It Was Just an Idea
It was 1981, and brothers Glen and Les Charles were enjoying the success of their show Taxi. After writing a sitcom about a bunch of cab drivers in Manhattan, the Charles brothers started collaborating with their favorite director, James Burrows. The goal was to devise another workplace comedy.
A still of the tv show Taxi. Photo by Paramount Television / Kobal / Shutterstock
The second goal was to create a more inviting setting. A year later, viewers were invited to visit a basement bar in Boston and be privy to small talk and smart talk of a group of local patrons. The bar, as well as the show itself, was called Cheers. The idea was nice and all, but it flopped. Big time.