Dr. Frasier Crane’s character evolution over the last 20 years since audiences have seen him is explained by reboot creator Chris Harris.
Frasier’s reboot co-creator details how the titular character has changed over the past 20 years. Set to stream on Paramont+, the Frasier revival is created by Joe Cristalli (Life in Pieces) and Chris Harris (How I Met Your Mother). The sequel show will see Kelsey Grammer reprise his starring role as Dr. Frasier Crane. Grammer will be joined by Nicholas Lyndhurst, Toks Olagundoye, Anders Keith, and Jack Cuttmore-Scott playing his son Freddy. Frasier is set to premiere on Paramount+ on Thursday, October 12.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Harris explains Dr. Crane’s character has evolved coming into the Frasier reboot. Harris aimed to “present someone who is familiar to the audience,” with him and the creative team also wanting to create a new feeling for the classic character. In collaboration with Grammer, Harris aimed to create a man that is “a little looser than” the Frasier audiences once knew. Check out the full quote from Harris below:
“We want to present someone who is familiar to the audience, but also has had a life for 20 years in the time since we’ve seen him. Talking with Kelsey about it, this is a man who is a little looser than he used to be, a little more comfortable. He’s done well, he’s had some success, and the pilot is about realizing that one part of his life where he might not have been as successful as he thought he was and what that means to him going forward.”
Frasier’s Revival Will Take On A Different Tone Than The Original
When Frasier’s revival picks up again, Dr. Frasier Crane has just lost his father Martin, who was played by the late actor John Mahoney in the original series. In reaction, Frasier attempts to reconnect with his son Freddy. Freddy is not as interested in repairing their relationship as Frasier is, and the Frasier reboot seeks to unpack the complexities–and comedy–within the reconciliation.
While still a sitcom, it seems Frasier’s revival will take a more reflective approach than the original series. Freddy is now around the same age as Frasier was when the original Frasier began, representing a huge shift in life experience for the main character. Mourning the death of his father, Frasier is now facing an existential challenge of the state of his own fatherhood, also likely leaving viewers of the original series wistful about the late Mahoney’s role.
Even with the character and focus shifts, Frasier will remain aware of its loyal audience that has followed these characters from the Cheers and onward. Grammar, for example, has said that the show will aim to honor Kirstie Alley’s Cheers performance referencing the late Rebecca actress. The Frasier revival knows that it has big shoes to fill, and the team appears ready to take that on with an open mind to the new stories worth exploring.
