What Were They Really Drinking on Cheers? Behind the Scenes Secrets

Discover what drinks the cast of Cheers actually consumed on set and how filmmakers created realistic bar scenes without real alcohol.

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On the iconic show Cheers, the actors were not drinking real alcohol due to legal and practical reasons. Instead, they drank colored water for clear liquors and non-alcoholic beer for beer scenes. This approach allowed for consistent filming without the effects of actual alcohol consumption, maintaining the show’s energetic pace and ensuring actors’ performances remained sharp. Colored tea was another substitute used for dark liquors, creating a convincing on-screen illusion while keeping the cast sober and focused.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why didn’t the actors drink real alcohol on Cheers? Actors avoided real alcohol to maintain consistent performances and avoid intoxication, which could disrupt filming schedules and affect the energy of the scenes.
  2. What substitutes were used for alcohol on the set of Cheers? The production used colored water for clear liquors, colored tea for dark liquors, and non-alcoholic beer to simulate the appearance of real drinks on screen.
  3. Is using fake alcohol common in TV and film production? Yes, using non-alcoholic or substitute drinks is a common practice in the industry to ensure actors remain sober and can perform consistently across multiple takes.