With news that the much-loved sitcom Cheers is set to receive a British remake, fans of cozy, character-driven comedy might be surprised to learn that this revival already exists in the form of the 2000s hidden gem Early Doors. Cheers is remembered for its lovable ensemble, the camaraderie of its Boston bar setting, and for being one of the all-time great workplace sitcoms. Meanwhile, Early Doors masterfully captures similar themes through a distinctly British lens.
This nearly twenty-year-old BBC sitcom not only feels like a spiritual successor to the iconic Ted Danson spinoff but also provides a blueprint for how a Cheers remake could work, albeit with key differences catering to British humor and sensibilities. If the new Cheers UK remake can apply these lessons, there’s every reason to believe it can captivate audiences both familiar with the original and those discovering the magic for the first time.
The DNA Of The Two Bar-Based Shows Is Undeniable
Cheers became a cultural phenomenon by centering its stories on a diverse cast of quirky characters who frequented a small Boston bar. Each episode gave its audience a front-row seat to the bonds formed over casual drinks, relatable struggles, and laugh-out-loud moments, blending humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Created by Craig Cash and Phil Mealey,
Early Doors
celebrates the small, seemingly mundane yet meaningful interactions that occur between its loyal patrons and staff.
Likewise, Early Doors — set entirely in the cozy confines of a run-down Manchester pub called The Grapes — shares that trademark focus on the humor and drama of ordinary people. Created by Craig Cash and Phil Mealey, Early Doors celebrates the small, seemingly mundane yet meaningful interactions that occur between its loyal patrons and staff. It’s this shared focus on character over spectacle that immediately draws comparisons between the two.
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Early Doors characters like Ken, the warm yet cynical landlord; Duffy and Joe, the mismatched pair of soul-searching drinkers; and the hilariously corrupt local policemen Phil and Nige echo the Cheers formula. These characters aren’t painted in broad sitcom strokes — they feel real, flawed, and endearing. Much like the line “where everybody knows your name” perfectly encapsulates Cheers, Early Doors carries a similar ethos of familiarity and community, albeit through a distinctly laid-back, Northern England vibe.
Early Doors Proves How Different A British Cheers Remake Will Need To Be
Replicating The Sitcom Experience Between The U.S. And The U.K. Is Seldom Simple
Adapting any classic for an international audience, particularly one as beloved as Cheers, obviously presents some unique challenges. While American sitcoms like Cheers often lean on slick, upbeat energy paired with witty one-liners, British comedies like Early Doors tend to take a slower, more observational approach to humor.
Cheers is available to stream on Peacock, Hulu, and Paramount+.
Early Doors thrives on silence, subtle digs, and understated authenticity, making every joke feel organic rather than set up. Any viewer who has watched episodes of both the original British and remade American version of The Office, particularly its first season episodes, will note this clear difference in sensibilities almost immediately.
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If the upcoming British version of Cheers borrows too heavily from its American counterpart, it risks losing the natural irreverence that British audiences love. However, Early Doors’ success highlights how focusing on everyday struggles and offbeat humor could provide a pathway to finding that perfect balance between staying true to Cheers’ iconic tone and adapting it for a UK audience.
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Cheers
One of the most well-known American sitcoms of the 1980s and 90s, Cheers is primarily set in Boston at the Cheers bar, and features and ensemble cast that includes Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Pearlman, Kelsey Grammer, and George Wendt. Danson’s Sam Malone acts as the bar’s proprietor, and episodes depict the lives of Cheers’ staff and patrons during the bar’s operating hours. The series ran for 11 seasons and gave rise to popular spin-off shows such as Frasier.
- Release Date
- September 30, 1982
- Finale Year
- November 30, 1992
- Character(s)
- Uncredited , Rebecca Howe , Diane Chambers , Sam Malone , Ernie ‘Coach’ Pantusso , Carla Tortelli , Norm Peterson , Cliff Clavin , Woody Boyd , Frasier Crane , Lilith Sternin , Dave Richards , Serafina Tortelli , Corinne , Andy Schroeder , Darryl Mead , Madame Lazora , Customer , Mr. Brubaker , Mr. Reinhardt , Gabrielle , Bonnie , Lucas , Gary
- Producers
- Andy Ackerman , Ken Levine , Tom Anderson , Tim Berry , Sam Simon , Rob Long , Phoef Sutton , Peter Casey , Mert Rich , Les Charles , Ken Estin , Bill Steinkellner , James Burrows , Heide Perlman , Glen Charles , David Isaacs , David Angell , Dan Staley , Cherie Steinkellner , Brian Pollack , Dan O’Shannon
- Seasons
- 11
- Writers
- James Burrows , Glen Charles , Les Charles
- Directors
- James Burrows , Andy Ackerman
- Showrunner
- James Burrows , Glen Charles , Les Charles , Ken Estin , Sam Simon , David Angell , Peter Casey , David Lee , Bill Steinkellner , Cheri Steinkellner , Phoef Sutton , Tom Anderson , Dan O’Shannon