The sets of different sitcoms can feel like a home away from home for the audiences watching, so it's not hard to imagine just how much the casts of those shows might get attached to them. Sitcoms are frequently about families (either by blood or friendship) and the casts can develop relationships just as potent, making the sets the place of incredible memories. Unfortunately, sets aren't made to last forever and that can lead to some emotional consequences for the cast. Sometimes there are tragedies like the fire that took out the set of the "M*A*S*H" finale, and sometimes it can be something as simple as giving the set a fresh coat of paint that can totally upset the balance of things.
The 1980s sitcom "Cheers" takes place in a bar owned by former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Sam Malone (Ted Danson), who serves up drinks...
The 1980s sitcom "Cheers" takes place in a bar owned by former Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Sam Malone (Ted Danson), who serves up drinks...
- 3/30/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
In January, the Cheers cast reunited for the Emmy Awards. The iconic moment sent viewers searching for more information. While Frasier, the beloved Cheers spinoff, has been rebooted, there has been no word about Cheers. The reunion got fans talking, with many theorizing the cast might consider getting together for a reboot. Ted Danson, who played Sam Malone for all 11 seasons, has set the record straight. A reboot isn’t in the cards.
Ted Danson says a ‘Cheers’ reboot is out of the question
If you were hoping for a Cheers reboot, Ted Danson’s thoughts on it might upset you. Entertainment Tonight caught up with Ted Danson and asked him about the possibility of a Cheers reboot. The famed actor was pretty adamant that while he loved reuniting with the cast at the Emmy Awards, a reboot was out of the question.
L-r: Rhea Perlman, Nicholas Colasanto, and Ted...
Ted Danson says a ‘Cheers’ reboot is out of the question
If you were hoping for a Cheers reboot, Ted Danson’s thoughts on it might upset you. Entertainment Tonight caught up with Ted Danson and asked him about the possibility of a Cheers reboot. The famed actor was pretty adamant that while he loved reuniting with the cast at the Emmy Awards, a reboot was out of the question.
L-r: Rhea Perlman, Nicholas Colasanto, and Ted...
- 3/23/2024
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When "Cheers" wrapped up in 1993, it looked a lot different from the show that began airing in 1982. The finale not only brought in almost 100 million viewers, it became one of the most-watched installments of any TV show ever made — even courting the attention of then-President Bill Clinton, who was eyeing up a cameo in the finale before forcing the writers to scrap those plans at the last minute.
But back when "Cheers" debuted, it almost crashed and burned with its very first season. In fact, it would take until the end of the third season for the show to really find its footing, ratings-wise. Sadly, one of the central characters who'd help solidify the series' huge success would no longer be around to enjoy the glory years to come.
Coach Ernie Pantusso (Nicholas Colasanto), affectionately known by the Cheers bar crew as "Coach," was a central part of the show since the off.
But back when "Cheers" debuted, it almost crashed and burned with its very first season. In fact, it would take until the end of the third season for the show to really find its footing, ratings-wise. Sadly, one of the central characters who'd help solidify the series' huge success would no longer be around to enjoy the glory years to come.
Coach Ernie Pantusso (Nicholas Colasanto), affectionately known by the Cheers bar crew as "Coach," was a central part of the show since the off.
- 3/9/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
By the end of its fifth season, "Cheers" had become one of the most popular sitcoms on television. Every Thursday night, viewers tuned in to hang with the regulars at the Boston pub where everybody knows your name, and the gang always delivered. You could put the "Cheers" gang up against the very best in the history of the medium.
Most amazingly, the series didn't miss a beat when Woody Harrelson stepped in for Nick Colasanto after the latter's unexpected death. It just became a different kind of excellent.
And yet, as the show headed into its sixth season, no one was sure if "Cheers" could survive the departure of Shelley Long. The actor's combustible, Tracy-Hepburn chemistry with Ted Danson gave every episode the charge of the unexpected, and kept everyone in their orbit perpetually unsettled. Without her, the entire dynamic of the show might change, turning fans off a...
Most amazingly, the series didn't miss a beat when Woody Harrelson stepped in for Nick Colasanto after the latter's unexpected death. It just became a different kind of excellent.
And yet, as the show headed into its sixth season, no one was sure if "Cheers" could survive the departure of Shelley Long. The actor's combustible, Tracy-Hepburn chemistry with Ted Danson gave every episode the charge of the unexpected, and kept everyone in their orbit perpetually unsettled. Without her, the entire dynamic of the show might change, turning fans off a...
- 2/11/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
"Cheers" had just found its Nielsen ratings footing when the sitcom was dealt an unexpectedly tragic blow: Nicholas Colasanto, who'd become the heart of the series as kind-hearted bartender "Coach" Ernie Pantusso, died at the age of 61 of a heart attack.
Of the main cast, Colasanto might've been the most irreplaceable. He provided the show its first heartbreaking moment in the season 1 episode "Coach's Daughter," where he struggles to convince his only child (Allyce Beasley) to not marry her boor of a fiancé. From that moment forward, the writers deployed Coach as a lovably addled fount of accidental wisdom; though irreparably concussed by taking too many baseballs to the noggin during his major league career, the goofball always came through when it counted.
And suddenly, before the conclusion of the series' pivotal third season, he was gone.
"Cheers" still had a deep-bench ensemble with Sam, Diane, Carla, Norm and Cliff,...
Of the main cast, Colasanto might've been the most irreplaceable. He provided the show its first heartbreaking moment in the season 1 episode "Coach's Daughter," where he struggles to convince his only child (Allyce Beasley) to not marry her boor of a fiancé. From that moment forward, the writers deployed Coach as a lovably addled fount of accidental wisdom; though irreparably concussed by taking too many baseballs to the noggin during his major league career, the goofball always came through when it counted.
And suddenly, before the conclusion of the series' pivotal third season, he was gone.
"Cheers" still had a deep-bench ensemble with Sam, Diane, Carla, Norm and Cliff,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name – and that place could be a watering hole in Boston or a recreation of it on stage at the Primetime Emmy Awards. As was teased, a portion of the cast of Cheers reunited on Monday night, complete with a recreation of the iconic set.
The Cheers reunion found Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt (Norm!) presenting the awards for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, both of which went to The Bear. Throughout its 11-season run, Cheers won both of these twice. Notably, Wendt’s nephew, Jason Sudeikis, was nominated for Ted Lasso.
Danson, who played bartender Sam Malone on Cheers, expressed his gratitude to host Anthony Anderson by saying, “Anthony, thank you for getting us all here. Ah, this feels so nice to be here in front of all of you,...
The Cheers reunion found Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and George Wendt (Norm!) presenting the awards for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series and Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, both of which went to The Bear. Throughout its 11-season run, Cheers won both of these twice. Notably, Wendt’s nephew, Jason Sudeikis, was nominated for Ted Lasso.
Danson, who played bartender Sam Malone on Cheers, expressed his gratitude to host Anthony Anderson by saying, “Anthony, thank you for getting us all here. Ah, this feels so nice to be here in front of all of you,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
When the NBC comedy series "Cheers" began in 1982, fans quickly fell in love with Ernie "Coach" Pantusso (Nicholas Colasanto). He was a retired baseball coach working at the bar with Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). He wasn't exactly the sharpest knife in the condiments bar, but he had a good heart and gave sort of ridiculous yet profound advice. He was a beloved character and a staple of the show. However, when Colasanto passed away after a heart attack in 1985, Coach died in the show as well.
In season 4, we got a new bartender in the form of Woody Boyd, played by a very young Woody Harrelson. He had the same very naive and sweet quality that Coach had, though he was far younger. I mean, look at the picture above. He was a baby! Woody Boyd was a pen pal to Coach and had to...
In season 4, we got a new bartender in the form of Woody Boyd, played by a very young Woody Harrelson. He had the same very naive and sweet quality that Coach had, though he was far younger. I mean, look at the picture above. He was a baby! Woody Boyd was a pen pal to Coach and had to...
- 12/11/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
The NBC series "Cheers" ran for 11 seasons from 1982-1993. The show, which earned an incredible 28 Primetime Emmy Awards during its run, took place in a bar in Boston. Former baseball star Sam Malone (Ted Danson) now runs a bar and has an on-again-off-again relationship with Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), a sort of stuck-up woman who has to become a cocktail waitress to make ends meet. The bar was littered with characters like Norm (George Wendt), a barfly whose name everyone does indeed know, Cliff (John Ratzenberger), the bar know-it-all, Carla (Rhea Perlman), the acerbic waitress, Coach (Nicholas Colasanto), the doddering but loveable owner, and Woody (Woody Harrelson) as the dopey bartender. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), the prissy psychiatrist who got his own show out of it (that is currently in revival form), also appeared, as well as Rebecca (Kirstie Alley), who replaced Diane as a waitress and love interest after Long left.
- 11/4/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
With Phil Dunster’s supporting comedy actor nomination for “Ted Lasso” on Friday, the much-decorated Apple TV+ series is now in some rare and esteemed company in having each of its original regular cast members honored with at least a single Emmy nod. Only seven other major shows in television history can make a similar claim: “All in the Family,” “Cheers,” “The Golden Girls,” “Seinfeld,” “Sex and the City,” “Will & Grace” and “Schitt’s Creek.”
Here are the eight nominated performers for “Lasso”: Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, Nick Mohammed, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt and now Dunster.
See‘Jury Duty,’ James Marsden, Harrison Ford, other surprises at the 2023 Emmy nominations
The other shows with Emmy nominations for all of its original cast members stack up as follows:
“All in the Family”: Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers
“Cheers”: Ted Danson, Shelley Long,...
Here are the eight nominated performers for “Lasso”: Jason Sudeikis, Brett Goldstein, Nick Mohammed, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt and now Dunster.
See‘Jury Duty,’ James Marsden, Harrison Ford, other surprises at the 2023 Emmy nominations
The other shows with Emmy nominations for all of its original cast members stack up as follows:
“All in the Family”: Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner and Sally Struthers
“Cheers”: Ted Danson, Shelley Long,...
- 8/18/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
"Cheers" went off the air on May 20, 1993, with a series finale that was watched by 93 million people. That was about two and a half months before I was born, so I have gone my entire life knowing what a cultural behemoth the show was. However, it took me a good deal of time to actually sit down and watch "Cheers." Growing up, my sitcom of choice was the one that took over the spot vacated by "Cheers" to become NBC's comedy crown jewel, "Seinfeld."
My relationship with the place where everybody knows your name didn't start until five years ago when I moved to a new city where I didn't know anyone. I had no furniture outside of a couch because there was a delay with the movers who helped me move halfway across the country. So, I had my laptop, an upside down cardboard box, a couch, and...
My relationship with the place where everybody knows your name didn't start until five years ago when I moved to a new city where I didn't know anyone. I had no furniture outside of a couch because there was a delay with the movers who helped me move halfway across the country. So, I had my laptop, an upside down cardboard box, a couch, and...
- 7/31/2023
- by Mike Shutt
- Slash Film
With “Cheers” reaching its 30th anniversary since the series finale — and with a revival of its popular spinoff, “Frasier,” expected later this year — it was time for the Atx Television Festival to do what it does best: host a reunion. Stars Ted Danson, George Wendt, and John Ratzenberger sat down with co-creators James Burrows, Len, and Glen Charles for an hourlong discussion about the impact of NBC’s landmark series.
Danson, every bit as thoughtful and tender as his “Cheers” character Sam Malone was single-minded and unrefined, made sure to honor who wasn’t in attendance, as well as those who made the trip to Austin, TX for Friday night’s panel. Initially, he credited co-star Shelley Long for getting him the career-making role in the first place.
“I don’t think we’ve seen a character like that since Lucille Ball,” he said of Long’s ebullient lead, Diane Chambers.
Danson, every bit as thoughtful and tender as his “Cheers” character Sam Malone was single-minded and unrefined, made sure to honor who wasn’t in attendance, as well as those who made the trip to Austin, TX for Friday night’s panel. Initially, he credited co-star Shelley Long for getting him the career-making role in the first place.
“I don’t think we’ve seen a character like that since Lucille Ball,” he said of Long’s ebullient lead, Diane Chambers.
- 6/3/2023
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
Thirty years after “Cheers” came to an end, the cast and creatives got back together on Friday night, courtesy of the Atx TV Festival in Austin, Texas. The reunion panel, hosted by Variety‘s Michael Schneider, included co-creators James Burrows, Les Charles and Glen Charles and actors Ted Danson, George Wendt and John Ratzenberger.
During the conversation, the iconic creators reflected on the making of the show and the cast opened up about how they joined the series and how it’s affected their lives over the years.
“Teddy and Shelly auditioned together and they had chemistry that only makes writing better,” Burrows said of casting Danson and Shelley Long, who portrayed Diane Chambers, Sam’s love interest for five seasons.
For Danson, he praised Long, who wasn’t in attendance: “I don’t think we’d seen a character like that since Lucille Ball. I do believe I was on ‘Cheers’ because of Shelley,...
During the conversation, the iconic creators reflected on the making of the show and the cast opened up about how they joined the series and how it’s affected their lives over the years.
“Teddy and Shelly auditioned together and they had chemistry that only makes writing better,” Burrows said of casting Danson and Shelley Long, who portrayed Diane Chambers, Sam’s love interest for five seasons.
For Danson, he praised Long, who wasn’t in attendance: “I don’t think we’d seen a character like that since Lucille Ball. I do believe I was on ‘Cheers’ because of Shelley,...
- 6/3/2023
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
This post contains spoilers for "Ted Lasso" season 3.
"Ted Lasso" season 3 has just come to an end, leaving the fictional team of AFC Richmond at a crossroads after their head coach leaves his fish-and-chips-out-of-water life in London behind. Overall, the supposedly last season of the Apple TV+ phenomenon left a lot to be desired, failing to live up to the high points of the first two seasons where the jokes that hit far outweighed the ones that fell flat. While a lot of the episodes in season 3 felt overly long and unnecessarily melodramatic, the overall spirit of the show managed to stay intact thanks to Jason Sudeikis' naively positive "aw shucks" attitude as Ted.
Ted isn't only a sports fan, he's a pop culture aficionado raised on Thursday night primetime sitcoms from the '80s. Throughout its entire run, "Ted Lasso" has peppered in a number of clever references to the golden years of U.
"Ted Lasso" season 3 has just come to an end, leaving the fictional team of AFC Richmond at a crossroads after their head coach leaves his fish-and-chips-out-of-water life in London behind. Overall, the supposedly last season of the Apple TV+ phenomenon left a lot to be desired, failing to live up to the high points of the first two seasons where the jokes that hit far outweighed the ones that fell flat. While a lot of the episodes in season 3 felt overly long and unnecessarily melodramatic, the overall spirit of the show managed to stay intact thanks to Jason Sudeikis' naively positive "aw shucks" attitude as Ted.
Ted isn't only a sports fan, he's a pop culture aficionado raised on Thursday night primetime sitcoms from the '80s. Throughout its entire run, "Ted Lasso" has peppered in a number of clever references to the golden years of U.
- 5/31/2023
- by Drew Tinnin
- Slash Film
Months after his life was suddenly cut short, Emmy winner Leslie Jordan has a chance to receive more TV academy love for his final small screen performance as Phil on Fox’s “Call Me Kat.” If he does land in this year’s Best Comedy Supporting Actor lineup, he will join a group of 12 other comedy or drama series regulars who posthumously achieved Emmy recognition. If he scores his second victory, he will make history as the first deceased male actor to win an Emmy for a continuing program.
“Call Me Kat” was the first and only multi-season series on which Jordan played a regular role. In his last few episodes, his character, who worked as the head baker at a Kentucky cat cafe, finally found true love with drag performer Jalen, aka Queen Dicktoria (John Griffin). Following his final appearance, Phil was given a happy ending that involved him...
“Call Me Kat” was the first and only multi-season series on which Jordan played a regular role. In his last few episodes, his character, who worked as the head baker at a Kentucky cat cafe, finally found true love with drag performer Jalen, aka Queen Dicktoria (John Griffin). Following his final appearance, Phil was given a happy ending that involved him...
- 5/11/2023
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
The phenomenon of at least three and sometimes even four performers earning Emmy nominations from the same situation comedy series used to be pretty rate. But over the course of the past 13 years, with the increase in the number of category nominees to as many as eight, it’s grown increasingly common. In fact, it’s happened 7 times since 2010 in the supporting actor in a comedy series lineup and three times since 2017 among supporting comedy actresses. And in 2021 and 2022, thanks to “Ted Lasso,” there have been same-series threesomes on both sides.
Looking ahead to this year, the show with the best chance of placing three nominees in a supporting comedy series lineup is “Abbott Elementary” and its 1-2-3 punch of last year’s Emmy champ and current frontrunner Sheryl Lee Ralph, NAACP Image Award victor Janelle James and Lisa Ann Walter. They are right now holding down the 1, 3 and 7 spots,...
Looking ahead to this year, the show with the best chance of placing three nominees in a supporting comedy series lineup is “Abbott Elementary” and its 1-2-3 punch of last year’s Emmy champ and current frontrunner Sheryl Lee Ralph, NAACP Image Award victor Janelle James and Lisa Ann Walter. They are right now holding down the 1, 3 and 7 spots,...
- 4/10/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Whenever the NBC comedy Cheers had to replace an actor, the new actor overlapped with the rest of the cast. After the death of Nicholas Colasanto, Woody Harrelson became a regular. Even after Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) broke up with Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), Frasier remained at the bar. Kirstie Alley joined Cheers in season 6 after Long left, and they never met, until the series finale.
L-r: Shelley Long, Ted Danson, and Kirstie Alley | Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images
Long returned as Diane for the Cheers series finale. She even suggested some of her own ideas for why Diane never called Sam Malone (Ted Danson) after she left. The writers included some, but for Ken Levine, the big worry was the meeting of Alley and Long.
Shelley Long handed ‘Cheers’ off to Kirstie Alley
The first five seasons of Cheers were all about Sam and Diane. Would they end up together or not?...
L-r: Shelley Long, Ted Danson, and Kirstie Alley | Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images
Long returned as Diane for the Cheers series finale. She even suggested some of her own ideas for why Diane never called Sam Malone (Ted Danson) after she left. The writers included some, but for Ken Levine, the big worry was the meeting of Alley and Long.
Shelley Long handed ‘Cheers’ off to Kirstie Alley
The first five seasons of Cheers were all about Sam and Diane. Would they end up together or not?...
- 1/28/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The NBC comedy Cheers comes from a bygone era of television, one in which theme songs were integral to the series. The Cheers theme song was memorable with its chorus “where everybody knows your name.” Today, most shows can’t spare 30 seconds for a theme song. The new Night Court throws fans a bone with just 10 seconds of it. NBC had other issues with the opening of Cheers in the ‘80s.
L-r: Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, Shelley Long, and Ted Danson | Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images
Cheers writer Ken Levine revealed the 2 issues the Cheers theme song and opening titles caused the network on his Hollywood & Levine podcast. It wasn’t the lyrics, which the creators of the show changed prior to the pilot.
‘Cheers’ opening titles didn’t show cast photos
As “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” played, Cheers did not show photographs of the actors. Instead,...
L-r: Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, Shelley Long, and Ted Danson | Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images
Cheers writer Ken Levine revealed the 2 issues the Cheers theme song and opening titles caused the network on his Hollywood & Levine podcast. It wasn’t the lyrics, which the creators of the show changed prior to the pilot.
‘Cheers’ opening titles didn’t show cast photos
As “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” played, Cheers did not show photographs of the actors. Instead,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
What makes “Cheers” so special? It’s right there in the opening song: you want to go where everybody knows your name. It’s a show about camaraderie, relationships, and above all, shooting the shit. The more you watch “Cheers,” the more you feel like you just hung out with your best friends.
Before “Cheers,” most sitcoms took place in someone’s house or workplace. Here was a show set at a bar where most people were just having fun with their buddies. It made a statement that seems obvious now but was revolutionary at the time: one’s social life is equally as important as one’s familial or professional lives. The gang at Cheers, as they became known, was a motley group of characters: ladies man and recovering alcoholic Sam Malone (Ted Danson) was baffled by his feelings for the egotistical academic Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). Carla Tortelli...
Before “Cheers,” most sitcoms took place in someone’s house or workplace. Here was a show set at a bar where most people were just having fun with their buddies. It made a statement that seems obvious now but was revolutionary at the time: one’s social life is equally as important as one’s familial or professional lives. The gang at Cheers, as they became known, was a motley group of characters: ladies man and recovering alcoholic Sam Malone (Ted Danson) was baffled by his feelings for the egotistical academic Diane Chambers (Shelley Long). Carla Tortelli...
- 1/10/2023
- by Kristina Grosspietsch
- Indiewire
I say this without a shred of hyperbole: "Cheers" walked so every other sitcom after it could run. From the Greendale study room of "Community" to Ross and Rachel's never-ending "will they, won't they" relationship on "Friends," NBC's critical and commercial darling about a bar in Boston created the blueprint.
The quintessential ensemble comedy where everybody knows your name, "Cheers" is rich with biting dialogue and big personalities, which kept audiences gripped for 11 years. Sam and Diane's stormy, yet passionate, love affair remains one of TV's all-time great romances, "Norm!" continues on as a greeting for bar regulars, and the sequel series "Frasier" — arguably the most successful spin-off in television history — is set to find new life in the world of streaming. "Cheers" is a timeless show whose influence is still felt 30 years after Sam turned off the lights and locked the door for the last time.
Over its decade-plus run,...
The quintessential ensemble comedy where everybody knows your name, "Cheers" is rich with biting dialogue and big personalities, which kept audiences gripped for 11 years. Sam and Diane's stormy, yet passionate, love affair remains one of TV's all-time great romances, "Norm!" continues on as a greeting for bar regulars, and the sequel series "Frasier" — arguably the most successful spin-off in television history — is set to find new life in the world of streaming. "Cheers" is a timeless show whose influence is still felt 30 years after Sam turned off the lights and locked the door for the last time.
Over its decade-plus run,...
- 10/23/2022
- by Rachel Ho
- Slash Film
It was almost cancelled after the first season due to low ratings. However, critical praise, studio support and a strong showing at the Emmys saved this little series from extinction, and it went on to become one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since the debut of “Cheers” on September 30, 1982.
Director James Burrows and writers Glen Charles and Les Charles created a premise that was simple and a nod to the successful screwball comedies of old: a prissy, elitist feminist meets a womanizing, flippant “commoner” and the sparks fly. Set in a bar with a wise-cracking waitress, a befuddled bartender and a couple of beer-guzzling barflies, there were endless opportunities for crazy situations and to introduce oddball characters. Thus began our love affair with Sam Malone (Ted Danson), Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman), Ernie “Coach” Pantusso...
Director James Burrows and writers Glen Charles and Les Charles created a premise that was simple and a nod to the successful screwball comedies of old: a prissy, elitist feminist meets a womanizing, flippant “commoner” and the sparks fly. Set in a bar with a wise-cracking waitress, a befuddled bartender and a couple of beer-guzzling barflies, there were endless opportunities for crazy situations and to introduce oddball characters. Thus began our love affair with Sam Malone (Ted Danson), Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman), Ernie “Coach” Pantusso...
- 9/23/2022
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
It was almost cancelled after the first season due to low ratings. However, critical praise, studio support and a strong showing at the Emmys saved this little series from extinction, and it went on to become one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years since the debut of “Cheers” on September 30, 1982.
Director James Burrows and writers Glen Charles and Les Charles created a premise that was simple and a nod to the successful screwball comedies of old: a prissy, elitist feminist meets a womanizing, flippant “commoner” and the sparks fly. Set in a bar with a wise-cracking waitress, a befuddled bartender and a couple of beer-guzzling barflies, there were endless opportunities for crazy situations and to introduce oddball characters. Thus began our love affair with Sam Malone (Ted Danson), Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman), Ernie “Coach” Pantusso...
Director James Burrows and writers Glen Charles and Les Charles created a premise that was simple and a nod to the successful screwball comedies of old: a prissy, elitist feminist meets a womanizing, flippant “commoner” and the sparks fly. Set in a bar with a wise-cracking waitress, a befuddled bartender and a couple of beer-guzzling barflies, there were endless opportunities for crazy situations and to introduce oddball characters. Thus began our love affair with Sam Malone (Ted Danson), Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman), Ernie “Coach” Pantusso...
- 9/23/2022
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
History was made when the 2022 Primetime Emmy nominations were announced, as Chadwick Boseman (“What If…?”) and Jessica Walter (“Archer”) became the first pair of direct competitors to be recognized posthumously. They are both up for the Best Character Voice-Over Performance prize after having passed away in August 2020 and March 2021, respectively.
Walter is now the only performer to ever receive two post-death Emmy bids, having just contended in the same category last summer. Now including Boseman, the list of departed acting Emmy nominees consists of 26 entrants, four of whom were honored with wins.
The first actor to be nominated for and win an Emmy posthumously was Alice Pearce, who was awarded the Best Comedy Supporting Actress trophy for “Bewitched” two months after her death in 1966. The other three champs, all of whom triumphed for TV movie performances, are supporting players David Burns and Diana Hyland and lead Raul Julia.
Two more...
Walter is now the only performer to ever receive two post-death Emmy bids, having just contended in the same category last summer. Now including Boseman, the list of departed acting Emmy nominees consists of 26 entrants, four of whom were honored with wins.
The first actor to be nominated for and win an Emmy posthumously was Alice Pearce, who was awarded the Best Comedy Supporting Actress trophy for “Bewitched” two months after her death in 1966. The other three champs, all of whom triumphed for TV movie performances, are supporting players David Burns and Diana Hyland and lead Raul Julia.
Two more...
- 7/14/2022
- by Matthew Stewart
- Gold Derby
Gold Derby predicted that three of “Ted Lasso’s” supporting actors would earn Emmy nominations on July 13, but the voters surprised us by actually nominating four. Brett Goldstein, Brendan Hunt and Nick Mohammed numbered among our Top 6 in our combined predictions, while Jeremy Swift rounded out our Top 10; the category had eight nominees. By claiming four spots on the Best Comedy Supporting Actor lineup, the Apple TV Plus series has now done something only “Modern Family” has managed to do at the Emmys.
See 2021 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 73rd Emmy Awards [Updating Live]
At the height of the ABC family sitcom’s domination of the Emmy Awards in 2011 and 2012, it earned four separate nominations in this race for Ty Burrell, Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Ed O’Neill. Burrell beat out his co-nominees in 2011 (his first of two trophies) while Stonestreet claimed the prize in 2012 (his second...
See 2021 Emmy nominations complete list: All the nominees for the 73rd Emmy Awards [Updating Live]
At the height of the ABC family sitcom’s domination of the Emmy Awards in 2011 and 2012, it earned four separate nominations in this race for Ty Burrell, Eric Stonestreet, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Ed O’Neill. Burrell beat out his co-nominees in 2011 (his first of two trophies) while Stonestreet claimed the prize in 2012 (his second...
- 7/15/2021
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Creators of series hope that theirs will be the next big “hit” and will be the show to keep us glued to our sets for years to come. However, long-running series often face the problem of the actor of a popular character wanting to leave. Do they replace that actor? Do they write the character off and if so, how? Kill them off? Have them move away? These decisions are further complicated when the actor dies, and the writers are tasked with deciding the fate of that character, while at the same time mourning a colleague and friend.
SEE40 best TV theme songs; instrumental tunes ranked
Sometimes an actor becomes sick, and the writers know to be prepared for the event, such as with Larry Hagman (second version of “Dallas”), who fought cancer valiantly to the end, and his iconic character was sent out with a “bang.” But there are...
SEE40 best TV theme songs; instrumental tunes ranked
Sometimes an actor becomes sick, and the writers know to be prepared for the event, such as with Larry Hagman (second version of “Dallas”), who fought cancer valiantly to the end, and his iconic character was sent out with a “bang.” But there are...
- 6/11/2020
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Creators of series hope that theirs will be the next big “hit” and will be the show to keep us glued to our sets for years to come. However, long-running series often face the problem of the actor of a popular character wanting to leave. Do they replace that actor? Do they write the character off and if so, how? Kill them off? Have them move away? These decisions are further complicated when the actor dies, and the writers are tasked with deciding the fate of that character, while at the same time mourning a colleague and friend.
Sometimes an actor becomes sick, and the writers know to be prepared for the event, such as with Larry Hagman (second version of “Dallas”), who fought cancer valiantly to the end, and his iconic character was sent out with a “bang.” But there are times when an actor dies suddenly, leaving writers...
Sometimes an actor becomes sick, and the writers know to be prepared for the event, such as with Larry Hagman (second version of “Dallas”), who fought cancer valiantly to the end, and his iconic character was sent out with a “bang.” But there are times when an actor dies suddenly, leaving writers...
- 6/11/2020
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Could Miguel Ferrer become a posthumous Emmy nominee for “Twin Peaks: The Return”? The veteran character actor died of throat cancer in January 2017 after he shot the Showtime revival, in which he reprised his role as FBI Agent Albert Rosenfield. The TV academy often rewards stars who have died with nominations for their final performances, so could Ferrer compete for Best Movie/Mini Supporting Actor? Despite a long list of TV credits including “The Stand” (1994), “Crossing Jordan” (2001-2007), “NCIS: Los Angeles” (2012-2017) and many more, he never earned an Emmy nomination during his lifetime.
Ferrer first appeared in the original “Twin Peaks” in a recurring role as an abrasive and sarcastic FBI forensics specialist assisting Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) in his murder investigation in the title town. And he also appeared in the 1992 prequel film “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.” The 18-episode limited run in 2017 found him...
Ferrer first appeared in the original “Twin Peaks” in a recurring role as an abrasive and sarcastic FBI forensics specialist assisting Special Agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) in his murder investigation in the title town. And he also appeared in the 1992 prequel film “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.” The 18-episode limited run in 2017 found him...
- 7/10/2018
- by Zach Laws
- Gold Derby
We all know about Frasier, but what about the Cheers spinoffs that didn't happen? Recently, creators James Burrows, Glen Charles, and Les Charles spoke with Variety about the legacy of the NBC TV show.The long-running sitcom starred Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Woody Harrelson, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, and Kelsey Grammer. The show ran for 11 seasons before ending in 1993.Read More…...
- 5/19/2018
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
Woody Harrelson received his third Oscar nomination for his work in the 2017 film “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri” starring Frances McDormand. The highly acclaimed performance continues a 30-year career that has brought the actor acclaim for both his comedic and dramatic work.
Harrelson started his career on the Broadway stage as an understudy in the hit Neil Simon play “Biloxi Blues.” Just months after that play opened Harrelson would become a household name when he started playing the role of Woody Boyd in the fourth season of the highly successful sitcom “Cheers.” Harrelson faced a daunting assignment when he joined the show since he was replacing the popular Nicholas Colasanto who played Coach on the first three seasons but sadly passed away during the show’s run. Harrelson clicked with the cast and audience and went on to receive five Emmy nominations for “Cheers” and won the 1989 Best Comedy Supporting...
Harrelson started his career on the Broadway stage as an understudy in the hit Neil Simon play “Biloxi Blues.” Just months after that play opened Harrelson would become a household name when he started playing the role of Woody Boyd in the fourth season of the highly successful sitcom “Cheers.” Harrelson faced a daunting assignment when he joined the show since he was replacing the popular Nicholas Colasanto who played Coach on the first three seasons but sadly passed away during the show’s run. Harrelson clicked with the cast and audience and went on to receive five Emmy nominations for “Cheers” and won the 1989 Best Comedy Supporting...
- 2/6/2018
- by Robert Pius and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Woody Harrelson received his third Oscar nomination for his work in the 2017 film “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri.” The highly acclaimed performance continues a 30-year career that has brought the actor acclaim for both his comedic and dramatic work.
Harrelson started his career on the Broadway stage as an understudy in the hit Neil Simon play “Biloxi Blues.” Just months after that play opened Harrelson would become a household name when he started playing the role of Woody Boyd in the fourth season of the highly successful sitcom “Cheers.” Harrelson faced a daunting assignment when he joined the show since he was replacing the popular Nicholas Colasanto who played Coach on the first three seasons but sadly passed away during the show’s run. Harrelson clicked with the cast and audience and went on to receive five Emmy nominations for “Cheers” and won the 1989 Best Comedy Supporting Actor award for...
Harrelson started his career on the Broadway stage as an understudy in the hit Neil Simon play “Biloxi Blues.” Just months after that play opened Harrelson would become a household name when he started playing the role of Woody Boyd in the fourth season of the highly successful sitcom “Cheers.” Harrelson faced a daunting assignment when he joined the show since he was replacing the popular Nicholas Colasanto who played Coach on the first three seasons but sadly passed away during the show’s run. Harrelson clicked with the cast and audience and went on to receive five Emmy nominations for “Cheers” and won the 1989 Best Comedy Supporting Actor award for...
- 2/2/2018
- by Misty Holland, Robert Pius and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Are you a fan of Cheers? Recently, casting director Jeff Greenberg spoke with Entertainment Weekly about the NBC series finale.Created by James Burrows, Glen Charles, and Les Charles, the long-running sitcom starred Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, John Ratzenberger, and Kelsey Grammer. The show ran for 11 seasons before ending in 1993.Read More…...
- 5/25/2017
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
By John LeMay
Fat City, released in 1972, was something of a “rebound” film for beloved director John Huston, whose previous two films had been flops. Based upon the 1969 novel by Leonard Gardner (who also wrote the screenplay), Fat City follows Stacy Keach as Billy Tully, a small time boxer who never made it big who is living in squalor. When Billy makes a rare return visit to the gym, he meets Ernie (Jeff Bridges, hot off of a Best Supporting Actor nomination for The Last Picture Show). Billy sees some potential in the teenager’s boxing ability and suggests he go see his old manager, Ruben (Nicholas Colasanto—the future “Coach” on Cheers). Ernie does as told, and soon finds himself under Ruben’s optimistic wing, while Billy’s life further deteriorates when he begins an affair with an alcoholic wreck named Oma (Susan Tyrell, who would herself secure a...
Fat City, released in 1972, was something of a “rebound” film for beloved director John Huston, whose previous two films had been flops. Based upon the 1969 novel by Leonard Gardner (who also wrote the screenplay), Fat City follows Stacy Keach as Billy Tully, a small time boxer who never made it big who is living in squalor. When Billy makes a rare return visit to the gym, he meets Ernie (Jeff Bridges, hot off of a Best Supporting Actor nomination for The Last Picture Show). Billy sees some potential in the teenager’s boxing ability and suggests he go see his old manager, Ruben (Nicholas Colasanto—the future “Coach” on Cheers). Ernie does as told, and soon finds himself under Ruben’s optimistic wing, while Billy’s life further deteriorates when he begins an affair with an alcoholic wreck named Oma (Susan Tyrell, who would herself secure a...
- 10/20/2016
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
Wouldn't you like to get away? Well, if you're going to Boston this September, you can see a stage adaptation of the classic sitcom Cheers, Boston.com reports.
Created by James Burrows, Les Charles, and Glen Charles, the NBC comedy ran from 1982 to 1993. The cast included Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and Kelsey Grammer.
Read More…...
Created by James Burrows, Les Charles, and Glen Charles, the NBC comedy ran from 1982 to 1993. The cast included Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Nicholas Colasanto, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, and Kelsey Grammer.
Read More…...
- 5/28/2016
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
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Did you spot the photo of Amy Poehler in Liz Lemon’s 30 Rock office? Or the Han Solo model in Firefly?
Surrounding your workspace with more clutter than a mid-noughties Myspace page is one way to assert individualism inside a bland corporate identity. It tells the world, ‘I’m not a number, I’m a free man! A free man overly fond of Pikachu!’ It can also be an act of mild rebellion, akin to leaving out the short and skinny bit of your school tie instead of the long, fat bit of your school tie that the man wants to see.
And then there’s sentimental desk décor, the talismans from loved ones from which you draw daily strength, reminding you why you shackled yourself to the capitalist cart horse in the first place. These are the photos, drawings and poorly made pottery items that prove you exist outside of work,...
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Did you spot the photo of Amy Poehler in Liz Lemon’s 30 Rock office? Or the Han Solo model in Firefly?
Surrounding your workspace with more clutter than a mid-noughties Myspace page is one way to assert individualism inside a bland corporate identity. It tells the world, ‘I’m not a number, I’m a free man! A free man overly fond of Pikachu!’ It can also be an act of mild rebellion, akin to leaving out the short and skinny bit of your school tie instead of the long, fat bit of your school tie that the man wants to see.
And then there’s sentimental desk décor, the talismans from loved ones from which you draw daily strength, reminding you why you shackled yourself to the capitalist cart horse in the first place. These are the photos, drawings and poorly made pottery items that prove you exist outside of work,...
- 2/11/2016
- by louisamellor
- Den of Geek
John Huston sets the bar for director-driven quality filmmaking of the early 1970s. Stacy Keach is a punchy boxing bum who teams up with the ambitious newcomer Jeff Bridges; the glowing discovery is the amazing Susan Tyrell, film history's most convincingly caustic floozy-alcoholic, bar none. Her voice can peel paint, but we love her dearly. Fat City Blu-ray Twilight Time Limited Edition 1972 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 100 min. / Street Date September 8, 2015 / available through the Twilight Time Movies / 20.95 Starring Stacy Keach, Jeff Bridges, Susan Tyrrell, Candy Clark, Nicholas Colasanto, Art Aragon, Curtis Cokes, Sixto Rodriguez Cinematography Conrad L. Hall Production Designer Richard Sylbert Film Editor Walter Thompson Original Music Kris Kristofferson, Marvin Hamlisch (supervisor) Written by Leonard Gardner from his novel <Produced by John Huston, Ray Stark Directed by John Huston
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
This rewarding show is a fine opportunity to catch up on two great talents, John Huston and Stacy Keach.
Reviewed by Glenn Erickson
This rewarding show is a fine opportunity to catch up on two great talents, John Huston and Stacy Keach.
- 9/22/2015
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
The Warner Archive Collection is really starting to put out some great DVDs that feature titles you aren’t going to find anywhere else, and the latest to be made available is Search. A massively fun show from the early 70s, Search starred Hugh O’Brian, Doug McClure, and Tony Franciosa, and was (although I’m testing my memory) a show that pulled great tech ideas into the espionage drama realm, at a point when some of the ideas were practically sci-fi.
The complete series is available now, and it’s a lost classic that deserves a look. Unfortunately, it’s hard to get a taste of it to know if you’re interested in buying, but for those who remember the series, this is a real treat.
Catch the full info below, and don’t let this one escape your notice.
Look no further: You can now find Search...
The complete series is available now, and it’s a lost classic that deserves a look. Unfortunately, it’s hard to get a taste of it to know if you’re interested in buying, but for those who remember the series, this is a real treat.
Catch the full info below, and don’t let this one escape your notice.
Look no further: You can now find Search...
- 2/6/2014
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Not everyone can pull off a stunning mugshot. In fact, most can’t. In fact, only Jane Fonda, Suzanne Somers, and these 10 men can pull it off. In honor of Justin Bieber‘s photogenic brush with law enforcement, here are the 10 gents who do jail realness best. (I didn’t include the men convicted of actually maiming somebody else. Let this be a lesson to you, Sid Vicious.)
10. Hugh Grant
If you’re charmed by Hugh Grant on film, you can’t help but be wooed by his similarly impish, visibly uncomfortable work here. I love that his hair and choice in t-shirt prints are both divine and brown.
9. Justin Bieber
Look, Justin Bieber’s fine work in mugshot mugging can’t be denied. His hair hasn’t lost its cockatiel magic and he still has that adorable Christopher Robin glint in his eye. Hell, he looks like a perfectly salable Proactiv “before” photo.
10. Hugh Grant
If you’re charmed by Hugh Grant on film, you can’t help but be wooed by his similarly impish, visibly uncomfortable work here. I love that his hair and choice in t-shirt prints are both divine and brown.
9. Justin Bieber
Look, Justin Bieber’s fine work in mugshot mugging can’t be denied. His hair hasn’t lost its cockatiel magic and he still has that adorable Christopher Robin glint in his eye. Hell, he looks like a perfectly salable Proactiv “before” photo.
- 1/23/2014
- by Louis Virtel
- The Backlot
Fighting, dying, hoping, hating … great sports films are about far more than sport itself. Here Guardian and Observer critics pick their 10 best
• Top 10 superhero movies
• Top 10 westerns
• Top 10 documentaries
• Top 10 movie adaptations
• Top 10 animated movies
• Top 10 silent movies
• More Guardian and Observer critics' top 10s
10. This Sporting Life
Lindsay Anderson brought to bear on his adaptation of David Storey's first novel, all the poetic-realist instincts he had been honing for the previous decade as a documentarian in the Humphrey Jennings mould. (Anderson had won the 1953 best doc Oscar for Thursday's Children.) Filmed partly in Halifax and Leeds, but mainly in and around Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Club, one of its incidental attractions is its record of a northern, working-class sports culture that would change out of all recognition over the next couple of decades.
The story of Frank Machin, a miner who becomes a star on the rugby field,...
• Top 10 superhero movies
• Top 10 westerns
• Top 10 documentaries
• Top 10 movie adaptations
• Top 10 animated movies
• Top 10 silent movies
• More Guardian and Observer critics' top 10s
10. This Sporting Life
Lindsay Anderson brought to bear on his adaptation of David Storey's first novel, all the poetic-realist instincts he had been honing for the previous decade as a documentarian in the Humphrey Jennings mould. (Anderson had won the 1953 best doc Oscar for Thursday's Children.) Filmed partly in Halifax and Leeds, but mainly in and around Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Club, one of its incidental attractions is its record of a northern, working-class sports culture that would change out of all recognition over the next couple of decades.
The story of Frank Machin, a miner who becomes a star on the rugby field,...
- 11/25/2013
- The Guardian - Film News
After last night’s Glee, an emotional tribute to Finn Hudson (without revealing his cause of death but rather focusing on his life), we decided to look back at how other television shows have handled a death in the family. The scenario can be traced back to Dan Blocker’s unexpected death before filming began on Bonanza’s final season. As a result, Bonanza was one of the first (if not the first) television show to address an actor’s death, and it did so by killing off Hoss, Blocker’s character. Many shows have followed that same path, while...
- 10/11/2013
- by Samantha Highfill
- EW.com - PopWatch
Cheers Season 1, Episode 1 ‘Give Me A Ring Sometime’
Written by Glen Charles & Les Charles
Directed by James Burrows
Aired 9/30/1982 on NBC
Every time I watch the Cheers pilot, I’m always amazed at just how low-key it is. ‘Give Me a Ring Sometime’ doesn’t try to get anybody’s attention with flashy characters or some convoluted premise: as the cold open suggests, this is just another day at a bar in Boston, where an ex-baseball player serves his friends and lends his ear to the working man. It’s suck a quiet, unassuming scene, it’s no surprise that it didn’t draw in a huge audience for the second episode (or the entire first season, really). As Sam prepares the bar for work, a clearly underage kid comes in and tries to order a beer with a military ID. Sam can see the it coming a mile away,...
Written by Glen Charles & Les Charles
Directed by James Burrows
Aired 9/30/1982 on NBC
Every time I watch the Cheers pilot, I’m always amazed at just how low-key it is. ‘Give Me a Ring Sometime’ doesn’t try to get anybody’s attention with flashy characters or some convoluted premise: as the cold open suggests, this is just another day at a bar in Boston, where an ex-baseball player serves his friends and lends his ear to the working man. It’s suck a quiet, unassuming scene, it’s no surprise that it didn’t draw in a huge audience for the second episode (or the entire first season, really). As Sam prepares the bar for work, a clearly underage kid comes in and tries to order a beer with a military ID. Sam can see the it coming a mile away,...
- 7/1/2013
- by Randy
- SoundOnSight
Woody Harrelson became famous as the dim-witted, but sweet bartender Woody Boyd on "Cheers." During his visit to "Late Show," David Letterman reminded him that it was 20 years ago this week that "Cheers" wrapped its 11-season run. Harrelson joined the show in Season 4 after Nicholas Colasanto, who played Coach, passed away.
He said it was an unexpected occurrence at his audition that changed his fate. According to Harrelson, the job was pretty much already another guy's, but then Harrelson walked in.
"I blew my nose and it was like, ‘Honk!,’ as I’m opening the door to come in, and all of them started laughing," he said. "It was the perfect icebreaker. And that’s why that other fellow didn’t get that job.”
Harrelson was a part of the cast for the next eight seasons, during which he earned five Emmy nominations, including one win in 1989. Despite his success,...
He said it was an unexpected occurrence at his audition that changed his fate. According to Harrelson, the job was pretty much already another guy's, but then Harrelson walked in.
"I blew my nose and it was like, ‘Honk!,’ as I’m opening the door to come in, and all of them started laughing," he said. "It was the perfect icebreaker. And that’s why that other fellow didn’t get that job.”
Harrelson was a part of the cast for the next eight seasons, during which he earned five Emmy nominations, including one win in 1989. Despite his success,...
- 5/23/2013
- by Jason Hughes
- Huffington Post
By Carson Blackwelder
Television Contributor
***
In the world of TV, love dictates all.
All viewers have their favorite couples from past and present: From Lucy (Lucille Ball) and Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz) to Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), on-screen romances fill fan blogs and magazines.
But what about those secondary characters and their budding relationships that fly under the radar? Some of the best TV relationships have been those of sidekick characters or best friends, and it’s often their relationships that are more endearing than those of primary characters.
Here’s my list of the top 10 secondary TV couples and the adorable moments that make them so great:
10. Woody Boyd and Kelly Gaines (NBC’s Cheers)
Kicking off the list is the prime example of how opposites attract.
Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson) and Kelly Gaines (Jackie Swanson) exemplified this by coming from vastly different backgrounds on NBC’s hit Cheers.
Television Contributor
***
In the world of TV, love dictates all.
All viewers have their favorite couples from past and present: From Lucy (Lucille Ball) and Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz) to Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) and Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey), on-screen romances fill fan blogs and magazines.
But what about those secondary characters and their budding relationships that fly under the radar? Some of the best TV relationships have been those of sidekick characters or best friends, and it’s often their relationships that are more endearing than those of primary characters.
Here’s my list of the top 10 secondary TV couples and the adorable moments that make them so great:
10. Woody Boyd and Kelly Gaines (NBC’s Cheers)
Kicking off the list is the prime example of how opposites attract.
Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson) and Kelly Gaines (Jackie Swanson) exemplified this by coming from vastly different backgrounds on NBC’s hit Cheers.
- 2/13/2013
- by Carson Blackwelder
- Scott Feinberg
Kathryn Joosten won two Emmys for guesting on "Desperate Housewives." Less than seven weeks after her death on June 2, TV academy members paid tribute to her with a nomination as Best Comedy Supporting Actress for her role as the busybody neighbor Karen McCluskey. While four of our Experts, two Editors and many Users are predicting her to win, Emmy history says otherwise. Voters just aren't sentimental when it comes to giving out their trophies. Since 1980, 13 performers were nominated after they died but only one -- Raul Julia for his lead performance in the 1995 telefilm "The Burning Season" -- prevailed. View Gallery In the dramatic categories, the posthumous nominees were Michael Conrad ("Hill Street Blues"), Jim Davis ("Dallas"), Ossie Davis ("The L Word") and Nancy Marchand ("The Sopranos"). Comedic nods went to the late Nicholas Colasanto ("Cheers&...
- 8/21/2012
- Gold Derby
While television at first reflected American culture, it then tried to mold it in the 1950s before giving up all pretense towards reality in the 1960s. The seismic cultural shifts in the latter part of the decade could be felt everywhere, including television. A rule of thumb is that the theater reflects society fastest with television and film following years later. That certainly seemed to be the case as the television series of the latter 1960s began to explore the themes people had been debating in classes and on the streets. It also forced producers to mirror the reality of the day, no longer attempting to display the ideal lifestyle.
Neil Simon was one of the brightest playwrights of the decade, having cut his teeth on live television in the 1950s. His play The Odd Couple became a box office smash film and a perfect vehicle for a sitcom. It...
Neil Simon was one of the brightest playwrights of the decade, having cut his teeth on live television in the 1950s. His play The Odd Couple became a box office smash film and a perfect vehicle for a sitcom. It...
- 3/6/2012
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Woody Harrelson was introduced to the world in one of the most awkward ways possible: replacing a beloved, recently deceased actor on a popular television series. Nicholas Colosanto, who played the somewhat dimwitted bartender Coach on "Cheers," passed away during the third season. At the beginning of the fourth season, Woody Harrelson joined the cast -- a cast that still very much missed Colosanto -- as Woody Boyd, a younger but also dimwitted bartender. So, put it this way: Yes, Harrelson has been in the news this week because of his publicity tour for "Rampart," but that's really nothing compared to what Harrelson went through that week.
In "Rampart" (opening in limited release this Friday), Harrelson plays Dave Brown, a Los Angeles police officer under investigation for a number of incidents that did not go exactly to procedure. Set in 1999, after the titular scandal ripped through the Lapd anti-gang unit,...
In "Rampart" (opening in limited release this Friday), Harrelson plays Dave Brown, a Los Angeles police officer under investigation for a number of incidents that did not go exactly to procedure. Set in 1999, after the titular scandal ripped through the Lapd anti-gang unit,...
- 2/8/2012
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
Woody Harrelson was introduced to the world in one of the most awkward ways possible: replacing a beloved, recently deceased actor on a popular television series. Nicholas Colosanto, who played the somewhat dimwitted bartender Coach on "Cheers," passed away during the third season. At the beginning of the fourth season, Woody Harrelson joined the cast -- a cast that still very much missed Colosanto -- as Woody Boyd, a younger but also dimwitted bartender. So, put it this way: Yes, Harrelson has been in the news this week because of his publicity tour for "Rampart," but that's really nothing compared to what Harrelson went through that week. In "Rampart," (opening in limited release this Friday) Harrelson plays Dave Brown, a Los Angeles police officer under investigation for a number of incidents that did not go exactly to procedure. Set in 1999, after the titular scandal ripped through the Lapd anti-gang unit,...
- 2/8/2012
- by Mike Ryan
- Moviefone
Please note: This column was originally published on Sept. 3. 1985
Question: I can’t wait for David and Maddie to finally get together on Moonlighting. The show will be even better then, don’t you think? Any idea if it’ll happen this season? —Fiona
Ausiello: I totally agree, Fi! The only bummer about the show is all that gnarly anticipation! But, we might get our wish for a David/Maddie – Daddie? – hook-up sooner than later: A new rival – David’s brother, no less! – hits on Maddie in the season premiere, and you don’t have to be a detective to...
Question: I can’t wait for David and Maddie to finally get together on Moonlighting. The show will be even better then, don’t you think? Any idea if it’ll happen this season? —Fiona
Ausiello: I totally agree, Fi! The only bummer about the show is all that gnarly anticipation! But, we might get our wish for a David/Maddie – Daddie? – hook-up sooner than later: A new rival – David’s brother, no less! – hits on Maddie in the season premiere, and you don’t have to be a detective to...
- 12/27/2011
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Peter Bradshaw rings the opening bell on our writers' favourite films series by championing Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull
• Knock us out with your review of Raging Bull on our dedicated page, or don your gloves and get sparring in the comments
When I first saw it, I was 19 years old; it was at the Screen on the Hill cinema in North London, now renamed the Everyman Belsize Park. When it was all over, I felt exhausted, but also possessed of a strange need to scream, or laugh, or run all the way home, or pick up parked cars and flip them over. The film was Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull – or, to give it the title that appeared on screen, RagingBull; it was run together, like GoodFellas.
It starred Robert De Niro, electrifyingly and horribly charismatic in the role of 1940s middleweight boxing champ Jake La Motta. In the ring,...
• Knock us out with your review of Raging Bull on our dedicated page, or don your gloves and get sparring in the comments
When I first saw it, I was 19 years old; it was at the Screen on the Hill cinema in North London, now renamed the Everyman Belsize Park. When it was all over, I felt exhausted, but also possessed of a strange need to scream, or laugh, or run all the way home, or pick up parked cars and flip them over. The film was Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull – or, to give it the title that appeared on screen, RagingBull; it was run together, like GoodFellas.
It starred Robert De Niro, electrifyingly and horribly charismatic in the role of 1940s middleweight boxing champ Jake La Motta. In the ring,...
- 10/24/2011
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
For the first time in Emmy history, four men from the same show are competing for Best Comedy Supporting Actor. "Modern Family" co-stars Ty Burrell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ed O'Neill and Eric Stonestreet contend as do 2009 champ Jon Cryer ("Two and a Half Men") and Globe winner Chris Colfer ("Glee"). -Inserts:23- Last year, Stonestreet won this race over, among others, both Burrell and Ferguson. That was the third time that a trio of featured funny men from the same show competed. The cast of "Cheers" did this twice -- in 1985: Nicholas Colasanto, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt; and in 1988: Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson, Wendt -- though none of them won. Of this year's quartet from "Modern Family," who has the advantage? The episodes submitted are "Good Cop, Bad Dog" (Burrell), "Halloween" (Ferguson), "The Kiss" (O'Neill), and "Mother's Day" (Stonestreet). Burr...
- 8/10/2011
- Gold Derby
How does show compare to finales like 'M*A*S*H,' 'The Sopranos' and others?
By James Montgomery
Kristin Cavallari on the final episode of "The Hills"
Photo: MTV
In the last shot of Tuesday night's finale of "The Hills," the curtain — or, more correctly, the matte painting of the Hollywood Hills — was pulled back to reveal a soundstage: an interesting comment on the nature of reality shows that "The Hills" has done so much to influence.
Needless to say, it was a pretty noteworthy moment, certainly the first time in the history of reality TV that producers went to such great lengths to break the so-called "fourth wall." Sure, for years characters have hooked up with folks behind the scenes — on the Seattle season of "The Real World," this even became part of the story line — and spoken directly to the viewer via "confessional interviews," but the finale...
By James Montgomery
Kristin Cavallari on the final episode of "The Hills"
Photo: MTV
In the last shot of Tuesday night's finale of "The Hills," the curtain — or, more correctly, the matte painting of the Hollywood Hills — was pulled back to reveal a soundstage: an interesting comment on the nature of reality shows that "The Hills" has done so much to influence.
Needless to say, it was a pretty noteworthy moment, certainly the first time in the history of reality TV that producers went to such great lengths to break the so-called "fourth wall." Sure, for years characters have hooked up with folks behind the scenes — on the Seattle season of "The Real World," this even became part of the story line — and spoken directly to the viewer via "confessional interviews," but the finale...
- 7/14/2010
- MTV Music News
Our Emmy guru Chris "Boomer" Beachum notes these fascinating Emmy factoids:
● The comedy lead actress race has three former "Saturday Night Live" cast members as nominees (Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Amy Poehler).
● "Glee" received nominations in every single acting category (both leads, both supportings, both guests).
● The comedy supporting actor race has three cast members from "Modern Family." It is only the third time this has happened in this category (both other times for "Cheers" -- 1985 with Nicholas Colasanto, John Ratzenberger and George Wendt and 1988 with Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and George Wendt).
● With that top bid for "The Good Wife," this is the first year CBS has had a drama series nominee since "Joan of Arcadia" in 2004.
● With an Emmy win for "Lost" next month, composer Michael Giacchino would have won an Emmy, Grammy and Oscar all in 2010. He also won an Emmy in 2005 for composing the score of "Lost.
● The comedy lead actress race has three former "Saturday Night Live" cast members as nominees (Tina Fey, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Amy Poehler).
● "Glee" received nominations in every single acting category (both leads, both supportings, both guests).
● The comedy supporting actor race has three cast members from "Modern Family." It is only the third time this has happened in this category (both other times for "Cheers" -- 1985 with Nicholas Colasanto, John Ratzenberger and George Wendt and 1988 with Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and George Wendt).
● With that top bid for "The Good Wife," this is the first year CBS has had a drama series nominee since "Joan of Arcadia" in 2004.
● With an Emmy win for "Lost" next month, composer Michael Giacchino would have won an Emmy, Grammy and Oscar all in 2010. He also won an Emmy in 2005 for composing the score of "Lost.
- 7/9/2010
- by tomoneil
- Gold Derby
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