Shelley Long, a pivotal figure in the success of the iconic sitcom "Cheers," left the show at the end of its fifth season. Her departure marked a significant shift for the beloved series, renowned for its witty banter and engaging character dynamics. Long decided to exit "Cheers" to pursue a career in films and dedicate more time to her family. Her portrayal of Diane Chambers was instrumental in the show's initial success, and her exit created a sense of uncertainty about the show's future.
Long had originally signed a five-year contract with "Cheers," which she honored before choosing to leave. Her performance as Diane Chambers was crucial during the show's formative years. The creators of "Cheers," Glen and Les Charles, have consistently acknowledged Long's contribution, crediting her with securing the show's success from its debut season.
"We said often that we're not sure that Cheers would have survived without Shelley in that first season because she was so strong and so confident and knew exactly who the character was and who she was," Les Charles remarked.
The chemistry between Long's character, Diane, and Ted Danson's Sam Malone, epitomized by their will-they-or-won't-they romance, captivated audiences and became one of television's most influential relationships. Ted Danson himself praised Long's performance, emphasizing her impact on the show.
"Shelley really gave the first year or two or three the boost that Cheers needed," Danson noted.
"Because she landed into her part feet first in the pilot and was astounding and unlike any other character we've seen since maybe, you know, I Love Lucy or something," he added.
The departure of Shelley Long caused "sheer panic" among the show's creators, as they grappled with how to fill the void left by such a prominent character. Critics speculated that her exit might spell the end for "Cheers," given how integral the Sam-Diane dynamic had become. However, the show's creative team found a way forward by introducing new elements to refresh its narrative.
Kirstie Alley entered the scene in season six as Rebecca Howe. Although not intended as a direct replacement for Diane, Alley's character provided a new dynamic to keep viewers engaged. The transition proved successful, allowing "Cheers" to continue thriving despite initial concerns.
In addition to her work on "Cheers," Shelley Long revisited her role as Diane Chambers for two episodes of its spin-off series, "Frasier." In this series, she portrayed a new character as the manager of the Cheers bar, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Despite Long's departure, "Cheers" maintained its popularity and critical acclaim. However, it was clear that her contribution during those early seasons was invaluable. Ted Danson reflected on how much he learned from working alongside Long, acknowledging her talent and presence on set.
"She's a very good actress. She's obviously very sexy and interesting to watch," Glen Charles commented on Long's performance.
Long's return for the "Cheers" series finale further cemented her legacy within the show. Her presence brought nostalgia and closure to long-time fans who had followed the ups and downs of Sam and Diane's relationship through the years.
