A British remake of the popular American sitcom Cheers is currently in the works, more than 30 years after the original series came to an end. Cheers, a beloved 11-season show set in a neighborhood bar in Boston, starred iconic actors like Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, and Rhea Perlman, and originally aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993.
The remake is being developed by Big Talk Studios, the production company behind successful series like The Outlaws, for BBC One and Amazon Prime Video. Simon Nye, a well-known British screenwriter recognised for his work on Men Behaving Badly and The Durrells, has been chosen to lead the project as the showrunner. Unlike the original Cheers, which was set in a Boston bar, the British version will be based in a traditional British pub.
Kenton Allen, Chief Executive of Big Talk, explained the decision to revive the sitcom, stating that the British pub culture is facing challenges, making it a timely and relevant choice. He emphasised the need to adapt the show’s themes to reflect modern attitudes while retaining the essence of the original characters.
While acknowledging the daunting task of reviving such a beloved series, Allen expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. He highlighted the risks involved in producing comedies but affirmed the studio’s commitment to exploring new avenues amidst a challenging landscape for British scripted content.
Cheers followed the story of Sam Malone, played by Ted Danson, a former baseball player turned bar owner, and the eclectic group of regulars who frequented the establishment. The series also featured Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, a sharp-witted waitress who develops a complicated relationship with Sam.
The original show’s finale, titled “One For The Road,” attracted a massive audience of 80.4 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched TV endings in history, second only to M*A*S*H’s 1983 finale. Cheers is just one of many American shows that have been adapted for British audiences, joining the ranks of successful transatlantic adaptations like The Golden Girls, The Office, and The Inbetweeners.
The British remake of Cheers represents a nostalgic yet innovative addition to the television landscape, promising to bring a fresh perspective to the beloved sitcom while honouring its rich legacy.