6 Things You Never Knew About the ‘Cheers’ Finale
The Cheers finale aired on May 20, 1993, and for many of us, it felt like saying goodbye to a group of old friends who had been saving our favorite barstool every week. With nearly 93 million people tuning in, it became the second most-watched series finale in television history, just behind M*A*S*H. In honor of its anniversary — and sadly enough, the passing of George Wendt at age 76 on its anniversary — here are six fun facts about the last call at Cheers:
1 The last scene featured a tribute to “Coach” (& the actor who played him)
NBC/Everett Collection
In one of the final moments of the episode, Sam Malone walks to the back of the bar and gently straightens a photograph of Geronimo. That photo belonged to Nicholas Colasanto, who played the lovable Coach Ernie Pantusso until his death in 1985. The picture once hung in Colasanto’s dressing room, and after his passing, it was placed on the set in his memory. That quiet moment was Sam’s way of saying goodbye, not just to the bar, but to Coach, too — and the show’s way of honoring Colasanto and the role he played in making the show what it was.
2 Diane and Rebecca finally met
Paramount Television/Everett Collection
For eleven seasons, fans followed Sam’s rollercoaster romances with Diane Chambers and Rebecca Howe. The finale marked the first and only time Diane and Rebecca actually appeared onscreen together. The moment was brief, but still a treat for viewers who had followed both storylines. However, scheduling complications meant Shelley Long wasn’t present for the final bar scene, which had to be filmed without her and without a studio audience.
3 Kelsey Grammer was truly emotional
Paramount Television/Everett Collection
In the finale’s last moments, the gang gathers for cigars and conversation about the meaning of life. When it’s Frasier’s turn to speak, Kelsey Grammer‘s voice starts to tremble. It wasn’t scripted; after nine years with the cast, he was genuinely emotional. George Wendt then ad-libbed a lighthearted comment about Cliff’s shoes to ease the tension and help out his costar.
4 The finale was one of the most-watched TV events
Everett Collection
The Cheers finale aired on NBC in a 98-minute version that became one of the most-watched television events of all time. It was also the highest-rated episode of the entire 1992–1993 television season, drawing in nearly 40% of the U.S. population at the time. Viewing parties popped up across the country, from bars in small towns to Toronto’s 50,000-seat SkyDome. After it aired, the cast (minus Long, Kirstie Alley, and Bebe Neuwirth) appeared live and more than a little tipsy on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, which was filmed from Boston’s Bull & Finch Pub in Boston, the real-life bar that inspired Cheers.
5 Viewers had a say in what happened to Sam in the finale
Everett Collection
Before the finale aired, a national poll asked viewers whether Sam should end up with Diane, Rebecca or stay single. Nearly half voted for him to stay single and that’s exactly what happened. While many characters, including Frasier, went on to new adventures, Sam simply stayed in Boston, alone in his bar, telling a late-night customer that it was closed. That final moment is what gave Cheers its perfect ending.
6 Who had the final knock on the door?
In the last scene of the Cheers finale, someone walks up and knocks on the bar door. That wasn’t just an extra; it was actually Bob Broder, the agent for creators Glen and Les Charles and director James Burrows. Broder was given the honor because, according to Burrows, “he was the guy who got us the bar in the first place.” It was a subtle but meaningful way to end the show, quietly nodding to the people who helped make Cheers possible.
Do you remember watching the finale live? What do you think about it?
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