Summary
Frasier's return to Boston in the reboot finally addresses the question of why he stopped drinking beer when he moved to Seattle.
Frasier's inclination toward beer in Boston may have been influenced by his desire to blend in with the Cheers crowd and his frequent interactions with his younger brother Niles.
The fact that Frasier opts for beer in the recent series holds considerable significance, as it implies his attempts to mend his troubled relationship with his son Freddy, fostering better communication between them.
The Frasier reboot finally addresses a long-standing question from Cheers. Kelsey Grammer's beloved sitcom character, Frasier Crane, originated in the Boston-set series before going on to star in his own successful spin-off. In the revival, Frasier returns to Boston after years in Seattle to tie up loose ends and reconnect with his grown son, Freddy. Naturally, his homecoming stirs up nostalgia as he frequents Sam Malone's bar, but it remains uncertain if he will reunite with his old bar buddies.
Frasier's departure from Boston was sudden, and the original show purposely didn't focus on his decision to move back to Seattle to minimize comparisons with Cheers. However, despite portraying the same character, there were noticeable differences between Grammer's Frasier in Cheers and his own show, a topic rarely discussed. While maintaining his intellectual and pompous demeanor, Frasier's Boston habits mysteriously vanished when he relocated to Seattle, leaving unanswered questions that are now being addressed.
Frasier Revival Trailer Solves Cheers’ Beer Mystery
Paramount+ has dropped the first trailer for the Frasier reboot, giving fans a fresh glimpse of Kelsey Grammer's return to the small screen as the beloved therapist. Although the trailer doesn't explicitly mention Sam's bar or his old drinking buddies from Cheers, it cleverly acknowledges Frasier's time in Boston. In a candid moment, Frasier confesses that there is something about Boston that made him switch from being a wine drinker to enjoying a pint with his new colleagues, Olivia and Alan. This revelation effectively clarifies why Frasier abruptly stopped drinking beer when he moved back to Seattle, despite it being his go-to choice in Cheers. It has always been a point of intrigue why Frasier effortlessly transitioned from beer to wine, port, or sherry in the Pacific Northwest, even after 11 years living there.
Why Frasier Prefers Beer In Boston
Although Frasier confesses to enjoying beer in Boston, he neglects to provide an explanation as to why he seems to abandon his natural inclinations when it comes to his choice of drink upon returning to the East Coast city. Surprisingly, he himself appears unsure of why this shift occurs. Nonetheless, there are a couple of potential reasons for this change. First and foremost, Frasier had to adapt himself in order to fit in with the regulars at Cheers. Diane Chambers served as his introduction to the bar scene, and she was already distinguishable from the rest of the crowd. While Frasier still maintained his distinctive speech, mannerisms, and style of dress, he made an effort to blend in and not stand out too much.
Spending time with the heavy beer drinkers, such as Norm and Cliff, may have also influenced Frasier's newfound preference for beer. Additionally, it's worth noting that Niles, who typically enjoyed wine, sherry, or port, was not there to support Frasier's drinking choices. As evidenced in the Seattle-based show, Niles was even more pretentious than Frasier. Being married to the affluent Maris and being surrounded by the elite circles of the Pacific Northwest, it made sense that Niles would not indulge in beer. Frasier, having spent a significant amount of time with his brother, felt compelled to align himself with the upper-class individuals in his hometown, many of whom did not partake in beer.
Frasier Penchant For Beer In The Revival Is More Important Than You Think
When Frasier returned to Seattle three decades ago, he changed his preferred hang-out spot. Instead of seeking a place similar to Cheers or frequenting pubs in general, he began spending his time at Cafe Nervosa. This became the habitual meeting place for him and the rest of the cast for their daily coffee sessions. While Frasier gave up drinking beer and rarely visited drinking establishments, they still made appearances in every episode of the highly acclaimed show, primarily because Martin, his father, preferred canned Ballantine beer. Despite their complicated relationship, Frasier was well aware of his father's beverage preference, which is why he stocked up on it when Martin moved in with him.
Regrettably, the Paramount+ Frasier revival begins with the absence of the Crane patriarch. Kelsey Grammer, the actor, has assured fans that they will pay tribute to John Mahoney's legacy, ensuring his presence continues to be felt throughout the show. Frasier's new appearance suggests that he is slowly resembling his father, and in addition to that, there is something emotionally significant about him choosing to drink his father's preferred beverage in the upcoming project. This choice adds to the numerous parallels found within the father-son relationship, emphasizing its poignant nature.
Frasier Drinking Beer Hints At How He Fixes His Relationship W/ Freddy
In the Frasier reboot, the central storyline revolves around Frasier's reunion with his adult son, Freddy. This may be confusing for fans of the original Seattle show, as their relationship appeared to be strong despite the distance between them. While the Frasier reboot trailer does not hint at any serious animosity between them, much like Frasier's initial dynamic with Martin, it is clear that there are deeper unresolved issues affecting their relationship. The fact that Frasier was unaware of his son's relationship is a significant indication that they have not been regularly communicating.
Fortunately, Frasier's newfound habit of drinking beer in the new series will aid in resolving his issues with Freddy much faster than when he attempted to repair his relationship with Martin. In the early seasons of Frasier, their conversations were hindered by their egos, making it difficult for them to have a meaningful dialogue. Their contrasting personalities made spending time together a challenge. However, in Paramount+'s reboot, the simple act of enjoying a beer together allows Frasier and Freddy to communicate more easily and address their underlying issues, ultimately leading to a quicker reconciliation.