Dr. Frasier Crane is officially coming back.
Kelsey Grammer is confirmed to reprise his role as the Seattle psychiatrist turned radio host in a reboot of long-running comedy Frasier for Paramount+.
The revival is being announced by Julie McNamara at ViacomCBS’ launch of the streaming service.
The new incarnation of Frasier comes from writers Chris Harris (How I Met Your Mother) and Joe Cristalli (Life In Pieces), who will exec produce with Grammer, Tom Russo and Jordan McMahon. The series will be produced by CBS Studios in association with Grammnet Productions.
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“Having spent over 20 years of my creative life on the Paramount lot, both producing shows and performing in several, I’d like to congratulate Paramount+ on its entry into the streaming world,” said Grammer. “I gleefully anticipate sharing the next chapter in the continuing journey of Dr. Frasier Crane.”
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Grammer had been leading the efforts to revive the series, which originally ran for 11 seasons between 1993 and 2004 on NBC, for the last couple of years. Created by David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee, the show also starred David Hyde Pierce, Jane Leeves, Peri Gilpin, and the late John Mahoney.
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Paramount+ didn’t reveal any other talent for the reboot, although Deadline understands that Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier’s brother Niles, has been approached about returning.
The streamer didn’t set a date for the series, but given that Grammer is starring in an ABC multi-camera comedy alongside Alec Baldwin from Modern Family co-creator/executive producer Chris Lloyd and Vali Chandrasekaran, it’s unlikely that the new Frasier installment gets underway until 2022.
Grammer played the pedantic doctor in three series – Cheers and Frasier with a crossover on Wings – tying the record for longest-running television character.
The original Frasier will also be available via Paramount+ alongside Cheers and a slew of other comedies.
“Frasier is one of the most acclaimed comedies in modern television history and truly defines premium storytelling,” said David Stapf President of CBS Studios. “There has long been a call from fans for its return, and that call is now answered thanks to the amazing Kelsey Grammer reprising his iconic role of Dr. Frasier Crane and a brilliant creative plan from Joe, Chris and Kelsey. We can’t wait to reveal its next chapter on Paramount+.”
Grammer is represented by UTA and Vault Entertainment.
Today I was fantasizing about Donald Trump calling Dr. Frazer Crane. I am re-watching “Frasier” for the 3rd time now, maybe fourth if you count the original shows that I saw. We all need sanity now. I would like to see “Frasier” again. Imagine that Green congresswoman calling into the show. There is so much material out there.
Longest running television character?! Obviously you know nothing about the soap opera characters who spanned several decades.
This is exciting!! I will miss the late John Mahoney. The show won’t be the same without him. Hopefully Niles and Daphne are still happily married and their baby boy is about to go to college. Frasier should’ve married Claire from episode Don Juan in hell. Bring in Dr Leland Bartlett as a father figure for Frasier and Niles. It would be great if we can see Gil Chesterton, Knoll, and Kenny again. And of course there’d be no Frasier without our beloved Lillith ❤. The reboot will be a success if it continues to make people laugh out loud as it did me. I absolutely LOVE this show!
I want to help write the narrative!
My ABSOLUTE favorite TV show of all time. I agree that reboots don’t always live up to the original. However, I am happy to learn that I can buy the original on DVD.
Well one thing is for sure is I will give this long awaited reboot a chance and attempt to climb aboard the “Frasier -Train”. (sounded better in my head) but it will be the writing that sails/sales this ship-con. Frasier became a family atmosphere in which the watcher becomes a big part of the show if they achieve this again for a 3rd time Id be amazed! David and Jane played a major role along with Peri and John and what can we say about the radio station crew; they were over the top! I’ve been following the Frasier shows all over cable tv from Netflix to CBS ACCESS I have literally watch every full 11 seasons multiple times to the point my wife thinks I might need rehab help… but it’s intelligent conversation and situations I seek and Frasier supplied it! Doubt if the reboot will set off any endorphins in my head but I’ll give it a shot like the rest of us. Right now I’m rolling my eyes as Frasier would when you mention dinner will be a buffet!