Universally acclaimed as one of the best sitcoms of all time, Cheers ought not to be forgotten as part of what made NBC Thursday nights so legendary. Even if Seinfeld is the show about “nothing,” this groundbreaking series about friends just sitting in a bar totally revolutionized what sitcoms can do, and what type of humor can be presented to a mainstream audience. With its witty writing, consistently nuanced and lovable characters, and truly earth-shattering ’80s sweaters and haircuts, Cheers will inevitably leave a lasting impression upon anyone who watches it. Without ever being too schmaltzy or overly-sentimental, the show perfectly encapsulates the portrait of a family over time, as it both constantly changes and always remains the same. To commemorate this timelessly funny, treasured show, here is a list of our favorite Cheers episodes, ranked.
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9 Woody Interruptus
CBS television distribution
Due to his natural charm and extraordinarily high IQ, there are almost too many precious Woody moments to choose from as #1 throughout the series. However, “Woody Interruptus” is perhaps one of the character’s most entertaining, Woody-esque episodes. In this fan-favorite from season nine, Woody’s girlfriend Kelly returns from France with a handsome, womanizing new Frenchman friend, who makes it quite clear to the bar what his intentions are with Woody’s beau. This episode is as heartwarming as it is laugh-out-loud hilarious - there might not be much behind those eyes, but Woody sure does have a deep heart. Not to go unmentioned is the equally hysterical subplot of Cliff wanting to freeze his own head.
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8 The Showdown (Parts One and Two)
CBS Television Distribution
After middling ratings, the two-part season finale to season one is what rightfully proved Cheers to be on another plane than most sitcoms. It takes the “will they won’t they” trope to a whole new level, perfectly fitting to Sam and Diane’s personalities, and the chemistry between the two in these episodes is truly unmatched. The writing remains consistently clever, and never too sappy, as their borderline nasty jabs at each other give way to passion. The real kicker is that Sam’s brother happens to be in town, managing to woo Diane with his talent and good luck. In this way, we finally get to see a bit of Sam’s insecurity leaking through, even if he’s the same Mayday Malone as always. James Burrows won an Emmy for his excellent directing of part II, and it’s hard to see any future sitcoms not having been influenced by this iconic cliffhanger.
7 It’s Lonely at the Top
This late gem from season eleven proves that Cheers never let up until the very end. In fact, this is by far one of the series’ most inventive and weirdly sensitive episodes. It all starts when Carla serves up the bar one of her powerhouse drinks, causing everyone, herself included, to have a bad hangover the next day. Carla panics to Sam, thinking that she slept with one of the bar’s regulars - let it not be Cliff! To console her, Sam reveals some hair-related secrets of his own, which make for some truly brilliant meta-humor, as well as a look into Mayday Malone’s more vulnerable side.
6 One Hugs, the Other Doesn’t
In this sidesplitting episode, Sam takes Frederick, Lilith, and Frasier to children singer Nanny G’s concert for Fredrick’s second birthday. Woody comes along, too, because he loves Nanny G. In a shocking turn of events, we learn that Nanny G. was Frasier’s first wife, whom he totally neglected to inform Lilith of. Let’s just say that things escalate quickly between the two, leading to a brawl of the fisticuffs over Dr. Crane. This episode gives us an insightful view into the dynamic of Frasier and Lilith’s relationship, and also sees Lilith unleashed as we have never seen before - Bebe Neuwirth shines brighter than ever. Nanny G. is also played by an on-the-nose young Emma Thomspon.
5 What is…Cliff Clavin?
CBS Television iDistribution
A neurosurgeon. A lawyer and mother of six. A mailman. Anyone who’s watched Cheers once knows where Cliff fits into these three categories - and that is exactly what makes his stint on Jeopardy! so hilarious. This episode even got the late Alex Trebek to guest-star, and his rapport with the overly-eager Cliff is completely authentic-feeling. Of course, the categories on the board for the day include areas of Cliff’s expertise like “Beer,” “Civil Servants,” and “Celibacy,” and yet, as is the Cliff way, he still finds a way to blow it all. His downfall is still being mourned to this day.
4 Thanksgiving Orphans
Not even a top tier show like Cheers is above the occasional food fight. In this aptly-named episode from season five, all of the Cheers regulars somehow end up alone on Thanksgiving, so they decide to hold a nice feast of their own. Things start to go slightly less than planned when Norm’s “Birdzilla” turkey takes forever to cook in Carla’s oven, and all the other measly food grows cold. A full-on food fight erupts, with even Diane, dressed as a pilgrim, giving in to the primordial chaos. This is perhaps one of the most entertaining episodes of the series to take place outside the bar, proving that Cheers doesn’t just depend on its go-to setting for the gags and characters to still work - through the food battle; they come together in a way they never have quite before.
3 Home Is the Sailor
Many shows fall rapidly downhill once one of their main characters leaves - such could never be the case for Cheers. In the ever-sharp season six premier, we are introduced to Cheers’ new boss, Rebecca, just as Sam returns from his lugubrious journey overseas. From the get-go, it’s very clear that Rebecca isn’t just another stand-in for Diane. She couldn’t be more different, yet blooming with her own individuality that makes this premiere so captivating to watch. It’s also great to see the show return to form after a rather heartbreaking season five finale. The “Screaming Viking” bit, in which Norm and the bar order a fake drink to get the new bartender canned, is one for the books.
2 Abnormal Psychology
In this episode from season four, Frasier’s will is put to the test as his desire for Lilith becomes more obvious by the minute. To fan the flames of love, Diane tries convincing Lilith to soften up around the edges a little - of course, this immediately backfires. Both Frasier and Lilith are invited onto a psychology talk show, only for the latter to become completely blinded by passion as soon as Lilith (literally) lets her hair down. Frasier makes a total fool of himself on TV in a hilarious, innuendo laden exchange with Dr. Sternin. What’s almost just as entertaining are everyone’s enamored reactions at the bar, including the usually tightly-wound Diane. Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth’s facial expressions alone also definitely deserve some awards.
1 I Do and Adieu
CBS Television Networks
For those partial to Rebecca, there’s definitely one reason why this is a top episode - it, for the time being, finally marks the end of Sam and Diane’s fraught romantic relationship. However, there’s so much more than just putting a cap on the Diane era that makes this episode so special. Not only do we get to witness Sam and Diane’s tender goodbye, despite Diane’s insistence that she’ll be back soon, but we also get a glimpse into what the couple’s future might have looked like together. We watch them grow old and tender with one another, despite the fact that Diane is left to wonder what could have been with her writing career. Sam knows that he can’t hold her back, which makes this episode all the more poignant and emotionally impactful. We get to see the many sides of either character in play, and are reminded of the series’ incredible acting and writing alike - on more than just the comedic front.
