Fans Rejoice as Frasier's Reboot Delivers Epic 29-Year-Old Joke with Original Characters!
Frasier's Reboot: Embracing a 29-Year-Old Joke, Kelsey Grammer returns but without the original cast Discover how this bold move breathes new life into the iconic series, proving that sometimes, letting go of the past leads to unexpected brilliance
Summary
Paramount+'s Frasier revival won't have most of the original cast, but it cleverly references a joke from the original series about moving on and accepting change.
The reboot of Frasier in Boston brings in new characters and grants more prominent roles to certain secondary characters, marking a new era for the show. Although fans may feel nostalgic about the original cast, their exclusion enables the revival to concentrate on fresh narratives and themes, embracing change instead of relying solely on the past.
The upcoming Frasier revival on Paramount+ takes a unique approach by not featuring most of the original cast. However, this controversial decision cleverly references a joke made in the original series back in 1994. Like Kelsey Grammer's post-Cheers spin-off, the reboot in 2023 follows Frasier as he moves back to Boston to confront new obstacles, develop new relationships, and embark on the next chapter of his life. Although it is disappointing that the majority of the main cast from the original 264 episode run will not be returning, this does not detract from the overall success of the revival. Grammer will be accompanied by new characters such as Alan Cornwall, Eve, and Olivia, played by Nicholas Lyndhurst, Jess Salgueiro, and Toks Olagundoye respectively. Additionally, his nephew David and son Freddy, previously minor characters, are now elevated to main character status. Some familiar faces from the original series, including Roz and Lilith, will make appearances as recurring characters. While it is unlikely that surprises in the form of cameos from the Cheers cast or other Frasier actors will occur, this outcome is not unexpected considering an old joke foreshadowing the cast changes.
Frasier Told Us In 1994 What Happens When You Move On
In the Frasier season 2 episode titled "Dukes, We Hardly Knew Ye," Martin Crane is confronted with the imminent demolition of his beloved "second home," Dukes bar. In a comedic twist, it is revealed that Frasier and Niles have invested in the property company responsible for purchasing and planning to demolish Dukes, causing a moral dilemma that ultimately fails to save the bar. However, the episode also features a conversation between Frasier and his father about embracing change, as Frasier himself experienced the loss of his cherished daily haunt, Cheers, when he relocated to Seattle.
Frasier: I can relate to the feeling of leaving behind a neighborhood bar. I remember the last time I walked out of my old favorite spot in Boston. It was a remarkably sentimental day.
Martin: I suppose it's the people that I'll miss the most - bidding farewell to so many familiar faces.
Frasier: Don't worry, Dad. Just because you're leaving this place doesn't mean you can't continue seeing your friends as often as you used to.
Martin: Yeah, it does.
Frasier: Yeah, you're right.
In light of Frasier's reboot leaving out most of the original cast,
Who Isn't Returning For Frasier's Reboot?
feels remarkably prophetic. Although he is clearly referring to his transition from Cheers and the absence of his original friends' appearance in Frasier, the joke now gains an additional depth in 2023. As an audience, we really should have picked up on the foreshadowing.
While the characters Roz, Lilith, David, and Freddy are set to make a comeback, the central main cast members will be noticeably absent in the Frasier reboot. Niles Crane, portrayed by David Hyde Pierce, has chosen not to reprise his role in order to explore new artistic ventures. Similarly, Jane Leeves' character Daphne will not be joining the revival due to her commitment to filming The Resident. Unfortunately, the late John Mahoney, who portrayed Martin Crane, and Eddie the dog (Moose) have passed away since the original run of Frasier. Additionally, the beloved supporting cast from KACL radio station will not be making an appearance, having remained in Seattle as part of Frasier's past.
Frasier Ignoring (Most) Old Characters Can Be A Good Thing
Despite potential resistance from nostalgic fans, change is not always a negative thing. And Just Like That, the revival of Sex & The City, successfully brought a fresh perspective to the show's attempts at modern, progressive commentary, which occasionally fell flat. Similarly, Dexter's New Blood revival managed to work well with a mostly new cast. Additionally, Frasier consciously avoided relying too heavily on the popular Cheers cast throughout its nearly 300 episodes, allowing for a storyline that genuinely explores the challenges of change. It cannot simply be a rehash.
Notably, occasional appearances by notable actors like Woody Harrelson, Ted Danson, and Shelley Long resulted in excellent episodes of Frasier. The episode "Cheerful Goodbyes", which featured even more returns, was particularly well-received by audiences. If the Frasier revival continues beyond one season, it would be wise to save appearances by the original spin-off cast as a valuable asset. After all, And Just Like That achieved significant nostalgic success by bringing back characters like Aidan and Samantha in its second season.
