Cheers (1982): Seasons 1 and 2

I decided to give Cheers another look because it is largely regarded as one of the best comedies ever made. But many things started in the 1980's they tend not to hold up (See: A-ha, Miami Vice fashion, denim jackets, Roos, and guys with one earring).
So, I wanted to see if this sitcom giant held up.

The first promising aspect of Cheers is that it was created by the Glen and Les Charles- the creators of another great comedy known as Taxi. They also wrote on another all-time great show: the Bob Newhart Show. Furthermore, the main director of Cheers was James Burrows, who directed Taxi and the Bob Newhart Show, and subsequently directed for Friends, Wings, and Frasier. In other words. To call the creative team of Cheers "comedic genius" would probably be accurate.

And this is so very true of the first season of Cheers. Compared to modern comedies, the writing destroys most. There are defined gags and bits. The comedy is timing and delivery driven, based on mostly brilliant wordplay. For example:

Coach: Norm, how come you and Vera never had any kids?
Norm: I can't, Coach.
Coach: Gee, I'm sorry Norm.
Norm: I look at Vera. I just can't.

As opposed to many character driven comedies (like Family Matters with Urkel), most of the comedy comes from the writing and the timing of the actors who mostly do a fantastic job with the script. Ted Danson (Sam Malone), George Wendt (Norm), and John Ratzenberger (Cliff) are all phenomenal.

Cheers deals with socio-political issues such as class and homosexuality, and it is great to see they do it without being heavy-handed.

Sam and Diane are the 80's version of Jim and Pam (The Office), except much more interesting. While Jim and Pam always seem to click, and have similar types of senses of humor, Sam and Diane are exact opposites and spend most of their time clashing. But, they have passion. Something we never really felt with Jim and Pam. Which, frankly, always made their relationship too easy. The writers of The Office, in order to derail the relationship, had to use gimmicks- such as Jim transferring, while the writers of Cheers just had to use the personalities they already developed. Given that, one feels much more invested and attached to Sam and Diane's relationship because their friendship and budding relationship, like everyone's in the real world, is tenuous.

Given all the above, Cheers holds up and is still one of the best comedies I have ever seen.

Best Episodes: Showdown, Part II and The Spy Who Came in for a Cold one.

Recommendation: Watch it. And if you don't find it funny, re-evaluate yourself.