Kelsey Grammer clarifies how the upcoming Paramount+ Frasier reboot is different from the original show, claiming that it isn’t a spin-off.
Kelsey Grammer clarifies that the upcoming Frasier revival isn’t a spin-off, effectively differentiating it from its predecessor. Frasier Crane is making his small-screen return almost two decades since he left Seattle for Chicago. This time, however, he will be making his way back to Cheers’ Boston as he ties up loose ends from his old stomping grounds.
Speaking with The Independent, Grammer opens up about how the Frasier revival differs from its predecessor. Aside from starring in the Paramount+ show, the actor is also executive producing the project, which means he is heavily involved in crafting its story. Grammer clarifies the new show is not a spin-off like the original, Seattle-based series. Read his full quote below:
“I did a spin-off years ago that was considered a very successful spin-off. We were aware of those traditional pitfalls that people want to be careful about. This isn’t really a spin-off. It’s more of a third act, or fourth act. A spin-off of a spin-off. Frasier goes back to a world that we know him in, but on different terms. And that sets the stage.”
How The Frasier Reboot Can Set Itself Apart From The Cheers Spin-Off
The Frasier revival will essentially have an all-new cast, which is led by Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan Cornwall and Jack Cutmore-Scott as grown-up Frederick “Freddy” Crane. Meanwhile, Bebe Neuwirth and Peri Gilpin are confirmed to appear as guest stars only. Aside from them, however, Frasier will be surrounded by a fresh ensemble. Despite the skepticism, Grammer is confident about the work that they have done, even claiming that the Frasier reboot may be funnier than the original.
Despite having a different cast, the upcoming Frasier revival will touch on the same themes that its predecessor did. Grammer’s promise to honor John Mahoney’s Martin Crane is a big indication of that. It’s likely that this will be done through the exploration of his relationship with Freddy, which is reportedly strained at the start of the revival. This would be reminiscent of Frasier’s dynamic with his own father when the original Cheers spin-off began.
Interestingly, however, Niles’ absence in the Frasier reboot will also have an impact on its narrative. Grammer previously said that not having access to his brother forces his character to look to other relationships in his life for guidance, and that’s where Lyndhurst’s Cornwall comes in. Still, it wouldn’t hurt if the show is able to regularly reference Niles, considering how important he is in the original series.
