Cheers (1982-1993)
Post date: Mar 7, 2011 8:16:34 PM
Arguably the quintessential 80's sitcom, "Cheers" followed the daily lives of several characters who frequent a fictional bar in Boston called "Cheers." While the show reused the same establishing shots in Boston for nearly episode, the bar set itself was filmed with a live studio audience at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles.
Exterior shots of the bar were actually the Bull & Finch Pub at 84 Beacon Street in Boston. This was the actual bar that inspired the creators of the show. However, since the interior looks nothing like the layout in the show a replica has been built at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace at Quincy Market in South Boston. Both locations sell merchandise inspired by the show.
(photo of the set in 2002)
The interior set of the bar was filmed on Stage 25 at Paramount Studios. When the show wrapped, the main sets of Frasier took over in the same location. You can take a guided tour of the studio, but it is unlikely you will get to see inside this stage. For many years, the actual set used in the show (as well as the Enterprise bridge set from Star Trek: The Next Generation) was on display at the Hollywood Entertainment Museum in Hollywood, but it shut down in 2006. After many years of dedication (and a little help from Ted Danson), collector James Comisar was able to rescue the neglected set from storage at CBS and have it fully restored for his private collection.
To give the show some authenticity, they got the actors to do a few short scenes (used as intros) in front of the actual Bull & Finch in season 8. These show Norm giving a parking ticket to Cliff, Woody saving Sam a parking space, and Norm and Sam running into Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.
The Old City Hall building at 45 School Street in Boston is where Rebecca & Robin attempt to get married in season 8.
The prison yard scene in season 8 was filmed in "Lucy Park" on the Paramount Studios lot. The main building seen is the Cavalier Building. This same park was also used in the Brady Bunch and as Jefferson High in Happy Days.
This shot looks across the Boston Common toward John Hancock Tower, and appears to have been flipped. A similar shot is also shown as an establishing shot for Rebecca's apartment.
M.I.A. Locations
Prison (exterior)
Hungry Heifer (season 7)