Shelley Long Reason For 'Cheers' Success, Creators Say

By: Juila Greenberg, Published February 28 2025

Cheers and the Shelley Long Legacy

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. The beloved sitcom "Cheers" owes much of its early success to Long's unforgettable portrayal of Diane Chambers, a fact acknowledged by the show's creators, Glen and Les Charles, during a conversation on the "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" podcast.

The Strength of Diane Chambers

Glen and Les Charles credited Long's performance as Diane for securing "Cheers"’ debut season. "We said often that we're not sure that "Cheers" would have survived without Shelley in that first season because she was so strong and so confident and knew exactly who the character was and who she was,” Les told hosts and former "Cheers" stars Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson. He noted that while the rest of the cast was still finding their footing, Shelley had already perfected Diane from the very start.

Ted Danson’s Playful Response

In response to Les Charles’ praise of Long, Danson jokingly quipped, "Kiss my ass. That's so rude." However, the "Cheers" leading man ultimately agreed with the sentiment, acknowledging that Long provided the show the boost it desperately needed in its formative years. Danson elaborated on Long’s influence, stating, "Shelley really gave the first year or two or three the boost that "Cheers" needed." He praised her ability to fully embody Diane Chambers from the pilot episode onward, likening her impact to Lucille Ball in "I Love Lucy". Her presence helped shape the show's identity and set a high bar for performances on the series.

The Panic Over Shelley’s Departure

At the end of "Cheers’" fifth season, Long made the decision to leave to focus on film and family. Her departure left the show’s creators in a state of “sheer panic.” Les Charles recalled, "There were some critics that said when Shelley walks out the door, that's the end of "Cheers"." Given how central the Sam-Diane courtship was to the show’s premise, it was difficult to imagine "Cheers" without her.

Sam and Diane: An Iconic TV Romance

The will-they-or-won't-they relationship between Sam Malone and Diane Chambers remains one of television’s most memorable romances. Sam, a smooth-talking former baseball player, clashed with Diane, an intellectual and aspiring writer, in a playful yet passionate dynamic. Their flirtatious battles fueled much of the show’s drama and humor, keeping audiences invested in their complicated love story.

Why Shelley Left Cheers

While Long’s departure was a major turning point for "Cheers", it wasn’t unexpected. As Glen Charles explained, "[She] had signed on for five years anyway. Her contract was up, it's not like she stormed out of here." He acknowledged that she was gaining success in film and wanted to explore new opportunities. "She did say, 'I'm out of here,' but she was allowed to do that," he said, recognizing her ambitions beyond the sitcom.

Diane’s Return to Cheers and Frasier

Long’s departure didn’t mean a permanent goodbye to Diane Chambers. She returned for the "Cheers" series finale, giving closure to her relationship with Sam. Additionally, she reprised the role in two episodes of "Frasier", the "Cheers" spinoff following Kelsey Grammer’s character, ensuring that Diane remained a part of the "Cheers" universe.

Kirstie Alley Joins the Cast

Following Long’s departure, "Cheers" introduced Kirstie Alley as Rebecca Howe in season six. Glen Charles clarified that she wasn’t meant to be a direct replacement for Diane but instead brought a fresh dynamic to the series as the new bar manager. Her character allowed for new storylines and interactions with Sam. Initially, the creators weren’t sure if Alley could handle the comedic demands of "Cheers", but she quickly proved them wrong. Glen Charles noted, "She's a very good actress. She's obviously very sexy and interesting to watch." Danson also praised her ability to balance desperation with comedy, saying she could be "on the verge of a nervous breakdown, be moving, and still be funny."