The Importance of Returning to Cheers in the Frasier Reboot

The Detriment of Refusing to Return to Cheers

The Frasier reboot's continued refusal to return to Cheers is detrimental to its most important story. Setting the Paramount+ revival in Boston has its perks, but the series has yet to reap the benefits of bringing the character full circle in his third act.

Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith and Kelsey Grammer as Frasier sit at the bar in Cheers

The backdrop of Boston effectively separates Frasier from his remaining Crane family members in Seattle and allows the series to explore his relationship with his grown-up son, Freddy, who is still based in Boston. However, the Frasier reboot has yet to incorporate the idea of returning to Cheers, despite Frasier's expressed desire to reconnect with Freddy and the significance of the bar in their history.

Frasier and Freddy in the Frasier reboot season 1 finale at Christmas in their home

The Significance of Cheers in Frasier and Freddy's History

Cheers holds an important place in Frasier's Boston life, with significant milestones such as his dating, marriage, and split with Lilith taking place in the pub. It was also a place where Frasier frequently brought Freddy, making it an integral part of their history. Ignoring Cheers means ignoring a crucial part of their lives, especially during the years when all was well in the Sternin-Crane household.

Frasier's struggle with the reality of his relationship with Freddy is rooted in his guilt about not being with him while growing up. Not going to Cheers effectively ignores the years when the family was together, which is essential as they navigate toward the family's messy reconciliation in the Frasier reboot.

Returning to Cheers in Season 2

The Frasier reboot has a potential Cheers replacement in Mahoney's, a subtle tribute to John Mahoney and Martin Crane. However, the series can still visit Cheers, as it was confirmed by an original writer that the iconic bar is still open. If the revival decides to return to Cheers, it should be thoughtfully incorporated into its narrative, perhaps as part of Frasier and Freddy's reconciliation process.

Returning to Cheers could involve Frasier and Freddy walking down memory lane, revisiting the places they used to go together more than 30 years ago. This could add depth to their reconciliation and provide closure to the importance of Cheers in their history.