There’s Finally an Update on the ‘Frasier’ Reboot
It’s been years since we first learned of a possible Frasier reboot. Starring Kelsey Grammer, the NBC series followed the titular character after he relocated to his native Seattle to get a fresh start in life. Despite ending in 2004, it’s still relevant and immensely popular among audiences today.
Attempts have been made to bring the show back, notably by Grammer. It seems that it’s finally starting to pay off, too.
Talks of the ‘Frasier’ reboot started in 2018
In July 2018, news broke that a reboot of the beloved series, which premiered in 1993, was being discussed. Deadline added at the time that it would continue to follow Dr. Frasier Crane but would “likely” see him in a new city.
Confirming the reports, Grammer said on the 2018 Television Critics Association press tour that the revival was “in the early stages. I have a wonderful life. I played Frasier for 20 years. It might happen again, it might not.”
He continued saying it ultimately depends on whether there’s a “really great” plot for the reboot.
“We just have to make sure it’s going to be a great show,” he added. “If it’s not a great show and we don’t hear a pitch that really hits it out of the park, it probably won’t happen.”
By 2019, the reboot was ‘ready to go’
Appearing on In Depth with Graham Bensinger in November 2019, Grammer said the reboot was “ready to go” but was on “standby” as they shopped it around to different networks.
“We’ve got it hatched. We’ve hatched the plan, what we think is the right way to go,” he said (via People). “We’re sort of on standby a little bit. Working out a couple of possible network deals that we’re circling. Frasier is sort of in a second position to that at this point. So there’s still stuff going on. But a revisit to Frasier, Frasier’s world is I think definitely going to come.”
As far as the plot, Grammer confirmed it would take place in a new city and would focus on Frasier in the next stage of his life.
“We’ll see how people respond to it because it’s not going to be the same place, it’s not going to be Seattle. It’s not going to be the same Frasier — it’s going to be the man in his next iteration,” he explained. “Hopefully that’ll be something people like watching. But I think it’ll be funny.”
The revival is now being eyed at a streaming service, according to reports
According to TVLine, the reboot is now being considered at Paramount +, an upcoming streaming service set to replace CBS All Access. Sources told the outlet that if the deal goes through, production “could begin as early as this summer.”
The reboot would reunite former cast members David Hyde Pierce (Niles Crane), Jane Leeves (Daphne Moon), and Peri Gilpin (Roz Doyle). John Mahoney, who played Frasier’s father Martin Crane, died in 2018 of complications from cancer.