‘Frasier’: Paramount+ Revives Sitcom With Kelsey Grammer As Dr. Frasier Crane
Paramount+ has announced the doctor is in, as they reveal Kelsey Grammer is set to return in a revival season of the sitcom ‘Frasier‘.
The original series ran for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2004, and starred Grammer as Harvard-trained psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane. The character originated on the sitcom ‘Cheers’, but he had now returned to his hometown of Seattle, Washington, following the end of his marriage. His bachelor life is quickly cut short, when he is forced to take in his father, Martin (the late John Mahoney), along with Martin’s dog Eddie. To help out Frasier hires Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves) as a live-in carer, whilst he works on his call-in psychiatry show on local talk radio, working alongside producer Roz Doyle (Peri Gilpin). His other source of help (and hindrance) is his brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce).
“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,” commented Grammer. “I gleefully anticipate sharing the next chapter in the continuing journey of Dr. Frasier Crane.”
This new version of the show comes from writers Chris Harris (‘How I Met Your Mother’) and Joe Cristalli (‘Life In Pieces’), who exec produce alongside Grammer. CBS Studios produce the comedy in association with Grammnet Productions.
“Frasier is one of the most acclaimed comedies in modern television history and truly defines premium storytelling,” adds 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+.”
Currently, Grammer is the only confirmed cast member, although it is believed David Hyde Pierce has also been approached about reprising the role of Niles. Given John Mahoney is no longer with us, it will be interesting to see what the set up will be, now he no longer has his elderly father to deal with.
As ‘Frasier‘ is coming to Paramount+ in the USA, there is no obvious broadcaster for the series in the UK yet, although we would expect there will be some interest. Grammer is also tied up on another project for ABC alongside Alec Baldwin at the moment, so it’s likely this won’t land until 2022. We’ll let you know when we hear something.
