Frasier star and executive producer Kelsey Grammer doesn’t rule out the possibility of David Hyde Pierce appearing in the titular reboot series.
Frasier star and producer Kelsey Grammer suggests Niles could reunite with his eponymous brother in the revival series. Despite David Hyde Pierce’s quips that he likely won’t feature in the reboot, Grammer keeps the possibility open.
During a panel discussion with Deadline, Grammer addressed the likelihood Pierce would appear in the Frasier reboot after stating multiple times that it was unlikely. According to Grammer, the potential is there for a Niles Crane comeback. However, it would likely be a short-lived return if it came to fruition. “If he would come back, we would probably find a way to do that,” he said. “But, it probably wouldn’t be for more than an episode.”
Once the Frasier reboot became a reality, many fans hoped that Pierce would reprise his role as Niles in the series, having been a fan-favorite and essential character during the original sitcom’s 11-year run. Though Grammer strongly pushed for Pierce to return, Pierce opted against featuring in the Frasier reboot. Grammer told Variety last November, “I really wanted David Hyde Pierce to join us. I did my best to have him come along for the ride. And at one point, he finally just said, ‘I don’t really want to play the character anymore.’ And that was fine.”
Pierce recently opened up about his decision to pass on the Frasier revival series, suggesting the show’s creative direction and his busy schedule ruled out any possibility of an appearance. When Grammer and his creative team approached him, Pierce was working on the Max comedy-drama series, Julia, and wanted to do more musicals. Pierce also cited the show’s focus on new characters and storylines, believing his return wouldn’t fit the series’ new direction.
Though Pierce was absent from Season 1 of the Frasier revival series, the show reintroduced two legacy characters in Peri Gilpin’s Roz Doyle and Bebe Neuwirth’s Lilith Sternin. Grammer insisted he wants more screen time for Gilpin in Season 2 and is interested in bringing back other characters from the show’s original run, as well as its parent show, Cheers, with Shelley Long and Ted Danson mentioned as possible features.
Season 2 of the New Frasier Show Is in the Works
Season 2 of the Frasier reboot series is in production, less than two months after Paramount officially renewed it. Grammer has hinted he wants the revival to last at least 100 episodes, as he believes the show can explore several story arcs. Season 1 received mixed critical reviews but positive audience feedback following its premiere last October.
