Why Woody Harrelson Missed the Emmys' Cheers Reunion

The 2023 Emmy Awards delivered on nostalgia with many cast reunions — and though producers accomplished a major feat with the number of stars they brought together, inevitably some actors had to miss out.

Woody Harrelson, for one, couldn't make it for the Cheers cast reunion at the award show that included other his costars Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger and George Wendt.

Emmys’ executive producers Jesse Collins and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay explained that the prolific actor's absence was simply a scheduling conflict. 

“Woody Harrelson couldn’t make Cheers because he’s in a play [called Ulster American in London],” Collins told The Hollywood Reporter.

More unexpectedly, American Horror Story alum Connie Britton — who had planned to take the stage with Murder House castmate Dylan McDermott — had to cancel at the last minute because “she was on a job somewhere the weather wouldn’t allow her to make it.”

Collins added, “So there were a few people where there were just logistical challenges. But we were lucky to get so many people who were willing to participate.”

Monday's Cheers moment took place as the alums announced the winner outstanding directing for a comedy series. They reunited on stage in a recreation of the beloved NBC sitcom's set Boston bar after an introduction by Emmys host Anthony Anderson.

"Anthony, thank you for getting us all here," said Danson, 76. "Ah, this feels so nice to be here in front of all of you, thank you."

Ratzenberger, 76, asked: "Ted, don't you just think about it as a long-overdue class reunion, huh? Being together brings back some great memories from show we're all very proud of."

Actress Shelley Long, who played Diane Chambers, was also missing from the tribute, as was Kirstie Alley, who died in December 2022 and was honored in this year's In Memoriam tribute. 

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Other reunions featured on the broadcast included Grey’s Anatomy, The Sopranos, Ally McBeal and Martin.

According to Collins, producers also had early conversations “early on" about bringing together the stars of Friends, but Matthew Perry’s unexpected death at age 54 on Oct. 28 changed things.

“I can imagine, from their side, they're mourning someone who was still very close to them,” she said. "I can't speak for them, but we all have to respect that they were their own family. It was probably just a little too soon."