British 'Cheers' Remake: Classic Sitcom Gets a Pub Makeover

In a bold move that's sure to raise eyebrows and pint glasses alike, a British remake of the iconic American sitcom Cheers is currently in development. The project, helmed by Simon Nye, the creative mind behind "Men Behaving Badly," aims to transplant the beloved series from its Boston roots to the heart of a British pub.

Big Talk Studios, the production company behind the recent BBC comedy-crime drama "Ludwig," has secured the rights to adapt Cheers for a UK audience. Kenton Allen, the company's chief executive, acknowledges the monumental task ahead, quipping that he "might be insane" to attempt reimagining one of television's most cherished sitcoms.

The original Cheers, which aired from 1982 to 1993, was a cultural phenomenon that garnered an impressive 117 Emmy nominations and 28 wins during its run. Set in a Boston bar, it featured a stellar cast including Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Woody Harrelson, and tackled various social issues with humor and heart.

Allen emphasizes the need to update the show's 1980s sensibilities for contemporary audiences while preserving its essence. "The British pub is an endangered species, so there's an answer for the 'Why now?' about it," he explains. This adaptation will draw inspiration from the original characters but aims to create something fresh and relevant to today's viewers.

The remake faces the challenge of living up to its predecessor's legacy. The final episode of Cheers, titled "One For The Road," attracted a staggering 42 million US households, making it the second-highest-rated series finale in television history, surpassed only by MASH.

Interestingly, this isn't the first attempt to adapt Cheers for international audiences. A Spanish version aired in 2011, and an Irish adaptation featuring Ted Danson's character as a former hurling champion was proposed but never materialized.

As the project moves forward, Big Talk Studios is in the early stages of pitching the remake to British broadcasters. The production team is well aware of the high stakes involved in reimagining a show that has left such an indelible mark on popular culture.

"It's a huge honour to be entrusted with the comedy and it would be a huge challenge to get it right."

While the British remake will undoubtedly face scrutiny, it also has the potential to introduce the charm of Cheers to a new generation. The original series was one of the first American sitcoms to gain popularity in the UK, paving the way for this adaptation.

As fans eagerly await more details, one thing is certain: the pressure is on to create a show that captures the magic of the original while offering a fresh perspective. Whether this British pub can become a place "where everybody knows your name" remains to be seen, but it's certainly a venture worth raising a glass to.