We’re watching Frasier (paid link), the Cheers spinoff that made Kelsey Grammer the longest running live-action sitcom character in television history.
Synopsis
After Cheers ended, Dr. Frasier Crane, a snobby psychiatrist who returns to Seattle to host a radio advice show after his divorce. His refined lifestyle clashes hilariously with his down-to-earth father, Martin, who moves in with him, along with Martin’s eccentric physical therapist, Daphne, and mischievous dog, Eddie. Frasier’s neurotic brother, Niles, frequently visits, adding sibling rivalry and comedic charm, especially with his secret love for Daphne. Set against Seattle’s cultural backdrop, the show explores family, relationships, and the absurdities of life with sharp humor, becoming a beloved classic.
Frasier last 11 seasons and 264 on NBC. Each season contains 24 episodes. These were the days when a television sitcom was appointment viewing and part of the cultural background. One didn’t need to see every episode in order; simply drop in from time to time. The show would be there every week.
Such a format lends itself to a settling in with the characters. We like to check in to see what they were up to. The stakes weren’t high, it was a slice of life. We’d tune in every week to see what silly situations they’d get themselves into.
Straight from the Couch
- In S2E3, the writers go ahead and address the effeminate elephant in the room by acknowledging that many folks might think the Crane men might like men. It probably wouldn’t play in a comedy today, but these were the jokes in the 90s.
Where We’re At – Season 2
We’re six episodes in. So far there’s been sex, a lost dog, and a misunderstanding about who the new boss is there to date.
Outstanding Episodes
- Episode 3: The Matchmaker
- Episodes 8 and 9: Adventures in Paradise Part 1 and Part 2 – Frasier and his new girlfriend take a week away in Bora Bora on to find his ex-wife Lilith.
- Episode 11: Seat of Power – John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox from Scrubs)guest stars a plumber who used to bully Niles.
Season 1
We’ve just completed Season 1. Dr. Frasier Crane establishes his new career and relationships. We start with The Good Son, the first episode that sets up how his father comes to live with him. The natural pass time natural of a twenty-four episode season allows the show to explore the familiar dynamics of all the characters.
The seasons ends with My Coffee With Niles, an episode that takes place entirely in a coffee shop and based around the question of Frasier’s happiness over his new life over the past year. The principal cast all find their way into the coffee shop.
This is the perfect way to end a first season for a show like this in this time period. They recognize the end of a season without a shocking cliffhanger or other tricks common to current shows.
Outstanding Episodes
- Episode 1: The Good Son (Pilot)
- Episode 10: Oops!
- Episode 24: My Coffee With Niles
