Frasier Crane's new hang-out pub in the Frasier revival shows a different side to his character from his time in Cheers. Kelsey Grammer finally made his return as the sophisticated psychiatrist in October 2023, after facing several delays. The first images released by Paramount+ hinted at the unique direction the new episodes of Frasier would take. Fans wondered if Sam Malone's bar would make an appearance in the reboot, but instead, a new location called Mahoney's was introduced.
Before starring in his own show, Grammer's Frasier first appeared as a guest on Cheers, as Diane's rebound love interest after her breakup with Sam. Despite the initial uncertainty, Frasier's character resonated with audiences and he became a regular on the show even after Diane's departure. The decision to give Frasier his own spin-off was a bold move that ultimately paid off. Now, three decades after leaving Boston for Seattle, Frasier is returning to New England. However, despite being back in Boston, he does not revisit Sam Malone's pub.
Frasier Hangs Out In A New Boston Bar In The Revival
A Bar Called Mahoney's Is Frasier's New Drinking Spot
Frasier in a bar with new university professor characters Olivia and Alan in 2023 reboot - A Bar Called Mahoney's Is Frasier's New Drinking Spot - Frasier Hangs Out In A New Boston Bar In The Revival
Returning to Boston, Frasier had a chance to pursue old dreams and reconnect with familiar faces. In the reboot, he caught up with his college friend, Alan Cornwall, and worked on rebuilding his relationship with his son, Freddy. Just like in the original series, Frasier needed a go-to hangout spot. While Sam's pub seemed like the obvious choice, the revival surprised fans with Mahoney's, a new place that combined the vibes of Cafe Nervosa and Cheers.
The Revival Not Returning To Cheers Reveals Frasier’s Boston Tragedy
While Mahoney's features prominently in the Frasier revival, it's one of several locations in the show, and isn't as central as Sam's bar in Cheers. Despite selling alcohol, however, it is set up more like Café Nervosa, with its round tables and books on shelves, which suggests that it may be somewhere near an academic institution. Interestingly, Frasier is also back to drinking pints — something that he rarely did when he came home to the Pacific Northwest.
Frasier Was Laughed At By The Other Characters In Cheers
Frasier and Diane sharing a scene in Cheers - Frasier Was Laughed At By The Other Characters In Cheers - The Revival Not Returning To Cheers Reveals Frasier’s Boston Tragedy
Since the Frasier reboot is based in Boston, it makes sense that Frasier might want to check out the Cheers bar to see if it's still around. It's been a while since we've heard any updates about it, so there's a possibility that Sam may have sold or closed it. Until the Paramount+ series confirms its status, we can assume that Cheers is still open. This leaves us wondering why Frasier chooses not to visit the bar.
In terms of storytelling, Frasier going back to Cheers would have been a nice way to come full circle, considering it's where his TV career began. By opting to hang out at Mahoney's instead of returning to Cheers, it shows that Frasier never really felt like he belonged with Sam and the other regulars at the bar.
Frasier never quite felt like he belonged at Cheers, despite spending countless evenings there chatting with other regulars and getting caught up in the bar's drama. He always seemed like the odd one out, and the other patrons often teased him rather than including him in their jokes.
This feeling of not fitting in at Cheers was further confirmed when Frasier returned to Seattle. Back in his hometown, he effortlessly shed his Bostonian ways. Instead of nights at the bar, he now enjoyed evenings at the opera or dining at the city's finest restaurants. His drink of choice switched from beer to wine, sherry, or port. It became clear that Frasier had altered himself to try to fit in at Cheers, but ultimately, he never truly succeeded.
Why Frasier Is Better Off Not Hanging Out In Cheers
Frasier Returning To His Cheers Roots Would Be Depressing
Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane in Frasier and Cheers - Frasier Returning To His Cheers Roots Would Be Depressing - Why Frasier Is Better Off Not Hanging Out In Cheers
Sam and the rest of Cheers ensemble have had their lives drastically changed since the last time they were on the screen
It would have been a delightful surprise for long-time fans to see Frasier back in Cheers, considering the character's New England roots. However, it was probably for the best that the Frasier revival chose not to revisit the bar in its first season. The Paramount+ show needed to focus on establishing itself rather than paying homage to a different sitcom.
Additionally, it's hard to picture the rest of the Cheers cast making a cameo in the Frasier revival. If the bar were to return without any familiar faces, it wouldn't have the same charm. The lives of Sam and the rest of the Cheers ensemble have changed significantly since their last appearance on screen. It's possible they're still hanging out at their usual spot, but seeing them in old age partaking in the same antics from 3 decades ago would be disheartening.
Will The Frasier Revival Ever Feature Cheers?
The New Frasier Episodes Have Already Featured A Returning Cheers Character
The cast of Cheers sits at the bar looking at something off-screen. - The New Frasier Episodes Have Already Featured A Returning Cheers Character - Will The Frasier Revival Ever Feature Cheers?
Grammer didn't confirm if the Frasier revival will include a visit to Cheers, but hinted that there may be a reference to it. This could be a good way to pay tribute to the show for now, as physically going back to Cheers may raise questions about the original ensemble. Maybe in the future, if Paramount+ decides to renew the series for more seasons, they can consider revisiting Cheers.
Bebe Neuwirth's guest appearance in the Frasier revival could be a fun nod to Cheers. Both shows were set in Sam's bar thirty years ago. Lilith made her return in Episode 7 of Frasier, marking the most direct link to Cheers yet. As season 2 approaches, the Frasier reboot may continue to honor the beloved NBC sitcom Cheers without actually showing the famous bar.
Editor's P/S:
The Frasier revival's decision to introduce Mahoney's as Frasier's new hang-out spot instead of revisiting Sam Malone's pub from Cheers is an intriguing move that highlights Frasier's evolved character. The article suggests that Frasier never truly felt accepted at Cheers, despite spending countless evenings there. This sense of not belonging pushed him to alter his ways to fit in, but ultimately, he remained an outsider. In the revival, Mahoney's represents a new chapter for Frasier, a place where he can be himself and connect with others on his own terms.
The article also raises the question of whether the Frasier revival will ever feature Cheers. While a physical return to the bar may raise questions about the original ensemble, the show has already paid homage to Cheers with the guest appearance of Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith. This suggests that the revival may continue to honor the beloved NBC sitcom without actually showing the famous bar. This approach allows the Frasier revival to focus on establishing its own identity while still acknowledging its roots.
