Home / Arts and Entertainment / Danson Blacklisted by NBC for Cheers Pilot?
Danson Blacklisted by NBC for Cheers Pilot?
13 May
Summary
- Ted Danson was allegedly blacklisted by NBC for a failed pilot.
- A network executive blamed Danson for the pilot not working.
- Cheers later became a critically acclaimed, Emmy-winning success.

Ted Danson recently shared a surprising anecdote about his early career, revealing he was allegedly blacklisted by NBC. This situation reportedly stemmed from a pilot episode that did not work out, allegedly due to an age discrepancy between Danson and his co-star. An executive at the time supposedly blamed Danson and issued a memo instructing against his hiring.
Despite this alleged blacklisting, Danson was ultimately cast as Sam Malone in the iconic sitcom "Cheers." The series, which aired from 1982 to 1993, faced early struggles in ratings. However, it was saved from cancellation and went on to achieve immense critical and popular success, earning 28 Primetime Emmy Awards.