What made 'Cheers' so American?
What's the story
The television show Cheers is often lauded for its depiction of American culture and values. Set in a Boston bar, it became a cultural phenomenon during its run from 1982 to 1993. The series dealt with themes of friendship, community, and the pursuit of happiness, connecting with viewers across the United States. Here are five times Cheers defined what it means to be an American through its writing and character dynamics.
Nostalgia
Nostalgia for simpler times
Cheers evoked nostalgia by harkening back to simpler times. People gathered at local establishments after work hours—a tradition deeply rooted in American history. This tradition has continued from colonial days to modern times. This longing connected viewers emotionally. It reminded them of cherished memories associated with similar experiences. They may have had these experiences themselves growing up around such places.
Happiness
Pursuit of Happiness explored
In keeping with one of America's founding principles—the pursuit of happiness—Cheers explored characters trying to find themselves in the midst of daily struggles. Be it career goals or love interests, these plots reflected real-life pursuits of many Americans seeking happiness despite the hurdles along their way.
Community
Community spirit at its core
The bar setting of Cheers was a microcosm of community life in America. It was where everyone knew your name and shared your joys and sorrows. This portrayal resonated with viewers who found similarities to their local communities or social get-togethers. By highlighting the varied interactions in this space, the show captured America's communal spirit.
Friendship
The power of friendship in 'Cheers'
One of the most important elements of Cheers was its focus on friendship. The characters were a close-knit family that stood by one another through the ups and downs of life. This spirit of camaraderie mirrored an integral aspect of American culture, where friendships are often the chosen family. The show beautifully depicted how people from varied backgrounds can come together and create everlasting relationships.
Humor
Humor bridging differences
Humor was an integral part of the entirety of Cheers, connecting characters while keeping audiences entertained across the nation. With its snappy dialogues and situations of comedy stemming from miscommunication or clashes between characters of this motley crew, the audience laughed with relatable circumstances that echoed larger themes of society in America back then.