It seems like we're living in the golden age of the reboot. Whether this is because movies and TV shows deserve another run or because Hollywood is completely out of ideas is a debate for another day.
The important news right now is that someone hears the blues a-callin' once more: that's right, Frasier Crane is set to return to the small screen.
The character of Frasier Crane was the focal point of the titular Frasier, but the genesis of the character goes all the way back to the early '80s. Kelsey Grammer first played the role when the creators of Cheers needed a romantic interest for Diane Chambers during the show's third season.
Frasier, an intellectual and pompous psychiatrist, was added to the main cast of Cheers and served as a counterpoint to the more blue collar characters on the show. Cheers ended in 1993, but as we all know, the Frasier character was just getting started.
Series creators David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee wasted no time moving Frasier to his new digs in Seattle. A supporting cast featuring Frasier's brother Niles, producer Roz, dad Martin, and dad's physical therapist Daphne helped round out the cast.
During its run, it picked up an incredible 37 Primetime Emmy Awards, which was a record at the time for a scripted series. The show was one of the most successful sitcoms of the '90s — and indeed one of the most successful of all time.
A few years after Kelsey Grammer started shopping the idea of a Frasier reboot to various network execs, someone finally bit. The streaming service Paramount+ has picked up the new Frasier revival or reboot, likely for ten episodes to start.
Most notably, actor John Mahoney — who played Frasier's dad — passed away in 2018. All of the other actors from the show are presumably available to reprise their roles, but the new version of Frasier will likely live nowhere near Seattle.
The series finale, "Goodnight, Seattle," showed Frasier quitting his radio hosting gig to move to Chicago where his girlfriend had moved. It isn't known if the reboot will take place in Chicago, but it will likely take place somewhere other than Seattle.
While other cast members may be available for guest appearances — David Hyde Pierce, who played Niles, has commented on this — the new version of the show will likely feature a new supporting cast.
It'll be interesting to see how a wealthy character originally devised for an '80s sitcom will resonate with modern audiences.
Let us know if you watched Frasier Crane on either Cheers or Frasier, and tell us what you think of this news, in the comments section.
