Ted Danson’s Secret Prank War with Woody Harrelson on Cheers Set

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The long-lasting greatness of the TV sitcom Cheers remains uncontested, and a significant portion of this enduring appeal lies in its memorable cast of characters. When discussing these characters, it’s impossible not to mention Ted Danson or Woody Harrelson. Interestingly, when Woody Harrelson joined the cast in Season 4, the dynamic between him and the other actors, including Danson, shifted from competition to playful pranks. Recently, the actor from The Good Place has shared insights into why their initial approach of challenging Harrelson evolved into a regular attempt to trick him instead.

A group of longtime friends and former cast members are revisiting the golden days of the popular TV show Cheers, through their hit podcast titled “Where Everybody Knows Your Name“. During an interview with director James Burrow, he commended Woody Harrelson for being a fantastic fit in the iconic series. Kelsey Grammer, in response, acknowledged this, pointing out that it was Harrelson’s youthful exuberance that stirred up his fellow male cast members initially. However, as Grammer explained, they eventually adapted to it and came to appreciate it.

All of them were around 37 years old, and you were roughly 24 or 25. At 37, men often realize they’re no longer in their mid-twenties. To begin with, we had a competitive spirit towards him, but it soon became evident that we couldn’t outperform him in any area – be it basketball, arm wrestling, chess, or anything else.

It’s quite logical why Woody Harrelson’s introduction to the show brought about this energy among Ted Danson and the rest of the crew, considering the awareness that comes with no longer being in your twenties often leads to unexpected actions, especially when faced with someone in their thirties like him. However, since no one could match up to the newcomer, the cast of “Cheers” got inventive in teasing him instead.

It’s worth noting that the men often targeted a specific actor, who played Woody Boyd, with pranks. Regardless of when the jokes were conceived, they were always intended for the 25-year-old. Despite giving an impression of organized chaos on set, Danson fondly remembered enjoying the fun and it was his podcast co-host who facilitated these amusing incidents.

All at once, it felt like a series of pranks were unfolding. If you had an excellent prank and George [Wendt], John [Ratzengerger], and Kelsey [Grammer] were there, you’d exclaim, ‘Oh no! This is too good. I need to wait for Woody. I have to try to mess with Woody.’ It was that kind of lively spirit you infused into the bar, and it truly was.

Even though discussions about Woody Harrelson‘s on-set pranks aren’t fresh news, it’s delightful to learn that all the playful antics were filled with good intentions and fostered an unbreakable bond among friends. This camaraderie was evident not only between the leads but also extended to the rest of the cast members who are fondly known as congenial drinking buddies and colleagues. Notably, this chemistry was something that resonated deeply with viewers and fans alike.

The distinctive and quirky acting styles of these performers continue to shine brightly in their respective careers, such as Harrelson’s numerous movies and Danson’s critically acclaimed series “A Man on the Inside,” which has been renewed for a second season and can be streamed with a Netflix subscription.

Looking for a place where everyone knows your favorite shows? Look no further than Paramount+! With hit series like “Cheers,” the “Yellowstone” prequels, “The Good Wife,” and many more, you’ll never run out of entertainment. For just $7.99 a month, you can enjoy all this content, and by upgrading to Premium, you’ll also gain access to Showtime’s extensive library and say goodbye to advertisements. Check it out today!

It’s intriguing to believe that the playful antics of Danson, Harrelson, and the rest of the cast off-camera contributed to the lasting success of “Cheers.” At the very least, it gives us a sense that these actors enjoyed working together for such an extended period. And now, learning about their competitive prank system has me eager to utilize my Paramount+ subscription and revisit the bar where everyone knows your name.

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2025-04-04 02:38