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Will the Long Running TV Show Frasier Be Another Reboot?

Marion Charatan

Posted on November 10, 2018 14:27

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Kelsey Grammer was in talks about rebooting the very popular TV sitcom Frasier after it ran for 25 years. But I just read he may be having second thoughts.

Frasier to the rescue, again? The psychiatrist who helped call-in clients with their issues may be in the house once more if a reboot of the sit-com Frasier fires up. The possible return of Dr. Frasier Crane is in the very early stages.

But I don’t see it. My theory is you can't improve on perfection and the long-running and successful TV series that aired from 1993-2004 was as close to perfect as you can get -- in terms of actors, scripts and comedy appeal.

Kelsey Grammer was superb as the self-effacing sometimes pompous 40ish psychiatrist Frasier Crane who loved his radio shrink job, family and women, not necessarily in that order. Dr. Crane returned to Seattle after an acrimonious divorce from his psychiatrist wife Lillith (played by Bebe Neuwirth) and opened his Seattle apartment to his retired police officer father Martin -- a salty mature gentleman with a heart of gold -- beautifully characterized by John Mahoney, who passed away in February of this year at 77.

Niles Frasier was Frasier's younger brother, another psychiatrist, who lived close by. He was pompous and fussy, but likable, too, as Frasier was. Like his big brother, he played piano and appreciated opera. Niles had the misfortune of being in a loveless marriage to Maris, an heiress we never saw on camera. However, in spite of not seeing her it was obvious she was high maintenance.

Then came Roz, Frasier's single radio producer, played by the effervescent Peri Gilpin. Roz was street-wise, direct and rather promiscuous but good at her job and relatable.

Finally, the lovely Jane Leeves rounded out the cast as Daphne, the Brit from Manchester hired to work as Martin's physical therapist following a gunshot injury as well as the Crane's housekeeper. And in the midst of all this, Niles became overwhelmingly attracted to her and this enhanced the storyline.

Flash forward to 2018. Now Kelsey Grammer, who was thinking of doing a reboot of the shenanigans in the Emerald City, has changed his mind. I think that's a good call. Many shows have resurfaced like the ill-fated Rosanne (she got fired after a racist comment) and Murphy Brown; to mention a couple. Frasier has been in syndication since 1997. I have to admit when I can't sleep I'll binge watch Frasier and enjoy it. But I'm watching the original. Times and people change. Grammer is still a talented working actor as are the other living original cast members.

I say come up with new scripts and ideas to utilize the talents of actors like Grammer. Give us fresh ideas. Or just do a one-time feature-length film update on the Frasier characters and their current lives. Sometimes, you just can't go home.

Marion Charatan

Posted on November 10, 2018 14:27

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