- Cheers has been ranked as the greatest network TV show of all time by SlashFilm, surpassing iconic series like The Office and Friends.
- The legendary sitcom Cheers has received numerous accolades, including being named the fourth-best comedy series of all time by Rotten Tomatoes and ranking fifth on Ranker’s list of the best sitcoms based on fan votes.
- Cheers’ enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless theme of a place where everybody knows your name, its exceptional ensemble cast, and the iconic Sam-and-Diane dynamic that captivated audiences.
There is a small list of series that are recognized among the best TV comedies ever, including The Office, Seinfeld, Friends, I Love Lucy, and The Simpsons. Recently, the popular sitcom Cheers from 1982 was ranked above all of those series and decades of dramas to be named the greatest network TV show of all time.
Who Ranked ‘Cheers’ the ‘Best Network TV Show of All Time’
In March 2026, the team at SlashFilm ranked the “20 Best Network TV Shows of All Time.” While the outlet named acclaimed series like ER, All in the Family, The X-Files, Lost, M*A*S*H, and The Twilight Zone, it named Cheers No. 1. It explained its choice in part by noting that the legendary comedy series was nominated for a total of 117 Emmys, 28 of which it won.
The beloved series has been recognized as one of TV’s best shows by other outlets as well. One notable example of that came when Rotten Tomatoes ranked Cheers as the fourth-best comedy series of all time in a list that included 200 entries.
Arguably, the show’s most impressive placement on a list came on Ranker’s ranking of the “<a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-greatest-sitcoms-in-television-history” rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”>Best Sitcoms of All Time,” which is based on a fan vote and was updated in June 2026. Cheers was ranked at No. 5 on the list after receiving 13,521 upvotes. Considering that Cheers began airing 42 years ago on September 30, 1982, and its finale premiered on May 20, 1993, many of the voters would have been born long after it ended. The fact that it overcame that timeline and still currently sits in the top five is staggering.
What Makes ‘Cheers’ Such a Legendary Show?
There are many reasons why Cheers remains one of television’s most beloved shows ever produced. One important factor was the never-ending appeal of the idea of going to a place where, as the theme song says, everybody knows your name. While viewers may not be able to experience that, it is comforting to see that idea play out on TV.
On the subject of everybody, Cheers is also highlighted by arguably having the greatest TV ensemble cast of all time. Some of the show’s stars include Ted Danson, Shelley Long, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt, and Rhea Perlman. Woody Harrelson, Kelsey Grammer, and Kirstie Alley all became popular cast members later.
When most fans look back on Cheers, there is one thing that stands out: the legendary Sam-and-Diane dynamic. The definition of opposites attracting, the intellectual and the athlete were still instinctively drawn to each other in a way that entertained fans.
At the end of the day, the biggest reason Cheers has stood the test of time is the fact that it featured whip-smart writing perfectly performed by actors with great comedic timing.
Next:NBC Series Ranked the ‘Best American Sitcom of All Time’ Is Releasing an Extended ‘Superfan’ Edition
This story was originally published byMen’s Journalon Jul 21, 2026, where it first appeared in theNewssection. Add Men’s Journal as aPreferred
