"Frasier" Reboot Being Explored by Kelsey Grammer & CBS TV Studios
by Nellie Andreeva
July 25, 2018


Another beloved sitcom is plotting a possible return. I have learned that "Frasier" star and executive producer Kelsey Grammer is fielding interest to put together a new "Frasier" series.

Unlike the slew of recent revivals of comedy series with the original cast and original creative auspices, I hear that "Frasier" is envisioned as a reboot, likely set in a new city.



I hear Grammer is currently meeting with writers who are pitching different concepts for the potential followup series. If the producers settle on a writer and a premise, the project could move beyond exploratory stage.

Reps for Grammer and CBS TV Studios declined comment.

https://deadline.com/2018/07/frasier-reboot-explored-kelsey-grammer-cbs-tv-studios-1202432451/

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Well, the father's gone.

But who is going to play the father?

From the way it sounds, it looks like it will be with a new cast and new setting.

Reboot, not revival.

Maybe Kelsey will be involved as a producer or something.

If they don't have Niles it will fail

they need to update it to keep up with the times like they are doing with all the other "reboots" - so obviously it should be about two senile but snarky old ladies running a laundromat in suburban Des Moines Iowa with their wacky neighbor Habib and his 3 wives always popping over.

Frasier fans are torn over the potential reboot without John Mahoney (https://www.thewrap.com/frasier-fans-torn-on-possible-reboot-without-john-mahoney-i-dont-see-the-point/)
Frasier fans see Mahoney, who died in February at age 77, as an essential part of Frasier Crane's life. In the wake of this morning's news that Kelsey Grammer is exploring (https://deadline.com/2018/07/frasier-reboot-explored-kelsey-grammer-cbs-tv-studios-1202432451/) a potential reboot, Frasier fans expressed skepticism, including one arguing that it wouldn't be practical since radio "doesn't exist anymore."

Frasier fans are torn over the potential reboot without John Mahoney (https://www.thewrap.com/frasier-fans-torn-on-possible-reboot-without-john-mahoney-i-dont-see-the-point/)
Frasier fans see Mahoney, who died in February at age 77, as an essential part of Frasier Crane's life. In the wake of this morning's news that Kelsey Grammer is exploring (https://deadline.com/2018/07/frasier-reboot-explored-kelsey-grammer-cbs-tv-studios-1202432451/) a potential reboot, Frasier fans expressed skepticism, including one arguing that it wouldn't be practical since radio "doesn't exist anymore."

Radio is bigger then ever

this sounds bad.

A Frasier reboot could become a white-collar Roseanne (https://slate.com/culture/2018/07/frasier-reboot-would-see-frasier-crane-as-a-trump-supporter.html)

Kelsey Grammer and Roseanne Barr are both staunch Trump supporters (https://canoe.com/entertainment/celebrity/kelsey-grammer-on-donald-trump-hes-doing-what-he-said-hew-as-going-to-do) who are close in age (he's about two years younger) in their 60s. So it's not hard to imagine the Frasier reboot that Grammer is said to be developing (https://www.tvtattle.com/item/Frasier-is-the-next-potential-TV-reboot-62S90E) having Frasier Crane as a Trump-loving, Fox News-watching conservative, says Lili Loofbourow. "This is an unnerving idea," says Loofbourow. "Not simply because reboots are stale, but because Frasier Crane’s journey forward seems pretty predictable: that move to San Francisco, a city that makes escaping the facts of poverty and homelessness impossible no matter how much you pay, would likely have sent Frasier down a long and by now typical slide toward Fox News conservatism. (He would not have taken the Tenderloin in stride!) Plus, the new Frasier would have to be the grim story of how his son Frederick—a Millennial trapped in a society that no longer offers young generations much in the way of benefits, fair wages, or pensions—would have to move in with his Hannity-watching, Trump-supporting dad." Loofbourow says the original Frasier's set-up and tone wouldn't fit in the current climate, especially with John Mahoney's Martin Crane out of the picture. She adds: "In the ’90s, Frasier was a fairly earnest show that incidentally satirized what conservatives believed liberals to be. The joke was of course that Frasier and Niles (David Hyde Pierce) were, in practically every way that mattered, conservative. But they didn’t really know it, so part of the fun was watching their ethical aspirations clash with their bottomless self-interest. But would you really want to watch a version of this show where light and comfortable rivalries have since widened into a lacerating ideological distance?" ALSO: Here are the best Twitter proposals for a Frasier reboot. (https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/frasier-reboot-fans_us_5b59aa4ce4b0fd5c73cc348f)

"Frasier" Reboot Update: Kelsey Grammer Says He's Waiting for a "Pitch That Hits It Out of the Park"
by Michael Ausiello
August 2, 2018


Don’t toss those salads or scramble those eggs just yet. Kelsey Grammer says a "Frasier" reboot has a number of hoops to jump through before it becomes a reality.

“We have to make sure it’s going to be a great show,” he told reporters Thursday at the Television Critics Assoc. summer press tour. “If it’s not a great show, and if we don’t hear a pitch that hits it out of the park, it probably won’t happen.”

Grammer went on to tell reporters that “NBC may not be interested” in the potential reboot, adding that it “may go somewhere else.”

https://tvline.com/2018/08/02/frasier-revival-kelsey-grammer-interview/

Jane Leeves talks joining The Resident, says she would "jump at the chance" to return for a Frasier revival (https://www.tvinsider.com/721728/the-resident-kit-voss-season-2-jane-leeves-frasier/)

The British actress says she was "surprised" that The Resident wanted her to play a brilliant orthopedic surgeon, a role that would add "a bit of humor" to the medical drama. "I love this character," she says. "She’s assertive without being aggressive, and her greatest joy is being able to fix her patients." As for a potential Frasier revival, Leeves says: "Of course I’d jump at the chance to work with any of those people again. Peri (Gilpin) is my best friend — she’s with me right now."

Jane Leeves talks joining The Resident, says she would "jump at the chance" to return for a Frasier revival (https://www.tvinsider.com/721728/the-resident-kit-voss-season-2-jane-leeves-frasier/)

The British actress says she was "surprised" that The Resident wanted her to play a brilliant orthopedic surgeon, a role that would add "a bit of humor" to the medical drama. "I love this character," she says. "She’s assertive without being aggressive, and her greatest joy is being able to fix her patients." As for a potential Frasier revival, Leeves says: "Of course I’d jump at the chance to work with any of those people again. Peri (Gilpin) is my best friend — she’s with me right now."



How will she be allowed to do both shows?

Kelsey Grammer Wants Original "Frasier" Co-Stars for Reboot, Has “Stepping Point” In Mind as Series Marks 25th Anniversary
by Rosy Cordero
November 3, 2018


Kelsey Grammer has not settled yet on a premise worthy of a "Frasier" reboot, but he’s still on the hunt. The Emmy Award-winning actor provided an update and revealed more details about a possible third act for his most famous character, Dr. Frasier Crane, during a panel celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the hit NBC series as part of the USC Comedy Festival Vol. 4 held in Los Angeles on Saturday.

It featured stars and producers remembering the late John Mahoney and sharing stories about the acclaimed series, including how David Hyde Pierce led to Frasier getting a brother.




“No, there’s been no premise that has come along that has the necessary fire,” Grammer said about the potential reboot that was first reported by Deadline in July. Grammer has been spearheading the effort at CBS TV Studios, meeting with potential writers.

“A lot of us are quite committed to the concept that you would never try to redo what we once had,” he added during the panel that also included co-stars Pierce, Jane Leeves, and Peri Gilpin, co-creators/executive producers Peter Casey and David Lee, director/exec producer James Burrows and writer/producer Anne Flett and Joe Keenan.




Grammer made it clear that he would like his "Frasier" cast mates to join him on the potential new series.

“There has been some discussions; nothing is planned; There is nothing set in stone. In my own personal approach to what I’ve discussed with other people is that I wouldn’t want to do it without these guys,” he said, looking at Pierce and Leeves who were sitting next to him.




Grammer admitted the reboot would “have to have a different foundation” since it’s been 14 years since the show ended its 11-season run in 2004. And while the perfect premise eludes him, he knows he wants “a new life with a new continuation for all of them but that they’re still together.”

While Grammer has been meeting with potential new writers pitching reboot concepts, there also could be original creative auspices coming back. “I have a personal interest because I’m out of work next year,” Casey quipped when asked about the possible Frasier followup.




Grammer is not sure what Frasier Crane’s been up to over the past 14 years, since the end of the show. But he does have something vaguely in mind for the continuation should a new show come to fruition.

“Whatever happens, in my mind, should be that he sorted out something that he hadn’t had sorted out previously. That would be the stepping point, so we’ll see.”









The panelists also took a trip back in time to reminisce about their time with actor John Mahoney, who died in February. Leeves was overcome with emotion as she remembered the man who played Frasier’s feisty dad Martin and what he meant to the cast.

“John was kind of the moral center for us all,” she said. “Whenever we had a problem or if something didn’t feel right, John always had the right answer for everything. He was wickedly funny, at other people’s expense a lot of the time. He was very special.”




Originally, Martin and Frasier’s relationship was supposed to be the driving force behind the series and there was no brother, according to creators Peter Casey and David Lee. The pair said things changed after a casting director shared a photo of Hyde Pierce, who looked like a younger Kelsey Grammer.

“After the guys offered me the part, I read the script and thought it was terrible,” said Hyde Pierce. “It was the pilot script and I thought they had written two of the same character, how dumb. But I was wrong.”

https://deadline.com/2018/11/frasier-reboot-update-kelsey-grammer-original-cast-premise-25th-anniversary-1202495638/

No updates for over 2 months. Anybody here anything? I can't find nothing new. I hope this hasn't been shelved already. Maybe just tabled for a while.

No updates for over 2 months. Anybody here anything? I can't find nothing new. I hope this hasn't been shelved already. Maybe just tabled for a while.I would just as soon have this be shelved and not come to air. Frasier should not be revived without Martin.

A spin-off idea that would be better than just reviving Frasier: Frederick and Alice end up getting married, much to the disgust of both Frasier and Roz.

I would check that out if it aired. I just wanna see the Frasier character again.

Martin was my favorite character, but remember he was supposed to be much older than John Mahoney was anyway, so it would make sense that Martin would have passed away by now.

I would just as soon have this be shelved and not come to air. Frasier should not be revived without Martin.

Anyone can play Martin he was the weak link in the show

Weak link? He was the #2 character.

Anyone can play Martin he was the weak link in the showHogwash! Frasier would be totally ruined if Martin was recast. :crazy:

Hogwash! Frasier would be totally ruined if Martin was recast. :crazy:

They could get someone that was a much better actor but the show would not be the same because of what people expect. Donna Reed (who I always liked) was no Miss Ellie because I was used to Barbara Bel Geddes. Martin was a one dimensional character played by a grade B actor.

Weak link? He was the #2 character.

IMO Frasier was the number 2 character. Niles made that show what it was. Martin was a distant third and he could have been left out completely. In fact his part could have been played by a chair

John Mahoney was a good actor. Frasier had the perfect cast of 5 as regulars, they all added to the show.

hPTL6iqJ6JU

kD8IybWQANo

Kelsey Grammer Reveals there are Six Different Ideas in Contention for Reboot of Classic Comedy "Frasier"
by Peter White
May 24, 2019


Kelsey Grammer has revealed that there are “six different ideas” in contention for a reboot of "Frasier".

Grammer lifted the lid on the “continuation” of the NBC series on British talk-show "Lorraine".




Grammer was recently spotted in London with a "Frasier" script.

“That little folder is filled with six different ideas that are all in contention for what may be the new Frasier. A continuation of Frasier. They’re similar, it’s a new life, in a new city.”




He added that an important element would be to replace John Mahoney’s Martin Crane after the actor died last year.

“Of course, John Mahoney died so you’d need to replace that energy, perhaps like they did on Cheers with Coach, they found Woody, who had the same kind of sensibility.”

https://deadline.com/2019/05/frasier-kelsey-grammer-six-ideas-1202621851/

Kelsey Grammer: A Frasier reboot is still a possibility, but it's taking a backseat to my other projects (https://www.vulture.com/2019/11/kelsey-grammer-comedy-voice-work.html)

Grammer gave a status update on the potential revival while promoting IMDb animated series You’re Not a Monster in a Vulture interview. "We’re definitely talking about it," he says of Frasier. "There’s life in there. There’s a few other things we’re working on first, and Frasier takes a backseat to that. I’ve shot five movies in the last year and a half … and eventually one of them is gonna get seen! (laughs.)"

I am SO sick of these reboots and I think they should just leave well enough alone. I have no intention of watching this at all b/c it will not be the same and when I watched Fuller House out of curiosity, it only ruined my love of the original. I do not want that to happen to Frasier.

Kelsey Grammer says a Frasier reboot could premiere as early as summer 2020 (https://people.com/tv/kelsey-grammer-says-frasier-reboot-ready-late-summer-2020/)

“We’ve got it hatched. We’ve hatched the plan, what we think is the right way to go,” Grammer said in an interview on In Depth with Graham Bensinger. “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.” Grammer added: “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. Hopefully that’ll be something people like watching. But I think it’ll be funny."

I'm still in the minority here. Do we know where this is going to air? Is it a Netflix thing or will it be on regular TV or cable?

I'm still in the minority here. Do we know where this is going to air? Is it a Netflix thing or will it be on regular TV or cable?

They haven't gotten that far. It's not officially happening, for now.

They haven't gotten that far. It's not officially happening, for now.
Actually that's fine with me. I'm not really thrilled about it anyway.

"Frasier" Sequel Series with Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce Eyed at Paramount+
by Nellie Andreeva
Feb. 1, 2021


"Frasier‘s" long-in-the-works return to TV is getting closer to reality. Paramount+ is eying a 10-episode order for a followup to the Emmy-winning NBC series produced by CBS TV Studios, sources said.

"Frasier" star and executive producer Kelsey Grammer, who has been leading the efforts to revive the iconic series over the past two and a half years, is in talks to reprise his role and executive produce the sequel.

David Hyde Pierce, who played Niles in the original series, also has been approached about returning.

https://deadline.com/2021/02/frasier-sequel-series-paramount-plus-kelsey-grammer-david-hyde-pierce-1234684779/

Jane Leeves says she wouldn't leave The Resident for a Frasier reboot (https://ew.com/tv/the-resident-jane-leeves-interview/)

"I have no idea, but I won't be leaving The Resident to do that if it happens," Leeves told EW on Wednesday when asked if the Frasier revival has been greenlit. "There's a lot of pieces that have to come together to make (the revival) happen."

I just read that it IS happening:) BUT before you get excited: Paramount will be showing it on their streaming service PARAMOUNT + which means you'll have to pay to watch it:(:(:(:(:(:(

Paramount+ makes the Frasier revival official (https://tvline.com/2021/02/24/frasier-revival-kelsey-grammer-paramount-plus-cast/)

Kelsey Grammer has signed on to reprise his titular role in the sequel series to his 1993-2004 NBC sitcom. But TVLine reports that there are no deals currently in place yet for his co-stars David Hyde Pierce (Niles), Jane Leeves (Daphne) and Peri Gilpin (Roz) to return. "Having spent over 20 years of my creative life on the Paramount lot, both producing shows and performing in several, I’d like to congratulate Paramount+ on its entry into the streaming world,” said Grammer in a statement. “I gleefully anticipate sharing the next chapter in the continuing journey of Dr. Frasier Crane.” Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli -- author of the "Frasier for Hire" Twitter account (https://twitter.com/FrasierContempo) -- will serve as showrunners for the revival series. “Frasier is one of the most acclaimed comedies in modern television history and truly defines premium storytelling,” said CBS Studios president David Stapf. “There has long been a call from fans for its return, and that call is now answered thanks to the amazing Kelsey Grammer reprising his iconic role of Dr. Frasier Crane and a brilliant creative plan from Joe, Chris and Kelsey. We can’t wait to reveal its next chapter on Paramount +.”

Could Kelsey Grammer's past Trump support hurt how the Frasier reboot is received? (https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/frasier-reboot-kelsey-grammer-trump-politics-b1807309.html)

Grammer has had no problem voicing support for Trump (https://etcanada.com/news/453345/kelsey-grammer-defends-his-support-for-donald-trump/) in the past, yet he hasn't been as vocal as, say, Roseanne Barr. But as Louis Chilton points out, Frasier fans tend to be left-leaning. "The question is whether Grammer’s political views will impact the way the reboot is received," says Chilton. "Unlike Barr, Grammer has not made some indefensible racist remark; his transgressions, such as they are, are largely by association. Grammer has spoken out about gay rights in the past, describing himself as a libertarian and distancing himself from the far-right Tea Party over their stance on gay marriage. But voicing support for Trump is, on some inescapable level, a tacit endorsement of the racist, homophobic and misogynistic statements and policies the former president once spewed. The actor described Trump as a 'brat' in 2018, but clarified that he didn’t 'have a lot of problems with what he’s doing' in terms of policy...After everything Grammer’s been through, it seems crass to rush to judgement because he voted the wrong way. But fans will be looking for reassurance. When the Frasier reboot arrives, Grammer will face more media attention than he has received in decades; he will surely be pressed on his political views, and he will have to either double down or walk back his support for the twice-impeached Trump. He will be confronted by the people whom Trump has vilified, who are wary that Grammer’s politics could tarnish the legacy of a TV icon. For the good of the series, here’s hoping he takes a leaf out of Frasier Crane’s book, and starts listening."

Kelsey Grammer: Expect to see Paramount+'s Frasier reboot early next year (https://collider.com/frasier-revival-release-date-cast-kelsey-grammer/)

“Well, we don’t actually have a date when we’re going to start filming," Grammer told Collider when asked about the status of the Paramount+ reboot. "We’re still kind of breaking the story a little bit, we’re doing a polish now.” He added: “When will we see a Frasier? Probably in the first quarter of next year.”

I just read that it IS happening:) BUT before you get excited: Paramount will be showing it on their streaming service PARAMOUNT + which means you'll have to pay to watch it:(:(:(:(:(:(

Well, yes and no. If we wait until Amazon picks it up - or Netflix, etc - it will be included in what we already pay. I'm not paying for this separately.

Kelsey Grammer on "Frasier" Revival: “Life Takes Him in Another Direction”
by Erik Pedersen
July 10, 2021


The last time we saw Dr. Frasier Crane, he was landing at a Chicago airport in the series finale of NBC’s "Frasier". As we await the Paramount+ revival of the Emmy-laden sitcom, its once and future star gave a few hints about the upcoming series that follows the man Kelsey Grammer calls “the George Bailey of Television.”

In an interview on WNBC New York, Grammer offered some detail-challenged clues on what viewers can expect from the revival. He said the character, who moved from Boston to Seattle for the original series, will end up in another new place.

“He thinks he’s gonna go off and do one thing, and sure enough, his life takes him in another direction,” Grammer said of the character he played for 20 consecutive TV seasons. “And he ends up rich beyond his dreams.”

https://deadline.com/2021/07/frasier-revival-kelsey-grammer-teases-paramount-plus-1234790272/

A Reboot Risks Undoing Frasier's Perfect Ending (https://screenrant.com/frasier-reboot-perfect-series-finale-ending-undo-ruin/)

Frasier's finale concluded the series on a high note, but the reboot risks undoing the characters' perfect ending and repeating Frasier Crane's arc.

A Reboot Risks Undoing Frasier's Perfect Ending (https://screenrant.com/frasier-reboot-perfect-series-finale-ending-undo-ruin/)

Frasier's finale concluded the series on a high note, but the reboot risks undoing the characters' perfect ending and repeating Frasier Crane's arc.

What else is there to do?

Why A Frasier Reboot Can Work (When Friends & Seinfeld Never Could) (https://screenrant.com/frasier-reboot-story-good-friends-seinfeld-different/)

The Frasier reboot is currently in the works, but why aren't fellow hit '90s sitcoms such as Friends and Seinfeld not getting their revivals?

A Reboot Risks Undoing Frasier's Perfect Ending (https://screenrant.com/frasier-reboot-perfect-series-finale-ending-undo-ruin/)

Frasier's finale concluded the series on a high note, but the reboot risks undoing the characters' perfect ending and repeating Frasier Crane's arc.

The Frasier Sequel Destroys The Original Series Finale's Happy Ending (https://www.looper.com/1423208/who-frasier-ended-up-with-original-series-revival-finale-changes/)

The original "Frasier" series finale features a happy ending for the main character, but that development is undone by the show's revival.

I'm still in the minority here. Do we know where this is going to air? Is it a Netflix thing or will it be on regular TV or cable?

Frasier reboot should be a broadcast show with a 20-episode season (https://www.vulture.com/2023/10/frasier-needs-longer-seasons.html)

By Josef Adalian, who has covered the television industry since 1992

Critical reaction to last week’s Paramount+ Frasier revival has been mixed, though slightly on the positive side: While there have been high-profile pans in the New York Times and USA Today, the Los Angeles Times labeled the new effort “really quite good,” TV Guide found it “comfortably amusing” and The Guardian argued it “feels like an organic progression rather than something flung together by a frightened committee.” Our own Jackson McHenry was somewhere in the middle, bemoaning the show’s creative cautiousness yet noting that “the elements are there” for something better to emerge. While audiences will have the final say in whether Frasier (2023) ends up a success, there are two big things Paramount Global could do to better the show’s odds of long-term survival: Double the length of a second season to 20 episodes and premiere those episodes weekly on sibling network CBS.

This is not an argument that Frasier should have been a CBS show instead of a Paramount+ original. The whole reason Paramount Global decided to risk millions reviving one of its most revered library titles was because company execs believed such a show would be a good way to establish a comedy presence for its new flagship streamer, particularly since the original series had been such a strong performer on Paramount+ predecessor CBS All Access. Streaming is vital to the future of media companies such as Paramount Global, so developing Frasier for its flagship service rather than its network was an entirely logical decision. It was also consistent with the same industry trend lines that saw Disney shifting FX’s best programming to Hulu, the Sex and the City spinoff landing on Max (vs HBO proper), or the Yellowstone spinoffs living on Paramount+ versus Paramount Network. It makes sense that something as valuable as a new Frasier would be developed for the most important platform in the Paramount Global portfolio.

Or at least it did, back when CBS Studios began working on the idea of a Frasier revival in 2018, or even when the project’s official development greenlight was handed down in early 2021. But as regular readers of this space know, streaming economics have changed considerably within just the last 18 months. Burning piles of cash in the hope of generating more subscriber sign-ups — seemingly the guiding business principle of the industry since Netflix started making originals a decade ago — has been replaced by new fiscal discipline and a desire to actually make money (or, at the very least, stop throwing it away). Finding shows that get people to subscribe to your service is still incredibly important, particularly for comparatively smaller platforms like Paramount+, which are still battling to achieve the sort of broad distribution of Netflix or even a Disney+. But doing so without regard for whether a show is actually getting lots of eyeballs and turning a profit? By and large, that idea now belongs to a world where nobody knew the meanings of things like “COVID test” or “ChatGPT.”

Because things have changed so much so quickly, Paramount Global needs to be thinking about the best way of turning Frasier into a widely seen show, and the fact is, that can’t happen if it’s only available in the United States via Paramount+. The streamer doesn’t break out domestic and international subscriber numbers, but based on where Paramount+ stood before it began aggressively rolling out around the world last year, it’s likely its U.S. customer base is somewhere in the 40 million range. That’s less than half the audience pool of CBS. The marketing for Frasier has been admirably omnipresent, but the fact remains that keeping the show exclusive to streaming means denying it the ability to reach the tens of millions who tune in to CBS every week for the NFL, 60 Minutes, Survivor, and — when production isn’t shut down by strikes — a slew of scripted hits whose audiences would be very compatible with Frasier, such as Ghosts and Young Sheldon.

To be sure, “CBS is bigger” is not, by itself, a reason to put a show on a network platform rather than Paramount+, and some series absolutely make sense as streaming exclusives. For example, even though The Good Fight was a spinoff of CBS’s The Good Wife, its creators wanted to make a program whose content wasn’t compatible with broadcast standards (think regular usage of four-letter words) and that aimed higher than the typical Eye procedural drama.

By contrast, the DNA of Frasier (2023) is 100 percent … that of a broadcast TV show. The producers didn’t try to make the show edgier for streaming or turn it into a dramedy with 45-minute episodes, and other than the fact that episodes run a few minutes longer than the ridiculously shortened 20-minute length of modern broadcast comedies, the Paramount+ show could air on CBS as is. In fact, earlier this week, it actually did: The Eye network dropped the first two episodes of Frasier behind an episode of Big Brother this past Tuesday. Despite the very incompatible lead-in and less-than-ideal scheduling — the show faced off against new episodes of The Voice and Dancing With the Stars — the Frasier revival still managed to attract a little more than 2 million same-day viewers, with ratings actually going up for the second episode.

What this week’s CBS sampling underscored is that there is no real reason to keep Frasier paywalled behind the digital gates of Paramount+. Debuting new episodes on CBS would wouldn’t deny the streamer anything other than the dubious value associated with calling a show an “exclusive.” That’s because every Eye show automatically streams on Paramount+ too, either live (for premium tier subscribers) or on demand a couple of hours after its linear broadcast. So giving Frasier a weekly run on CBS would only be additive.

By the way, this isn’t some brilliant new idea on my part. Disney has already made a pivot similar to the one I’m suggesting: After a one-year experiment as a Disney+ streaming exclusive, Dancing With the Stars is now back airing live each week on its historic home of ABC. But the audience that watched on Disney+ last year probably hasn’t even noticed, because the reality competition continues to stream live each week on Disney+ (and for good measure, the episodes also stream next day on Hulu). By being platform agnostic, the Mouse House is ensuring the widest possible audience for DWTS while also opening up multiple revenue streams for the show (by selling ad time on ABC and Hulu, as well as on Disney+). What’s more, the move has given a big boost to ABC’s prime-time ratings, allowing the network to more effectively compete with NBC’s dominant Tuesday player, The Voice.

In the case of Frasier, airing the rebooted series on CBS would provide a couple of important benefits, both for the show and for Paramount Global. As noted earlier, the Eye’s platform is far bigger than Paramount+ in the U.S., so the network run would let the series connect with the millions of potential viewers who are just never going to sign up for the streaming service. Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson has talked often about this dynamic, last year telling Vulture she always wanted her show to be on ABC rather than confined to a streamer since the broader reach of the network would allow people like her mom — who still sits down in front of her set every night for prime-time programing — to find a show that otherwise might be lost amid the endless rows of “content” on Hulu and Disney+. Disney was fine with that because it figured the younger audiences who’ve largely abandoned network TV would find Abbott on Hulu anyway, which is exactly what happened.

Beyond the direct impact on audience size, having Frasier air on CBS would also help drive overall awareness of the revival. We’re obviously light-years away from the era when a Must-See TV Thursday or the CBS Monday comedy block would attract 20 million viewers every week. But network time slots and schedules aren’t completely devoid of power. Right now, CBS’s lineup is operating at half-strength because of the strikes, but assuming things are back to normal next fall, the Eye’s Thursday comedy lineup will once again be home to two very popular half-hour comedies: Ghosts and Young Sheldon. Putting new episodes of Frasier on in the middle of those two hits would give the show a massive marketing boost every single week. In essence, the Eye’s lineup would serve as a weekly billboard for Frasier, reminding audiences the show is churning out new episodes. There’s a reason Max wisely keeps adding its biggest HBO shows at the same time they premiere on Sunday night on the linear cable network rather than dropping them on to the service in the middle of the night: Tentpoles and schedules actually can matter, even if their impact has been dramatically diminished in the streaming era.

A network run for Frasier would also make it easier to justify something else that needs to happen in order for Frasier to thrive: More episodes per season. Not every show is made better by producing more of it every year, and there are also good financial reasons for streamers to limit episode counts of shows so that they can afford to make more series overall. (I also don’t know if viewers could handle the intensity of 22 episodes of The Bear every year.) But once again, Frasier is at its heart a network sitcom. The original became an iconic show in no small part because the writers and actors were able to learn the characters and refine them week after week over the course of 24 episodes and 11 seasons. Similarly, audiences grew to love the show so much because they had so much exposure to it and it came into their homes most every week nine months of the year. And if you look at the history of so many beloved sitcoms — The Office, Parks and Rec, Seinfeld — they all got dramatically better after they had a few dozen episodes under their belt.

While Kelsey Grammer doesn’t need any more practice in his role, almost everyone else associated with Frasier (2023) would absolutely benefit from a longer runway. Even hit network sitcoms don’t make 24 episodes per season anymore, but 22-episode runs are still pretty common. With the extra revenue stream a CBS run would offer, making 18 or 20 episodes of Frasier would be financially feasible — and, I’d argue, creatively beneficial. It wouldn’t guarantee success, of course: If the writers can’t deliver the goods, then CBS and P+ would be left with more episodes of a so-so sitcom.

But multiple critics who liked the show have suggested the new Frasier improves notably between episodes 1 and 5, and it wouldn’t surprise me to learn the show becomes even more refined by episode 10. A longer season two would allow the writers’ room to flesh out the new characters who, in early episodes, still feel a bit generic. It would also let the writers take chances on story lines they might hesitate to explore when trying to produce a more “perfect” ten-episode run. And assuming viewers actually embrace the new Frasier and the show turns into a success, longer seasons would also increase the long-term value of the series for Paramount Global by building a bigger library of episodes in a relatively short time. Those half-hours could then start quickly making more money for the company via digital syndication: With 20-episode seasons, it’s not hard to imagine the new Frasier powering a channel on the company’s ad-supported streamer, Pluto TV, by 2026.

I’m sure that if I talked to Paramount+ execs, they would make the case that putting Frasier on CBS erases any chance of the show serving as a driver of new subscriptions to the service. But while that’s true in theory, I’m just not convinced there are that many consumers who’ve avoided Paramount+ the last two years who are going to sign up for the service just for Frasier and then stay subscribed after the show disappears in December. And I think that number would be even tinier for a second season of Frasier. What’s more, any short-term financial gain that might come from a few hundred thousand new sign-ups would be more than offset by the additional advertising revenue and promotional muscle a CBS run would add. Plus, by churning out more episodes of Frasier every season, the per-episode costs associated with the series would go down a bit (and, presumably, Paramount Global execs would find a way to fairly divide those costs between the CBS and Paramount+ content budgets).

I write all of this as someone who actually sees promise in the Paramount+ revival of Frasier. I’ve only watched the first two episodes, and while they didn’t offer anything close to the sort of sitcom perfection the original series reached at its zenith, Kelsey Grammer was sublime as ever in the role that made him a star. The series also works overtime to squeeze as many laughs per minute as possible into each half-hour, which is exactly what I want from something billing itself as a comedy. Most of all, what I saw in the series was the potential to grow into something more. That could still happen even if Frasier remains a Paramount+ exclusive and sticks to the standard limited episode streaming playbook. But I think it’s far more likely to occur if Paramount Global starts treating the series like the (possibly very good) broadcast TV sitcom it is.

Frasier reboot should be a broadcast show with a 20-episode season (https://www.vulture.com/2023/10/frasier-needs-longer-seasons.html)

You will probably start seeing more shows on network and streaming, with the only benefit of streaming being, is you get to watch it first. With the SAG strike carryover to next year, the new Fraiser series will probably find an empty time slot in February or March on CBS.

You will probably start seeing more shows on network and streaming, with the only benefit of streaming being, is you get to watch it first. With the SAG strike carryover to next year, the new Fraiser series will probably find an empty time slot in February or March on CBS.

that makes sense. especially now with the writers/actors strike. they will be desperate for material.

Frasier's Reboot Proves The Seinfeld Reunion Will Be Depressing & Pointless (https://www.looper.com/1430994/frasier-reboot-proves-seinfeld-reunion-depressing-pointless/)

The Seinfeld revival looks more likely than ever, but Frasier is currently proving why it's a bad, bad idea.

David Crane Isn't Frasier's Only Family Member To Fail Horribly At [SPOILER] (https://www.looper.com/1429644/frasier-david-crane-not-only-family-to-fail-at-bike-riding/)

Season 1, Episode 4 of the "Frasier" reboot reveals how Niles Crane's son David has taken after his father and uncle in this rather embarrassing way.

Frasier Episode 4 Teases A Classic Character's Big Return (https://www.looper.com/1428606/frasier-reboot-episode-4-teases-lilith-return/)

A major player is headed back into Frasier Crane's orbit, and the latest episode just laid more groundwork for their inevitable return.

Frasier Brought One Key Item From Seattle To His Boston Apartment (https://screenrant.com/frasier-reboot-show-seattle-boston-apartment-piano/)

Frasier (https://screenrant.com/tag/frasier/) starts a new life in Boston in the Frasier reboot, but he didn't forget to bring one key thing from his Seattle apartment to his new home.

Frasier Reboot Director Admits Kelsey Grammer's Character 'Hasn't Evolved' (https://www.cbr.com/frasier-reboot-james-burrow-kelsey-grammer-evolution/)

Frasier reboot helmer James Burrows addresses the titular character's seemingly nonexistent evolution.

The Frasier Reboot Creates A Glaring Age Plot Hole With A Single Line (https://screenrant.com/frasier-reboot-alan-age-plot-hole-mistake/)

The Frasier reboot has been doing a great job preserving canon, but one line from Alan Cornwall (Nicholas Lyndhurst) creates a glaring plot hole.

Frasier: Which Super Bowl Champion Plays A Special Role In The Reboot? (https://www.looper.com/1453387/frasier-reboot-vince-wilfork-super-bowl-champion-special-role-episode-7/)

"Frasier" continues the "Cheers" universe's tendency to have pro athletes appear in cameo roles with a fun cameo by a Super Bowl champion.

How Roseanne and Tim Allen Inspired Kelsey Grammer to Bring Back Frasier (https://www.cbr.com/roseanne-tim-allen-inspired-kelsey-grammer-frasier-return/)

Kelsey Grammer reveals how the Roseanne reboot and Tim Allen partly motivated him to follow through with the Frasier revival.

Frasier reboot's first season was shockingly good, thanks mostly to Kelsey Grammer (https://www.avclub.com/wait-is-the-frasier-reboot-actually-really-funny-1851076706)

How Frasier's Kelsey Grammer Really Feels About Calling The New Series A 'Reboot' (https://www.looper.com/1476227/frasier-reboot-how-kelsey-grammer-feels-about-new-series-label/)

Is the new "Frasier" on Paramount+ a reboot or a completely fresh series? The show's lead star, Kelsey Grammer, has his thoughts on the matter.