Ted Danson (clockwise from top left), Rhea Perlman, Woody Harrelson, Kelsey Grammer, George Wendt, Shelley Long, Kirstie Alley, Tom Berenger and John Ratzenberger. NBCUniversal via Getty Images ...

"Shelley really gave the first year ... At the end of Cheers' fifth season, Long left the sitcom to focus on films and her family. Because of all that her presence and performance added to the ...

Cheers ran for eleven seasons — including six after star Shelley Long left — but the show’s success was anything but certain. Les, 76, said that brothers’ mindset was “sheer panic.” ...

“There were some critics that said when Shelley walks ... bartender Woody. Long left the program in 1987 to pursue film opportunities and spend more time with her family.