Frasier's Co-Creator Is Right - A Reboot Doesn't Make Sense
Frasier is one of TV's most acclaimed sitcoms, but co-creator David Lee is right about the reboot not making sense, as it will never be the same show.
There’s much speculation surrounding a Frasier revival, but the original show’s co-creator is right – rebooting the show simply doesn’t make sense. Frasier ran for an impressive 11 seasons, from 1993-2004. Star Kelsey Grammer is keen to reprise his most famous character in a reboot for Paramount+, but there’s no way the show could ever be the same.
Conceived as a spinoff of Cheers, the multiple Emmy-winning Frasier quickly became one of TV’s most acclaimed comedies. The series follows Dr. Frasier Crane as he moves on from his divorce by relocating from Boston to his native Seattle. Although Frasier’s new career as a radio psychiatrist provides plenty of laughs, the sitcom’s heart comes from his growing bond with his extended family.
The show ended after season 11 with Frasier taking a huge leap of faith, one which poses a major challenge for the reboot. Speaking on the Hollywood and Levine podcast, Frasier co-creator David Lee offered his curt opinion on the show’s revival: “In a word, ‘no.’” Alongside podcast host and fellow Frasier writer Ken Levine, the co-creator explained how he could not imagine how the characters could ever be reunited in a meaningful way. Lee has an extremely valid point that, for the reboot to make any sense, Frasier would have to deviate significantly from the formula that made the original so successful.
Not much is known about the upcoming reboot, except that it will reportedly take place in a new city. Frasier's Kelsey Grammer has voiced his desire for the rest of the cast to return, although none have currently signed on. There’s good reason for this, as their stories were all effectively wrapped up in the original’s finale. Frasier’s father, Martin (John Mahoney), remarried and moved out of his son’s luxury apartment. Meanwhile, Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves) gave birth to a son with Niles (David Hyde Pierce). David Lee emphasized this fact, stating he “can’t figure out what gets those people in a room together, other than the yearly Christmas dinner.” His confusion couldn’t be more apt. Grammer has suggested he wants the original cast to feature prominently - except the Frasier reboot story won’t be set in Seattle. With that in mind, it wouldn’t make sense for the other characters to appear beyond guest roles. David Lee and Ken Levine discussed how they would need new characters to accompany a new setting, inevitably creating a completely different show.
It's understandable Kelsey Grammer wants to revisit his 20-year portrayal of Frasier Crane. The series quickly overcame its Cheers roots to stand on its own, so a third act for Frasier might accomplish a similar feat. However, it’s impossible to recreate the original dynamic. As David Lee noted, John Mahoney has passed away. In many ways, Martin was Frasier’s real main character. The finale gave him the best possible send-off and showing the impact of his death on his family could undermine the happiness of the original’s open ending. The difficult task of striking the right tone is another reason why a Frasier reboot is a bad idea, and Lee expressed no desire to be involved. Levine reminded him, “We all came from Cheers, back in those days there was really a training program.” Several of Frasier’s writers were already well-versed in the character, making Lee doubtful a new writing team could replicate the quality of the original. Although he didn’t confirm whether he thought the reboot would become a reality, he seemed to imply that whatever happens, it simply wouldn’t be Frasier.
The one storyline David Lee appeared somewhat interested in seeing continue was Frasier’s surprise detour to Chicago to pursue a relationship with Charlotte (Laura Linney). He conceded, “Okay, maybe there’s something there.” Unfortunately, there’s been no word on Linney’s involvement, suggesting Grammer’s psychiatrist might still be searching for love, undoing Frasier’s perfect ending.