CHEERS never jumped the shark, did it?

[DerekG]

I've been watching random syndicated episodes throughout the eleven years, and I'll be damned if Cheers wasn't the most consistently enjoyable comedy series ever produced.

How did they do it?

[Amerigo Vespucci]

1. Didn't jump the shark, but...

..."Sam & Diane" came really close to wearing out its welcome, and many of the "Rebecca's new rich boyfriend" story lines were weak, as were the episodes that centered around Carla.

What prevented the show from jumping the shark, I think, was one of the strongest ensemble casts in TV history, and a higher percentage of first-class episodes than weak ones.

:toast:

[dr.strangelove]

2. I think Cheers and MASH

were the only two long running (more than 100 episodes) comedies to never jump. Lots of people also mention Seinfeld, but I got tired of Seinfeld the last two seasons. I still watch MASH And Cheers. IMO, two of the best shows ever.