Frasier Reboot Exclusive: Celebrated Director James Burrows Reveals Compelling Reasons Behind His Return to the Show

Summary

James Burrows, the veteran television director, returned to the Frasier reboot because Kelsey Grammer requested his involvement.

With a successful track record of directing sitcoms, Burrows, who originally directed Cheers, is the ideal choice for the Frasier reboot, providing viewers with experienced and familiar hands behind the show's production.

82-year-old legendary sitcom director James Burrows reveals why he joined the Frasier reboot. Following the success of Cheers, Frasier focuses on Dr. Frasier Crane, a renowned therapist who moves back to Seattle after his divorce. Hoping for a fresh start as a radio host, he starts reconnecting with his estranged family. Airing from September 1993 to May 2004, Frasier won an impressive thirty-seven Primetime Emmy Awards.

In an interview with The Guardian before the release of the Frasier reboot, Burrows explains that he agreed to be a part of the show because Kelsey Grammer, the acclaimed actor who portrayed the main character in the original series, personally requested his involvement. Burrows also clarifies that he did not participate in the writing process of the pilot episode; he simply submitted a script. Read his complete statement below:

I had no involvement in the creation or direction of the pilot episode. I simply received a script without any influence in the matter. Was it a straightforward choice to accept it? When Kelsey contacts me, the answer is always yes!

James Burrows' Return Is Great For The Frasier Reboot

Since the 1970s, Burrows has been an integral part of the television industry, directing numerous television shows and sitcoms. His notable contribution includes introducing the iconic character Dr. Frasier Crane to the small screen in 1984 through the creation of the beloved series Cheers, which he co-developed with Glen and Les Charles. Spanning over 11 seasons, Cheers received immense praise and garnered an impressive total of 28 Primetime Emmy Awards, holding the record for the most nominations with 117.

After the success of Cheers, Burrows continued to direct other notable shows such as Wings, Friends, Will & Grace, Two and A Half Men, The Big Bang Theory, and Frasier. It has been confirmed that Burrows will once again work on Frasier, directing the first two episodes of the reboot at the age of 82. This news will surely be welcomed by viewers of the original classic sitcom.

Given the uncertainty surrounding the Frasier reboot, with its return happening almost 20 years after its original ending and several key cast members not returning, including David Hyde Pierce, Jane Leeves, and the late John Mahoney, Burrows' experienced and familiar touch will provide a much-needed boost for the upcoming show.

Source: The Guardian