The iconic comedy TV sitcom Frasier has returned with a new season after almost two decades. Aired on Paramount+, the revival features Kelsey Grammer reprising his role as the endearing titular character, Dr. Frasier Crane.
The reboot had a key element centered around a particular actor, which is also crucial for the show’s concept. But, the actor has now adamantly declined to return, which may cause a setback in the reboot plans.
Key Actor’s Refusal Alters Frasier Reboot’s Fundamental Idea
Kelsey Grammer is the only familiar face returning for the Frasier reboot. And the absence of other iconic characters, especially Frasier’s brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce), is keenly felt. The creators initially planned for Pierce’s return, but when he declined, they had to come up with a new direction.
Joe Cristalli said on Vulture that he “talked to David Hyde Pierce a couple of times,” The showrunner explained that “He was in a tough position. Everybody wants to see him as Niles, but he doesn’t want to step back into those shoes.” It’s because he felt like “he didn’t have anything new to bring to the character.”
There were initial plans for Frasier and Niles to be involved in running a black-box theatre at Boston University. Cristalli added, “For a long time, the idea was that Frasier and Niles were going to run a black-box theatre, like how they bought that restaurant and brought it back to life. But it’s hard for Frasier and Niles to run the theatre when you don’t have Niles, so we had to step back from that.”
But, with the absence of Pierce (Niles), the creators had to reconsider this storyline Because it wouldn’t make sense for Frasier and Niles to run the theatre without Niles. That’s why they had to step back from that particular plot idea.
Frasier’s Premise Hinges on Returning Cast Members
In the latest season of Frasier, the titular character leaves the iconic Seattle setting. He then returns to his hometown of Boston. It was a nostalgic return to the place where the actor first debuted as a supporting character in the 1980s sitcom Cheers.
This season follows Frasier when he becomes a professor at Harvard University. He moves in with his son Freddy (who’s now a Boston firefighter). As per the creators of the comedy series, it wasn’t the original idea that they thought of. Speaking to Vulture, showrunners Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli stated that the show’s current premise would totally depend upon those whom they could convince to return.
