Cheers (1982)

Cheers, a long-running sitcom from the 80s and early 90s, largely avoided LGBTQ+ themes. Its most notable instance, 'The Boys in the Bar,' used a gay bar and its patrons as a plot device for comedic situations stemming from Sam's discomfort, concluding with a mild acceptance. Overall, the portrayal was neither strongly affirming nor overtly denigrating, making its net impact neutral due to its incidental nature and dated comedic approach.

The show portrays Christianity, particularly Catholicism through Carla, as an integral part of characters' identities and cultural backgrounds. While often a source of lighthearted humor stemming from individual quirks or family dynamics, the narrative never critiques the faith itself as oppressive or foolish. Instead, it presents it as a natural part of life for many characters, often with warmth and community spirit.