Very few television sitcoms have remained as consistently entertaining as Cheers. The popular barroom ensemble ran for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993, winning six Golden Globes in the process. The deft blend of witty humor and heartfelt pathos is what sets the show apart, in addition to the fine caliber of acting. Many of the show’s then unknown actors would go on to become Hollywood mega-stars.
But have you ever given thought to some of the show’s most memorable episodes? No worries if not, we’ve got you covered! Here is Cheers: The Best Episode of Every Season, Ranked.
“One For The Road” S11.E25
For obvious reasons, the series finale is considered the best and most satisfying episode of Season 11. The emotional sendoff did a splendid job of tying up all the various storylines, season arcs and loose ends.
Rebecca marries her boyfriend, Woody takes a City Council position, and Norm becomes a City Hall employee. But the most poignant part of the episode comes when Sam and Diane reunite one last time. They recognize true love in each other as the one that got away. A bittersweet ending, if ever there was one.
“An Old-Fashioned Wedding” S10.E25
Woody and Kelly’s wild wedding takes a hilarious turn when they consummate their marriage before the ceremony. As long as they tie the knot later in the day, they should be fine right?
Not so much. While the bride- and groom-to-be try to hide the truth from everyone at the Gaines mansion, the old-fashioned wedding turns into a full-fledged nightmare. Rebecca bickers with caterers, Cliff blinds guests with flash photography, Sam gets hit on by a married woman, etc. The best part? The minister is replaced by a drunk, anti-marriage priest.
“The Days Of Wine And Neuroses” S9.E15
While literal spirits go down in Cheers quite often, nothing dispirits the gang like the loss of the barroom jukebox. Thankfully, a karaoke machine is just the thing to restart the party.
Hilarity ensues when Cliff and Norm inhale helium and repeat the song “Lollipop,” but nothing compares to the way Frasier hogs the machine all night long. The episode takes a dramatic turn when Rebecca learns her boyfriend Robin will be released from jail in a few days. Robin asks Rebecca to marry him, but Rebecca confides to Sam that she may not truly love her recently-released fella.
“What Is…Cliff Claven?” S8.E14
In one of the biggest fan-favorites of the entire series, cocky trivia buff Cliff Claven gets the chance to compete on Jeopardy!. When the contest doesn’t go according to plan, Cliff shares a heart-to-heart conversation with Alex Trebek that, ahem, cheers him up.
Meanwhile, the B-story concerns Sam’s missing little black book. A mystery man pretending to be Sam calls up various women in the book and arranges kinky roller rink hook-ups. Sam asks Rebecca to help spring a trap and identify the culprit.
“How To Win Friends And Electrocute People” S7.E7
The cream of the Season 7 crop comes when the Cranes take a road trip, prompting Sam to teach Lilith how to drive. He hilariously rues the decision when she turns into a road-raging maniac.
But the dramatic crux of the episode comes when Cliff is admitted to the hospital for appendicitis. As he awaits surgery, Frasier volunteers at the hospital. When Frasier enters Cliff’s empty room, he thinks Cliff has already been released. Frasier makes a nasty remark about Cliff, which Cliff overhears. This leads to a heartfelt confrontation ensues that bolsters their friendship.
“Home Is The Sailor” S6.E1
The Season 6 premiere remains the best episode of the year, thanks in large part to the massive changes Cheers underwent from the season prior.
Sam sold the pub to a mega-corporation and used the money to sail around the globe. In his stead, Rebecca Howe is introduced as the stern new manager. Cliff and Norm no longer frequent Cheers. Diane has moved to Hollywood after a failed novel. Carla reveals she’s pregnant. In the end, Sam returns to Cheers and works his charm on Rebecca to get his old job back.
“Thanksgiving Orphans” S5.E9
In one of the most universally beloved episodes, the gang celebrates Thanksgiving at Carla’s new house. Norm brings a gigantic turkey that takes forever to cook. Side dishes become cold. Diane even shows up wearing a pilgrim costume.
But the real fun occurs when a food fight breaks out. Norm hurls cold peas at Carla, who returns fire with a handful of carrots. Sam launches cranberry sauce at Diane, who waits for the perfect time to smear pumpkin pie in his face as payback. Unfortunately, she accidentally hits Vera instead.
“From Beer To Eternity” S4.E9
While the running 7-part “Bar Wars” arc is a ton of fun, bowling against Gary’s Olde Towne Tavern ups the ante. Indeed, Cheers again squares off with its rival pub, first suffering a crushing defeat during a softball tournament.
As payback, the gang challenges Gary’s team to a bowling competition. Their secret weapon? Kingpin’s Roy Munson! Sam asks Woody to participate in the game, but a past incident has forced Woody to give up bowling. As Sam and Gary place a hefty bet on the outcome, pressure on Woody mounts to help his squad or face another defeat.
“The Heart Is A Lonely Snipehunter” S3.E14
Talk about a fish out of water. When Frasier gets the blues, Diane suggests the guys take him on a fishing expedition. But Sam isn’t interested in coddling Frasier, who is averse to the great outdoors.
So as an elaborate practical prank, Sam and the gang tell Frasier they’re going snipe-hunting. Frasier must complete the task of securing the “gunny sack” while making a ridiculous birdcall. In the end, the gang reveals that snipes do not exist, and the whole charade was meant to send Frasier on a wild goose chase.
“Power Play” S2.E1
The Season 2 premiere remains at the forefront of fan adoration. The drama revolves around Sam and Diane’s rocky relationship. Sam wants to keep things casual, while Diane wants something more serious and long-term. So, what gives?
The episode remains powerful due to the onscreen chemistry of Ted Danson and Shelley Long, but also in the way it explores the complexity of Sam and Diane. Their relationship is tested and resolved in a way that informs the rest of the series.
“Give Me A Ring Sometime” S1.E1
It’s hard to go against the pilot of a series that would go on to produce 271 total episodes. In the show’s introduction, the comedic tone of Cheers is established and the landscape laid out in full.
As Diane passes through the titular bar before a flight, she meets Sam, owner, tender, and former pitcher. Diane waits for her professor to return with his aunt’s ring. In his absence, Sam introduces Diane to the cast of regulars we would come to know and love for the following 11 years.
