Posted over the door of this show’s setting was a notice reading “Maximum Room Capacity 75 Persons”
The March 18, 2025, episode of Jeopardy! featured a Final Jeopardy clue in the category “Classic TV Shows.” Contestants were presented with the following clue:
“Posted over the door of this show’s setting was a notice reading ‘Maximum Room Capacity 75 Persons.'”
Contents
What is Cheers?
Cheers was a beloved American sitcom that aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993. The series was set in a fictional Boston bar of the same name, where locals gathered to drink, socialize, and engage in humorous and heartfelt conversations. The sign above the entrance, indicating a maximum room capacity of 75 persons, was a subtle but memorable detail that reinforced the cozy and intimate atmosphere of the bar.
The show’s setting played a crucial role in its appeal. The bar was designed to be a welcoming place where “everybody knows your name,” a theme emphasized in its famous opening theme song. It served as a backdrop for friendships, romances, and personal struggles, creating a sense of familiarity that made audiences feel as if they were part of the Cheers family.
The Show’s Lasting Popularity
Created by James Burrows, Glen Charles, and Les Charles, Cheers became one of the most successful sitcoms in television history. It ran for 11 seasons and earned 28 Emmy Awards, including multiple wins for Outstanding Comedy Series. The show was praised for its sharp writing, witty dialogue, and a talented ensemble cast that brought its characters to life.
The series centered around Sam Malone (Ted Danson), a former baseball player and the bar’s owner, along with a mix of regular patrons and employees. Other key characters included Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), Carla Tortelli (Rhea Perlman), Norm Peterson (George Wendt), Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger), Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), and Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson). Their interactions, often laced with humor and genuine emotion, were a major part of the show’s charm.
Cultural and Television Influence
Cheers not only entertained audiences but also influenced future television comedies. Its multi-camera format, well-developed characters, and blend of humor with heartfelt storytelling became a blueprint for sitcoms that followed. The show’s spinoff, Frasier, which focused on Kelsey Grammer’s character moving to Seattle, became one of the most successful spinoffs in TV history.
Even decades after its finale, Cheers remains a cultural touchstone. The show is frequently referenced in pop culture, and its Boston setting has made the real-life bar that inspired it, the Bull & Finch Pub, a popular tourist attraction. Viewers continue to discover and rewatch the series, appreciating its humor and timeless storytelling.
The Legacy of Cheers
When Cheers aired its final episode on May 20, 1993, an estimated 80.4 million viewers tuned in, making it one of the most-watched television finales of all time. The series left a lasting impact on audiences, and its influence can still be seen in sitcoms today.
The small but memorable detail of the “Maximum Room Capacity 75 Persons” sign above the bar’s entrance serves as a reminder of the attention to realism and atmosphere that made Cheers feel like a real place. It was more than just a television show—it was a gathering spot where characters and viewers alike could escape, laugh, and find comfort in the company of friends.
