Frasier is returning to our TV screens 19 years after the series ended its 11 year run. The character of Frasier Crane originated on the series Cheers, where Kelsey Grammer played the role for nine years, so after 20 total seasons between the first two series, Frasier is like an extension of Grammer. The actor opened up about what it’s like to play the part in this new spinoff, which he describes as a third or fourth act for the character.
He told Independent:
“The ethics of Frasier – the study of good, let’s say – was important to us. It seemed important to all the people that were involved in the original one, and it has remained important in the show today. Frasier has been my ministry, you could say … He’s trying to spread the good word, to put some love in the world – and tolerance, true tolerance. Those are powerful words, but most people use them to manipulate. I think tolerance is a beautiful, beautiful concept. Not particularly realised in behaviour in our country, but still a good goal.”
He went on to add:
“This isn’t really a spin-off. It’s more of a third act, or fourth act. A spin-off of a spin-off.”
He said of the new cast members:
“At first, you cast these people, you’ve never seen them before … And boy, by about the middle of the second show, I thought, ‘Son of a gun. He’s actually doing it. He’s like Frasier’s kid. Wow.’ So I think it’s gonna be a great discovery for people. There’s some new people on the show to really fall in love with, and arguably it may even be funnier.”
Grammer is joined in the new series by co-stars Jack Cutmore-Scott as Frasier’s son, Freddy; Nicholas Lyndhurst as Frasier’s old college buddy turned university professor, Alan; Toks Olagundoye as Alan’s colleague and head of the university psychology department, Olivia; Jess Salguerio as Freddy’s roommate, Eve; and Anders Keith as Frasier’s nephew, David. Bebe Neuwirth is also returning to play Frasier’s ex-wife, Lilith.
The series is expected to hit Paramount+ later this year. Are you looking forward to watching?