The Surprising Realities Revealed: Rewatching the Iconic Frasier Series, 30 Years On

Summary

The original Frasier show had some problematic elements that haven't aged well, including storylines that were abhorrent in hindsight and jokes that are no longer acceptable.

The series lacked diversity, with minimal representation of people of color, and when they were included, their roles were often limited to that of baristas or waitstaff.

Additionally, the show included problematic romantic relationships and storylines that exhibited racism. Moreover, it frequently subjected Roz to ridicule for her active sex life. Furthermore, Frasier's occupation as a radiotherapist can be seen as outdated given the diminished relevance of call-ins in today's context.

After 30 years, some aspects of the original Frasier show are now difficult to tolerate. Kelsey Grammer's arrogant therapist character returned to his hometown of Seattle after facing personal tragedy and feeling unfulfilled in his profession. There was skepticism about giving Frasier his own spin-off, especially after the failure of The Tortellis. At that time, there wasn't a strong demand to explore the life of the doctor who accidentally became a regular at Sam's bar after briefly dating Diane. So it came as a pleasant surprise when Frasier turned out to be exceptional.

In fact, labeling the original Frasier as merely good would be an understatement. It was truly brilliant and holds the record for the most Emmy wins for a comedy series, surpassing its already highly acclaimed parent show, Cheers. This Seattle-based series was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful for NBC, which explains why it is currently being revived on Paramount+. However, as beloved as it was, there are certain aspects of the original Frasier show that have not aged well. Some jokes are no longer acceptable, and certain storylines are now considered abhorrent when viewed in retrospect.

10 Frasier Was Groomed By By His Teacher

9 Niles Obsessions With Daphne Was Borderline Creepy

The second season of Frasier began with the shocking revelation that Frasier's initial sexual encounter occurred with his significantly older piano teacher. However, rather than directly dealing with the complexities of the situation, Frasier was reprimanded for not properly bidding her farewell, as if their connection had been a simple romance. Given their unique dynamic, it was inappropriate for Clarice Warner to enter into any personal relationship with him, and unfortunately this aspect was overlooked by the comedic storyline.

Though Frasier's romantic life lacked clarity, his brother Niles was destined for a relationship with Daphne. While Cheers initiated the popular "will-they/won't-they" dynamic through Sam and Diane, Frasier took considerably longer to unite its own pair. Throughout the initial seven seasons of the original Frasier, Niles harbored a secret infatuation for Daphne, creating a one-sided scenario that elicited humor. However, some of his scenes, where he leered at his father's health caregiver, now present a challenge to endure.

8 Daphne's Fathphobic Storyline

7 The Original Frasier Series Lacked Diversity

After several years, Frasier finally made good on the promise to bring Niles and Daphne together in season 8. However, to conceal Jane Leeves' pregnancy, the show crafted one of the most peculiar storylines in the series — Daphne's weight gain due to the stress of their budding relationship. Despite Niles remaining wonderfully attentive and devoted to his beloved, Frasier and Martin delivered several offensive jokes at the expense of Daphne's predicament. Ultimately, she had to be taken to an intervention spa in order to shed the extra pounds she had gained during this period.

In contrast to its original version, the original Frasier lacked diversity in its casting choices. Notably, the main cast did not include any person of color (POC) characters, and their presence throughout the show's decade-long run was minimal. Occasionally, the Seattle-based series featured POC characters, primarily as baristas and waitstaff at Cafe Nervosa. Fortunately, the Frasier reboot is addressing this significant concern by introducing new characters like Eve and Olivia.

6 The Original Frasier Had Problematic Romances

Romances played a significant role in the original Frasier show's narrative as all Crane men actively pursued dating opportunities. However, Frasier, in particular, had some troublesome relationships. At one instance, he hurried to the airport in hopes of establishing a connection with a stranger who had dialed his number by mistake. Although he withdrew after discovering she was married, this behavior was still disconcerting coming from the radiotherapist. He even attempted to secretly photograph his model girlfriend while she slept in his bed, just to provide evidence of their relationship. The show also depicted other dysfunctional relationships, such as the toxic marriage between Maris and Niles.

5 The Original Frasier Series' Racist Storylines

In addition to its lack of diversity, the original Frasier series also featured storylines that were racially insensitive. One particularly notable example is the introduction of Dr. Mary, the only prominent Black female character in the show. Frasier's depiction of how a Black woman might express anger is unsettling, and the fact that it elicited uproarious laughter only exacerbates the issue. Similarly, there is another instance where Martin, Frasier's father, hits on Daphne's much younger Asian friend. This not only comes across as creepy, but also perpetuates an objectifying stereotype of Asian people. It is worth noting that this is not the first time the Crane patriarch has engaged in such behavior, as he once mentioned the idea of buying a bride from the Philippines.

4 Roz Getting Regularly Shamed For Her Active Sex Life

3 The Original Frasier Had Outdated Technology

Despite Frasier addressing the Crane men's dating experiences without difficulty, it consistently shamed Roz for her sexual encounters. Roz, a successful and independent woman, excelled in her career as a producer at KACL. She possessed qualities such as sass, intelligence, and beauty. It was unfair to use her enjoyment of meeting men as a means to belittle her character, which was frequently done in the Seattle-based series. Niles, especially during the earlier seasons, unkindly criticized her approach to her love life.

Frasier, a show set around the turn of the century, found itself in an interesting time in history where the use of mobile gadgets was becoming increasingly common. Both Frasier and Niles had their own mobile phones, complete with dedicated lines in their cars. Looking back, this aspect of the show significantly dates it. It's quite striking that two of Seattle's wealthiest individuals had to share a bulky laptop to write their book in the first season, or that they had to rely on the library for resources instead of easily accessing information on the internet. For new viewers who haven't had the same experiences, these details may create a sense of surprise.

2 Bulldog's Antics In Early Seasons Of The Original Frasier

1 Frasier's Job As A Radiotherapist

In order to create a contrast with the refined Frasier, Bulldog's character was designed to be more rough and unrestrained. He embodied an exaggerated version of Martin's masculinity, which sometimes posed problems. In the earlier seasons of the original Frasier, Bulldog incessantly pursued Roz, often making inappropriate advances towards any woman he found attractive. Additionally, he displayed racist attitudes when he endorsed certain Asian businesses in Seattle during his radio show.

1 Frasier's Job As A Radiotherapist

Having moved to Seattle, Frasier left behind a successful private practice in Boston. Despite his considerable wealth, he opted for a more modest job as a radio personality. The highlight of the original series was undoubtedly Frasier's call-ins; however, since it is no longer a current trend, it renders the comedy outdated. Therefore, while it would be delightful to witness Frasier dispensing advice to strangers once again, it becomes challenging to reintroduce this occupation in the Frasier reboot.