CBS Chello Zone UK Channels today announced its acquisition of the epic and much-loved comedy series Cheers from CBS Studios International. Now firmly established as the destination for TV super hits, CBS Drama will premiere the very first episode of the hit show on Thursday 10th May at 6pm.

Set in the Cheers bar in Boston, the series is one of the most successful sitcoms of all time and the show's stars - Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley and Kelsey Grammer - all went on to become household names. In total there were 11 series of Cheers running from 1982 to 1993 and it also spawned a number of spin-off shows including the equally successful Frasier starring Kelsey Grammer. Throughout its run, Cheers won 28 Emmy Awards and held the record of 117 nominations.

Cheers is the latest in a succession of significant acquisitions for the CBS Chello Zone UK Channels portfolio, which comprises CBS Reality, CBS Drama, CBS Action and Horror Channel. Since its launch in November 2009, CBS Drama has aired iconic shows including CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Dynasty and Dallas, as well as UK series Footballers' Wives. Last year's fastest growing digital TV portfolio, CBS Chello Zone UK Channels has recently enjoyed a record-breaking month of viewing, with February 2012 pulling in its highest ever weekly average.

Chris Sharp, Chief Programming Officer and General Manager for Chello Zone, said: "We are enormously excited by the addition of Cheers to CBS Drama's programming schedule, our first comedy series on the channel. The acquisition complements our stellar line up of TV's best loved shows and we know our viewers will welcome the opportunity to revisit the famous bar where everybody knows your name."

Cheers premieres on Thursday 10th May 2012 at 6pm and will air with double episodes on weekdays at 6pm, as part of the channel's new 'Happy Hour' 6-7pm slot. Series 1 to 3 will be shown initially with series 4 airing later this year.