This is one of the few shows where later seasons were better than earlier ones. I was so happy when they got rid of Dianne and introduced Rebecca. Shelly Long and the writers were too good at making Dianne annoying...
shareI too prefer the later seasons of Cheers. I don't like the Diane or Coach characters. Bringing in Kirstie Alley and Woody Harrelson was a good move. I don't bother watching the first 5 season episodes when they are shown on TV; for me, Cheers starts at season 6.
shareIt's a very interesting show cause you can actually watch the shift in television style from the old style to the new style over its run. The evolution of the sitcom into its still used modern format. Being a mostly modern person, I definitely identify more with the later seasons of the show. But I do think the early seasons were better. I think the quality of writing was better and more true to premise. Losing both Coach and the bar kind of left the character of Sam without purpose and he sort of just became a generic character without identity. In general that happened with all the characters. It stopped being a show about down and out losers drowning their sorrows together and just became a tv show with lovable familiar faces. And of course, ever increasing hi-jinks and shenanigans. More fun to watch maybe. But certainly not as good.
shareBut I do think the early seasons were better. I think the quality of writing was better and more true to premise.
that is because they brought a better actor in who changed dynamic of show. kirsty alley was good actress who worked well with everyone. shelly long bad actress who is not liked by everyone else.
when you watch sitcoms that are good they depend on three things. these three things are vital to success, and all three must work together to create great show:
1. good writer - they create good storyline and give actors something interesting to do
2. good director - they get the actors to perform to there best abilitys
3. good leading actors - they bring everything to life. audience experience everything through them
so, in early seasons of cheers, shelly long disrupt point number 3, which mean point number 1 and 2 are affected. when kirsty alley come in, point number 3 now works and so point number 1 and 2 are fixed, and are synced with 3, so you have great show.
The Sam and Diane dynamic had run its course by the time that Shelly Long left. Kristy Alley brought a new direction to the show and at that point, it probably helped the show to have the longevity that it had. It's a shame that this show gets swept under the rug these days. If this aired in modern times Sam would probably be looked upon as a pervert by many of this generation's youth.
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