The Ultimate Showdown: Frasier's Epic Finale vs Cheers Ending

The Frasier finale surpassed the ending of Cheers in meeting fan expectations. It is ironic that the character of psychiatrist Frasier Crane gained fame during his time on Cheers, but after the show concluded in 1993, Frasier began and became an even greater success. When Frasier ended in 2004, it not only matched Cheers with 11 seasons but also provided fans with proper closure through its final episode, "Good night, Seattle."

Both finales garnered immense anticipation and drew in millions of devoted fans. However, while Frasier aimed to give its characters a fitting farewell, Cheers opted to maintain the status quo. Finales must delicately balance subverting fan expectations with satisfying their desires, all while avoiding overused clichés and tropes found in other TV shows' concluding episodes. Although the debate continues over which sitcom is superior between Frasier and Cheers, when it comes to the finale, Frasier triumphed with its customary precision, humor, and style.

10 Frasier’s Ending Felt Like A Proper Finale

The final episode of Frasier was deemed predictable by some fans, as each character received an expected ending. However, it effectively brought closure to a certain chapter in their lives. Ross became the station manager, Marty tied the knot, Daphne and Niles welcomed David, and Frasier embarked on a journey to Chicago. These choices definitively concluded their storylines on the show and marked the beginning of new experiences, allowing them to grow and evolve as individuals.

On the other hand, the finale of Cheers didn't introduce many fresh starts. Although Frasier left Boston and Sam chose not to pursue a life with Diane, the rest of the bar gang, including Norm, Cliff, Carla, and Woody, remained in their familiar surroundings. The final episode of Cheers didn't serve as a true finale; instead, it maintained the status quo established by the series from the start, with minimal changes. It was more predictable than Frasier's finale and played it safe in the process.

9 Frasier’s Family Wasn't An Anchor On His Development

Frasier's relationship with his family and friends, which was initially uncomfortable and awkward, transformed into a deep love and affection. However, unlike his previous experiences in Boston, Frasier recognized the right time to move on and explore new opportunities. His departure from his family and friends did not hinder his personal growth. Marty was given the chance to find happiness in a second marriage, while Niles and Daphne embarked on the exciting journey of becoming parents. This newfound freedom allowed Frasier to follow his heart and pursue a new chapter of his life in Chicago.

In the final moments of Cheers, a poignant scene unfolds as Sam walks through the bar, reflecting on the place he has called home for over a decade. There is a bittersweet feeling in the air. Despite the inherent dysfunction in his relationship with Diane, Sam had the potential for a different life. However, his true love was the bar itself. As sentimental as it may seem, the bar gang became a burden, preventing him from pursuing something daring and new, and forcing him to choose comfort over the unknown.

8 The Frasier Finale Showed Frasier Leaving His Comfort Zone (Unlike Sam In Cheers)

In the ending of Frasier, fans were taken by surprise when the famous radio psychiatrist received a job offer for a TV opportunity in San Francisco, only to discover that he was actually heading to Chicago to be with Charlotte (Laura Linney). Breaking away from his meticulous routine, Frasier decided to step outside his comfort zone and take a leap of faith in love, curious to explore where this impulsive decision would lead him.

On the other hand, Sam chose to stay at the bar, along with the rest of his staff. Despite the fact that most of his friends went home to their loved ones at the end of each night, Sam didn't take the chance for a different lifestyle. This decision not only lacked surprise, but it also failed to showcase the character growth he had demonstrated throughout the series. In contrast, Frasier, who experienced relatively minimal personal growth, was shown to embrace a more daring and proactive approach to his own life.

7 Frasier's Finale Provided More Character Closure Than Cheers' Ending

Frasier provided a satisfying conclusion for its fanbase by tying up various characters' storylines, even if it may have been a bit too predictable. Niles and Daphne embraced parenthood, Marty found love in marriage, Roz took charge of the station, and Kenny pursued his dreams elsewhere. While a few familiar faces were absent, the majority of the beloved characters received a proper farewell that aligned with their personal journeys throughout the series.

In contrast, Cheers left its characters without much resolution. Sam continued to work at the bar alongside Carla and Woody, while Norm, Cliff, and the rest of the regulars returned night after night for their drinks. However, when the Cheers cast made guest appearances on Frasier, fans finally discovered the outcome of their stories, including Woody starting a family of his own. It became ironic that viewers of Cheers found more closure in watching Frasier than in their own beloved show.

6 Frasier's Finale Was A More Rounded Ending For The Entire Series

Frasier's finale aimed to create a lasting impression, although it had already been overshadowed by Friends' finale a few weeks prior. However, it succeeded in being both memorable and meaningful for its dedicated fan base, particularly through its references to the show's very beginning. In the pilot episode, Frasier's son expressed his disappointment in never receiving a simple "thank you" from his father for his generosity. Finally, after 11 seasons, Marty turned to him and uttered those long-awaited words, "Thank you."

While Cheers also had moments of nostalgia, such as Sam straightening a picture of Geronimo as a tribute to the late actor Nicholas Colasanto, who had the photograph in his dressing room as a tribute to Ernie Pantusso, also known as "Coach" from 1982-1985, these callbacks didn't carry the same emotional weight for the characters in the series. In contrast, Frasier's final episode included moments that felt like perfect bookends to the series, rather than being mere references or hidden surprises. This created a more well-rounded conclusion that felt authentic and seamless.

5 Frasier's Ending Is A More Emotional Culmination Of The Character & Actor's Journeys

In the finale, the emotions run high for the beloved series' original cast of Frasier, including Jane Leeves and John Maloney. As their characters interact onscreen for what could potentially be the last time, their own tearful responses seep into their performances. One particularly poignant moment occurs when Niles reaches out to shake Frasier's hand and laments, "I'll miss the coffees." David Hyde-Pierce's genuine voice captures the heartfelt sentiment behind the words.

Similarly, the Cheers finale also showcases the cast's undeniable emotions. Interestingly, it is Kelsey Grammer, who portrays Frasier, that struggles with his lines during the cigar scene. However, since the characters are not parting ways and embarking on new adventures, the impact is not as overwhelming. The bar gang knows they will reunite the following night, relying on the enduring camaraderie that awaits them at their cherished bar.

4 Frasier Avoided The Cheers Finale's Romance Mistake

The rapid development of Frasier and Charlotte's romance in the final season feels underwhelming compared to his previous long-lasting relationships. However, it is in line with Frasier's tendency to get swept up in the fantasy of romance rather than the reality. Introducing an old flame solely for closure would have been cliché and unoriginal.

This mirrors the mistake made in the Cheers finale, where Diane returned after a lengthy absence to reunite with Sam. This choice not only teased fans who wanted to see them together, but it left Shelley Long, the actress who portrayed Diane, disappointed when their relationship did not end happily. It was unnecessary for any past love interest to resurface in Sam's life if it was ultimately going to be unsuccessful and used solely for shock value.

3 Frasier's Characters Learned The Lessons They Needed To Learn

In the early stages of the series, Frasier received the remark, "Your issue is that you lack the ability to find happiness." Although Frasier's character development throughout the 11 seasons was not extensive, as he still impulsively pursued relationships with people he barely knew, he did come to understand that despite never achieving complete satisfaction, the pursuit of romance held value. This realization was crucial for him to embrace that aspect of himself.

Unlike Cliff's mention of "comfortable shoes" or Sam's discovery that his one true love was the bar, the characters at Cheers remained stagnant. They discovered that they didn't need to undergo significant changes to find contentment, but this ultimately made them appear unchanging. Their lack of necessity to acquire profound life lessons, due to the finale not demanding it of them, rendered many of their concerns insignificant.

2 Frasier's Finale Wasn't Drawn Out As Long As Cheers

The finale of Frasier was divided into two parts, which required addressing several plotlines. Apart from planning his father's wedding, Frasier had to make a decision about a new job and worry about where Daphne would give birth to her baby. While the episode maintained its characteristic frenzied humor, everything came together seamlessly in the end. There was no unnecessary or excessively prolonged content, and even included moments where Frasier saw the successful outcome of his efforts (unlike when he planned Daphne's wedding).

In contrast, the finale of Cheers consisted of three parts, resulting in a surplus of filler material. The episodes lacked significant plot development and failed to introduce any cliffhangers or hints at future storylines for the characters. The scene featuring the bar gang smoking cigars and engaging in philosophical discussions felt like unnecessary padding, particularly when Cheers could have opted for a two-part finale to maintain a more focused approach.

1 Frasier's Ending Wasn't As Generic As Cheers

In contrast, the Cheers finale was disappointing as it lacked a meaningful exploration of its characters. Perhaps this was due to the fact that most of them did not have future endeavors like the characters in Frasier. Consequently, there were not many surprises, resulting in a mundane farewell for some of the most cherished characters in TV history.