This scene is from the episode “One Last Fling” of the series “Cheers”, which aired in 1987. In this episode, the bar’s employees and patrons throw a bachelor party for Sam Malone (played by Ted Danson) before he plans to marry Diane Chambers (played by Shelley Long). During the party, Woody Boyd (played by Woody Harrelson) randomly asks Diane if she can be the one to jump out of a cake to surprise Sam. However, in a humorous situation, Rebecca Howe (played by Kirstie Alley) is the one who appears from the cake, surprising everyone, especially Sam. Rebecca, with her serious personality and frequent ironic situations, becomes the center of attention in this moment. This scene shows the complex interactions between the characters and brings laughter to the audience through unexpected and humorous situations.

So why is Cheers one of the classic movies?

For over a decade, Cheers brought audiences into the cozy, laughter-filled bar “where everybody knows your name.” Whether you were rooting for Sam and Diane’s on-again, off-again romance, laughing at Norm’s witty one-liners, or enjoying Carla’s fiery comebacks, this legendary sitcom remains one of the greatest in television history.

But even the biggest Cheers fans may not know some of the wildest behind-the-scenes secrets. From real-life friendships to hidden production details, let’s uncover the fascinating truths about this beloved series.

The Surprising Origins of Cheers

Before Cheers became a cultural phenomenon, its success was anything but guaranteed.

✔ The show premiered in 1982 but ranked dead last in its first season. It started at 77th place in the ratings, and many believed it was doomed for cancellation.
✔ NBC decided to stick with it, and by Season 9, Cheers became the number one show in America.
✔ The setting was inspired by the real-life Bull & Finch Pub in Boston, now officially renamed Cheers due to the show’s influence.

From a struggling debut to an all-time classic, Cheers proved that sometimes, the greatest hits start with humble beginnings.

The Cast’s Hidden Struggles and Triumphs

The characters of Cheers felt so real because the cast brought them to life with genuine chemistry and personal struggles behind the scenes.

Kelsey Grammer’s Hidden Battle

Kelsey Grammer (Dr. Frasier Crane) struggled with alcohol and drug addiction during his time on Cheers.

✔ His substance abuse worsened, especially in the final season.
✔ Ted Danson (Sam Malone) tried to intervene, but their relationship became strained.
✔ Grammer later revealed that his true road to recovery didn’t begin until Frasier launched in 1993.

Despite his challenges, Grammer’s comedic genius and character depth made Frasier one of the show’s most iconic additions.

Woody Harrelson’s Wild First Day on Set

When Woody Harrelson joined the cast in Season 4 as Woody Boyd, his first day was unforgettable.

✔ On the same day, he got into a bar fight and had his car stolen.
✔ His chaotic introduction made Ted Danson an instant fan, and he personally fought to secure Harrelson’s role on the show.

Harrelson and Danson’s bond only grew stronger, leading to a lifelong friendship that continues today.

The Unexpected Ways Cheers Made TV History

Cheers was more than just a sitcom—it changed television forever.

The Designated Driver Initiative

From the beginning, the creators of Cheers made sure that no character ever left the bar drunk and drove home.

✔ This decision wasn’t just for laughs—it was part of a larger push to promote responsible drinking.
✔ The Writers Guild of America praised the initiative, leading to over 160 prime-time shows integrating designated driver messaging.
✔ This effort resulted in over $100 million worth of donated TV airtime supporting anti-drunk-driving campaigns.

A show about a bar helped change the conversation around alcohol safety—who would’ve thought?

A Real Bald Spot and a Fake Hair Solution

Ted Danson’s iconic hair was part of Sam Malone’s charm, but here’s the secret—Danson was already losing his hair when Cheers began.

✔ To maintain his ladies’ man image, Danson wore a toupee during filming.
✔ This wasn’t widely known until he publicly removed it during Late Night with David Letterman.

The reveal shocked fans, but it never diminished his legendary status.

Secrets Behind the Characters and Casting Choices

From name coincidences to last-minute casting changes, some of Cheers’ best characters almost didn’t happen.

Woody Boyd Was Always Woody—but Not Because of Harrelson

Many fans assume Woody Harrelson’s character was named after him, but that’s not true!

✔ The character of Woody Boyd already existed before casting began.
✔ Harrelson wasn’t the original pick—another actor had the role until Ted Danson personally fought for Harrelson to be cast instead.

Harrelson’s effortless charm and comedic timing made Woody one of Cheers’ most beloved characters.

Shelley Long’s Pregnancy Was Cleverly Hidden

When Shelley Long (Diane Chambers) and Rhea Perlman (Carla Tortelli) were both pregnant in Season 3, only Carla’s pregnancy was written into the show.

✔ To hide Long’s pregnancy, filming techniques were adjusted, often placing her behind the bar or seated behind objects.
✔ It’s a fun Easter egg—next time you watch Season 3, see if you can spot how they covered it up!

Long’s departure after Season 5 marked a major shift for the show, but her impact on Cheers remains legendary.

Hilarious Behind-the-Scenes Mistakes and Easter Eggs

Even a polished sitcom like Cheers had its share of bloopers and quirks.

Wait… Did the Bathrooms Move?

Ever notice that the bathrooms in Cheers switch locations throughout the series?

✔ Sometimes, the women’s restroom is near the bar, and other times it’s next to the pool room.
✔ No in-show renovation was mentioned, so it’s likely just a simple set mistake.

A minor detail, but one that sharp-eyed fans have picked up on over the years!

The Mysterious Curtain That Made an Unplanned Cameo

If you watch the end of Season 2, you might spot a curtain appearing on the left side of the screen whenever the camera pulls back from Norm’s usual barstool.

✔ It’s unclear why it’s there—maybe a set mistake or an attempt to block off crew equipment.
✔ Most viewers never noticed, but for die-hard fans, it’s a fun background blooper.

The Final Episode: A Farewell That Made TV History

When Cheers ended in 1993 after 11 seasons and 275 episodes, its series finale became one of the most-watched television events ever.

✔ 93 million viewers tuned in to watch the last call at Cheers.
✔ The cast celebrated with an actual wrap party at a real bar, making it one of the most emotional goodbyes in TV history.

While the show ended, its legacy lives on through reruns, streaming, and the spin-off series Frasier.

Conclusion: Why Cheers Still Stands the Test of Time

Cheers remains one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, thanks to its timeless humor, unforgettable characters, and groundbreaking moments.

✔ It started at the bottom but became a #1 hit.
✔ It tackled real issues while keeping the laughs rolling.
✔ It created lifelong friendships and legendary TV moments.

Even decades later, fans continue to revisit Sam, Diane, Norm, Cliff, and the whole gang, proving that Cheers is more than just a show—it’s a warm, nostalgic escape into a world where everybody knows your name.

What’s your favorite Cheers moment? Drop your thoughts below!