Letter: Hollow British cheers

Sir: It is always interesting to follow the techniques of English condescension to the United States. Bryan Appleyard wants to praise Cheers (19 May), but will feel naked without the usual comforting picture of the American television audience as tasteless morons.

So, Cheers is 'the greatest television programme ever made'. But . . . hang on; the Americans like it - it's one of the most popular programmes in the States.

Not to worry. Mr Appleyard can't quite decide whether Americans watch it because they can't figure out that it's good, or just (more charitably) that they think it's good but haven't a clue where its real quality lies. Either way, the credit for admiring Cheers can be saved for British intellectuals.

Whew]

Yours faithfully,

MERRITT MOSELEY

Chester

20 May