
Laid-back Sam Malone, a former relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, owns and runs Cheers, a cozy bar in Boston. He hires smart, uptight -- and jilted -- Diane Chambers as a server, out of sympathy, but their attraction causes constant bickering. Wacky characters fill the bar: sarcastic waitress Carla, beer-loving accountant Norm, know-it-all postman Cliff. When Diane leaves Boston much later, Sam sells the bar, buys a boat and sails the world, but his boat sinks, so he returns. New, ambitious manager Rebecca Howe hires him back, but they love to hate each other too.

After Diane refuses his proposal once again, Sam loses his temper and finds himself charged with assault and battery.

To save his friend money, Norm helps Sam obtain a copy of the expensive engagement ring that Diane chose.

When Carla's ex-husband, Nick, and his wife, Loretta, have marital problems, Loretta turns to Carla for advice.

A hockey goalie's (Jay Thomas) game slumps when he begins dating Carla.