The classic sitcom Frasier is being officially rebooted, with exciting updates. Kelsey Grammer, who famously played the titular character Frasier Crane, originated the character in NBC's Cheers as Diane's former boyfriend. The spinoff series, which also included John Mahoney as Martin Crane, Jane Leeves as Daphne Moon, David Hyde Pierce as Niles Crane, and Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle, aired for 11 seasons before concluding in 2004. Speculation about a revival had been circulating for years, but it was only recently confirmed that Frasier will indeed make a comeback on Paramount+.
Now, almost two decades after its original ending, Frasier and his family are preparing for a TV return through a revival. News about the Frasier reboot already suggests a show that will bring a fresh approach while still satisfying fans of the original. Grammer has openly expressed his interest in a Frasier reboot for several years, and with the show's past success and critical acclaim, he has successfully led the effort to bring it back. Not only will Grammer reprise his iconic role, but he will also serve as an executive producer. There are various updates regarding the Frasier reboot, including its release date and which actors will be returning.
The Latest Frasier Reboot News
The latest Frasier reboot will see Kelsey Grammer discussing the absence of Niles and how it will impact the new storyline. Without Niles' presence, the show is set to take a fresh direction, as Grammer explains. He emphasizes that with Niles gone, Frasier never experienced a true friendship in his life, and the concept of having a great friend is both appealing and new to him. Grammer further elaborates that Nicholas Lyndhurt's character, Alan, will fill the role of Frasier's new friend, whom he highly praises as one of the exceptional actors in the UK. They have also developed a close personal friendship.
Certainly, removing both Niles and Marty from the story may appear unconventional for a Frasier reboot. However, focusing on Frasier Crane without his pals from Cheers may have also seemed peculiar. The idea of depicting the search for friendship later in life is intriguing and presents an opportunity for an enjoyable new storyline for the character. Grammer himself holds high expectations for the series, expressing his belief that viewers will have an exciting discovery with the new cast, who have the potential to be adored. Additionally, he suggests that the Frasier reboot might even surpass the original in terms of humor.
The Frasier Reboot Is Confirmed
The Frasier reboot has been officially confirmed for Paramount+ in October 2023. Rumors about the upcoming season have been circulating since 2019. However, the project faced delays and obstacles, including a change in the plot due to the passing of Mahoney in 2018. The reboot is being produced by Grammnet Productions and CBS Studios, with the script written by Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli. Filming began in February 2023, and production concluded in May 2023.
The Frasier Reboot Release Date Info
Will Frasier's Original Cast Return For The Reboot?
Grammar not only disclosed that the release date for the Frasier reboot is targeted for October 1st, 2023, but also revealed the number of episodes. He stated, "[We are] aiming for October 1st. We've already filmed ten episodes, completing production just last Tuesday. It's an exceptional show." Although the exact release date of October 1st is not yet confirmed, it is highly likely to be around that timeframe and unlikely to be significantly delayed, if at all. However, the episode count for the Frasier reboot is considerably lower compared to the 24-episode seasons the series had during its initial run. Yet, since Frasier season 11, the TV landscape has undergone significant changes, and a 20-episode reboot season would have been equally astonishing.The main cast of Frasier came together virtually in June 2020 to fondly recall their experiences working on the show. This reunion also served as a means to support The Actors Fund, a fundraiser dedicated to providing assistance to actors who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. While the topic of Frasier reboot updates arose during the event, the stars refrained from commenting on their alleged involvement. However, in 2018, Grammer had expressed that he would only consider revisiting the series if Pierce, Leeves, and Gilpin were also on board, coinciding with Frasier's 25th anniversary.
Grammer is spearheading the Frasier reboot and has actively approached his former co-stars to reprise their roles. So far, it has been confirmed that Gilpin, who played his producer Roz, and Grammer himself will be returning. The rest of the cast will only make guest appearances. Unfortunately, Mahoney, who portrayed Frasier's father Martin, passed away in 2018 and won't be part of the project. Additionally, Pierce, who played Niles, has stated that he has no intention of revisiting his role.
In other Frasier reboot news, Leeves, who played Daphne Moon, Frasier's physical therapist, stated in February 2021 that she will not be leaving her current show, The Resident, to join the Frasier reboot. On the other hand, Neuwirth, who portrayed Lilith, Frasier's ex-wife from Cheers, expressed in 2019 that she is open to reprising her role. While the returning cast members have yet to be confirmed, it is likely that some of the original Frasier cast will appear in cameo roles. Additionally, Grammer hinted at the possibility of several Cheers cameos.
Why Niles Isn't In The Frasier Reboot
According to Indie Wire, Grammer stated that Pierce lacked interest in reprising the role of Niles. Explaining further, the actor clarified that David simply wasn't keen on repeating Niles' performance. Nonetheless, Grammer swiftly turned Pierce's absence from the Frasier reboot cast into a positive. He highlighted that this unforeseen development took the show in a new, amusing direction, aligning with their original intention of creating a "Frasier third act." While fans may not view it the same way as Kramer, especially considering Niles' significant contribution to the show's success, the final verdict is yet to be determined.
In the upcoming Frasier reboot, there will be a slew of fresh faces joining the cast, in addition to the return of Grammer as the beloved psychiatrist and Gilpin as Roz. While two new characters are yet to be revealed, the majority of the ensemble comprises the younger generation, with a particular emphasis on Freddy Crane, Frasier's son. Stepping into the role of Freddy Crane is none other than actor Jack Cutmore-Scott, renowned for portraying Rufus in Kingsman: The Secret Service and Klaus in Tenet.
Kelsey Grammer Will Direct A Frasier Reboot Episode
Jess Salgueiro, who portrays Hughie's girlfriend Robin in The Boys, has been cast as Eve, Freddy's roommate. The Frasier reboot will also introduce other Crane family members, with Anders Keith playing David, the son of Daphne and Niles, in his debut role. Nicholas Lyndhurst, known for his role in Only Fools and Horses, will bring Frasier's old college buddy Alan to life after being personally selected by Grammer himself. Grammer expressed praise for Lyndhurst, stating, "I warned them in America. I said, 'Wait until this guy gets here'" (via Deadline). Rounding out the cast, Toks Olagundoye will portray Olivia, Alan's colleague.
Frasier is continuing the pattern of the series by having Grammer take on a directorial role in an upcoming episode. This exciting information was shared by Salguiero on Instagram (via Reddit), as the actor posted a photo of the script from season 1, episode 8, confirming Grammer's involvement as the director. Having previously directed multiple episodes of the original show, Grammer's participation in these new Frasier reboot updates instills confidence in the series' ability to measure up to its predecessor.
Frasier Reboot Story Details
Grammer has shared some updates about the Frasier reboot story without giving away too many details. One of the revelations is that Frederick, Frasier's son, will play a significant role and viewers will finally find out what he's been up to in recent years. The show will also address the absence of Marty, Frasier's father, following the death of actor John Mahoney.
In terms of Frasier himself, Grammer mentioned that the character is seeking a "third act" in his life. Interestingly, the new adventure won't take place in Frasier's usual city of Seattle. Instead, the story will bring him back to Boston, where Cheers was set, breaking the pattern of him moving between different locations in past sitcoms. Although there will be some changes in the character, he will maintain the beloved Frasier Crane sentimentality. Grammer also confirmed that the focus of the story will be on Frasier's friendship with Alan.
In 2021, Grammer also hinted that the Frasier reboot would feature an affluent title character. However, in an interview on Rob Lowe's podcast Literally! in January 2022, he clarified that the character's wealth would be primarily emotional rather than financial. In the revival, Frasier Crane will still enjoy financial stability due to his accomplishments in Seattle and Chicago, but his true wealth lies in his family, love, and life experiences. While Grammer has provided some insight into the general direction of the Frasier reboot, specific details of the plot are still unknown.