Podcast Summary: "Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes)"
Episode: Glen and Les Charles
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Introduction
In this heartfelt episode of Where Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (sometimes), hosts Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson reconnect with the legendary screenwriting and producing duo, Glenn and Les Charles. Renowned for co-creating the iconic sitcom Cheers, the Charles brothers delve deep into their collaborative journey, the intricacies of casting, and the enduring legacy of the show that has left an indelible mark on American television.
Reminiscing on Cheers Creation
The conversation kicks off with Glenn Charles expressing immense gratitude:
Glenn Charles (02:00): "Yeah, well, thank you. You guys are. Without the two of you, it wouldn't have been a Cheers."
Les Charles echoes this sentiment, highlighting the significance of Cheers in shaping their careers and fostering an unbreakable bond between the creators and the cast.
Casting Decisions and Stories
A substantial portion of the discussion revolves around the casting process for Cheers, particularly the introduction of Woody Harrelson and Ted Danson to the show.
Woody Harrelson shares the initial casting approach:
Woody Harrelson (03:11): "We had cast... We had actually named the character Woody before we'd ever heard of the character of Woody."
Glenn Charles adds insight into the selection process:
Glenn Charles (04:03): "We always wanted to do that whenever we could on Cheers as, you know, read actors together, audition actors together to see the chemistry."
Les Charles provides a candid recollection of advocating for Woody's casting against initial reservations:
Les Charles (04:32): "Get him out of my sight."
This determination ultimately led to Woody’s perfect fit for the role, infusing the character with the necessary depth and charm.
Role of Glenn and Les Charles
Glenn and Les Charles discuss their collaborative dynamic and the challenges they faced during the early years of Cheers. They emphasize the importance of writing strong, multi-dimensional characters and the significance of having a cast capable of bringing these characters to life authentically.
Les Charles (60:38): "Our upbringing in this business, and it was such a luxury privilege to be raised by your writing, your relationship to actors, your respect for actors..."
Contributions of Kelsey Grammer
Kelsey Grammer, renowned for his portrayal of Frasier Crane, plays a pivotal role in the discussion. The Charles brothers commend Grammer's exceptional talent and versatility, highlighting memorable moments and his ability to carry intricate emotional arcs within the show.
Les Charles (45:00): "Kelsey Grammer is one of our most talented. I think he could also write music, play the piano, sing..."
Grammer reflects on his experiences, acknowledging the profound impact Cheers had on his career and expressing deep appreciation for the collaborative environment fostered by the Charles brothers and the rest of the cast.
Kelsey Grammer (60:49): "It was, to this day, the greatest experience of my life. I really so appreciate you guys creating this show and letting me be in it."
Anecdotes and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
The episode is rich with amusing and insightful anecdotes that shed light on the camaraderie and creative processes behind Cheers.
Physical Feats and On-Set Humor: Les Charles recounts the physical competitions with Woody to establish dominance and camaraderie:
Les Charles (51:34): "I then arm wrestled him and I literally still have some bad tendonitis in my right arm because I didn't want to lose."
Character Development and Iconic Moments: Discussions about specific episodes, such as the memorable Thanksgiving episode and the introduction of beloved characters like Cliff Clavin, highlight the thoughtful writing and improvisational talents of the cast.
Glenn Charles (43:06): "One of my favorite John Jon Vitz was when he was selling shoes. Do you remember that?"
Humorous Mishaps: Woody shares a humorous moment involving his first entrance on set:
Woody Harrelson (49:05): "I remember very well. And then when he heard he had passed away, Woody was really broken down about it..."
These stories underscore the blend of professionalism and lightheartedness that characterized the Cheers set.
Impact and Legacy of Cheers
Glenn and Les Charles reflect on the enduring legacy of Cheers, acknowledging its groundbreaking narrative structure and serialized storytelling, which paved the way for modern television series.
Glenn Charles (30:22): "Up until that time, everybody thought you have to have a show that every week they can tune in and it's starting from ground zero."
They discuss how Cheers was a pioneer in maintaining a continuous storyline, allowing for deeper character development and more engaging storytelling, a format now prevalent in streaming series.
Final Thoughts and Gratitude
As the episode concludes, Glenn and Les express profound gratitude towards Ted and Woody for their roles in bringing Cheers to life. The mutual respect and affection among the hosts and guests are palpable, reinforcing the unbreakable bond forged during the creation and execution of the beloved sitcom.
Glenn Charles (61:12): "I love you and miss you guys."
Les Charles (61:34): "Love you, Woody. Thank you for taking time to do this."
Ted Dasnon and Woody Harrelson reciprocate these sentiments, emphasizing the familial atmosphere that Cheers fostered among its cast and crew.
Conclusion
This episode serves as a nostalgic tribute to Cheers, celebrating the collaborative genius of Glenn and Les Charles alongside the stellar performances of Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, and Kelsey Grammer. It offers listeners an intimate glimpse into the creation of one of television’s most enduring shows, filled with laughter, respect, and heartfelt memories.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Glenn Charles (02:00): "Without the two of you, it wouldn't have been a Cheers."
- Woody Harrelson (03:11): "We had cast... We had actually named the character Woody before we'd ever heard of the character of Woody."
- Les Charles (04:32): "Get him out of my sight."
- Les Charles (60:38): "Our upbringing in this business, and it was such a luxury privilege..."
- Kelsey Grammer (60:49): "It was, to this day, the greatest experience of my life..."
- Glenn Charles (30:22): "Up until that time, everybody thought you have to have a show that every week they can tune in and it's starting from ground zero."
- Glenn Charles (61:12): "I love you and miss you guys."
For those who haven't listened to this episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation, highlighting the collaborative spirit and creative brilliance that made Cheers a timeless classic.