural impact.