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Cheers: The Sitcom That Almost Died
10 Oct
Summary
- Cheers faced cancellation in its first year due to poor ratings.
- The show ranked 74th out of 96 series in its inaugural season.
- A 1984 lineup change propelled Cheers to Top 10 status.
The iconic NBC sitcom "Cheers," celebrated for winning 28 Emmy awards, experienced a precarious start, almost being canceled after its first season. Actor Ted Danson revealed that the show's initial ratings were so low it was humorously described as ranking 75th out of 70 series. In reality, "Cheers" finished its 1982 debut season at 74th out of 96 shows. The network's decision to retain the series, primarily due to a lack of replacement programming, proved pivotal.
By its second season, "Cheers" saw a significant improvement, climbing to 34th in the television rankings. In 1984, the show was integrated into NBC's popular Thursday night lineup, alongside hits like "Family Ties" and "The Cosby Show." This strategic placement contributed to its enduring success, with "Cheers" consistently ranking in the Top 10 for eight of its 11 seasons. The series finale, broadcast to an estimated 93 million viewers, was at the time the second-most-watched television episode ever.
