Did Shelley Long's Departure Impact Cheers Ratings? A Closer Look at the Show’s Journey

When Shelley Long left Cheers at the end of Season 5, many wondered if the show's ratings would experience a significant decline. Her character, Diane Chambers, was a central figure in the series, and her departure in 1987 led to some viewer drop-off. However, the show managed to adapt and introduce new characters like Rebecca Howe, played by Kirstie Alley, which helped it regain its popularity and continue to perform well in the ratings.

Initial Decline in Ratings

Following Shelley Long's departure, Cheers experienced a decline in ratings. The character of Diane Chambers was integral to the show, and her absence led to some viewers tuning out. However, the show was able to overcome this initial dip by introducing new backstories and characters, notably featuring Rebecca Howe played by Kirstie Alley. This new character brought fresh content and viewpoints to the series, which helped in retaining and even increasing the audience.

Growth and Popular Seasons

Over time, Cheers regained its popularity and continued to perform well in the ratings. In fact, the show's growth and popularity began in Season 3 and kept going until 1993. The series ultimately became one of the most beloved sitcoms of its time, maintaining strong viewership through its later seasons and winning several awards and accolades.

Continued Success After Shelley Long's Exit

While there was a dip directly following Shelley Long’s exit from Cheers, the show ultimately thrived and sustained its success over the years. This is a testament to the show's ability to adapt and evolve, showcasing the versatility of the cast and writers. As evidenced by the show’s ratings and enduring popularity, Cheers was more than just a single character-driven series.

Impact of Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley brought a new dynamic to the show with her character, Rebecca Howe. Initially, her character was well-received as people saw that the writing was still top-notch. The show's finale was incredibly popular, with the most watched regular network program in the nineties, coming close to beating the legendary MASH finale. However, it is important to note that Kirstie Alley's character by itself was not enough to sustain the series without the chemistry and clever dialogue of Sam and Diane. The chemistry between Ted Danson and Shelley Long as Sam and Diane was a significant factor in the show's continued success.

TV Watching Habits in the Early 90s

The late 1980s and early 1990s were a very different time for television watching habits. There were only three major networks, and alternative forms of entertainment such as MTV and HBO were limited. People had a strong connection to their TV shows, often relying on them for clever and engaging entertainment. Without the engaging and witty repartee between Sam and Diane, the show became less engaging and ultimately, less popular. This is a critical point that underscores why the departure of Shelley Long and the character dynamics affected Cheers.

Long-Term Success and Spinoffs

Despite the initial challenges, Cheers was able to find a new incarnation. This is evidenced by the fact that Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson continued to have highly successful careers. Rhea Perlman also had a successful career, and Frasier, a spinoff of Cheers, became the most popular spinoff in TV history. This demonstrates that the success of Cheers transcended the departure of Shelley Long and the character of Diane Chambers, as the show and its cast found a way to adapt and continue to perform well over the years.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Shelley Long's departure from Cheers had some immediate effects on the show's ratings, the overall impact was not as significant as initially feared. Kirstie Alley's character brought a fresh dynamic, but the show's success ultimately relied on strong writing, memorable chemistry, and engaging dialogue. The ability to adapt and evolve, as well as the enduring popularity of the show and its cast, highlight the resilience of Cheers in the face of change.