By the end of its fifth season, "Cheers" had become one of the most popular sitcoms on television. Every Thursday night, viewers tuned in to hang with the regulars at the Boston pub where everybody knows your name, and the gang always delivered. You could put the "Cheers" gang up against the very best in the history of the medium.
Most amazingly, the series didn't miss a beat when Woody Harrelson stepped in for Nick Colasanto after the latter's unexpected death. It just became a different kind of excellent.
And yet, as the show headed into its sixth season, no one was sure if "Cheers" could survive the departure of Shelley Long. The actor's combustible, Tracy-Hepburn chemistry with Ted Danson gave every episode the charge of the unexpected, and kept everyone in their orbit perpetually unsettled. Without her, the entire dynamic of the show might change, turning fans off a...
Most amazingly, the series didn't miss a beat when Woody Harrelson stepped in for Nick Colasanto after the latter's unexpected death. It just became a different kind of excellent.
And yet, as the show headed into its sixth season, no one was sure if "Cheers" could survive the departure of Shelley Long. The actor's combustible, Tracy-Hepburn chemistry with Ted Danson gave every episode the charge of the unexpected, and kept everyone in their orbit perpetually unsettled. Without her, the entire dynamic of the show might change, turning fans off a...
- 2/11/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Ask a dozen "Cheers" fans what the show's funniest moment is, and you'll get a dozen different answers. The beloved '80s sitcom bowed out in 1993 with a grand total of 275 episodes under its belt and countless laugh-out-loud bits in pretty much every episode. It's tough to pinpoint the show's funniest moment, but when it comes to crowning its most spontaneous-feeling comedic one, there's an obvious contender: the knock-down, drag-out food fight from season 5's holiday episode "Thanksgiving Orphans."
The food fight that takes place at Carla's (Rhea Perlman) house is clearly a scripted part of the series, but it unfolds with a surprising mix of precise aim and comedic chaos, much of which feels totally organic. The kerfuffle starts with a simple bit of antagonism; when Norm (George Wendt) fails to produce a cooked turkey after hours spent waiting, he and Carla begin sniping at each other about their respective cooking skills.
The food fight that takes place at Carla's (Rhea Perlman) house is clearly a scripted part of the series, but it unfolds with a surprising mix of precise aim and comedic chaos, much of which feels totally organic. The kerfuffle starts with a simple bit of antagonism; when Norm (George Wendt) fails to produce a cooked turkey after hours spent waiting, he and Carla begin sniping at each other about their respective cooking skills.
- 1/28/2024
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
"Cheers" had just found its Nielsen ratings footing when the sitcom was dealt an unexpectedly tragic blow: Nicholas Colasanto, who'd become the heart of the series as kind-hearted bartender "Coach" Ernie Pantusso, died at the age of 61 of a heart attack.
Of the main cast, Colasanto might've been the most irreplaceable. He provided the show its first heartbreaking moment in the season 1 episode "Coach's Daughter," where he struggles to convince his only child (Allyce Beasley) to not marry her boor of a fiancé. From that moment forward, the writers deployed Coach as a lovably addled fount of accidental wisdom; though irreparably concussed by taking too many baseballs to the noggin during his major league career, the goofball always came through when it counted.
And suddenly, before the conclusion of the series' pivotal third season, he was gone.
"Cheers" still had a deep-bench ensemble with Sam, Diane, Carla, Norm and Cliff,...
Of the main cast, Colasanto might've been the most irreplaceable. He provided the show its first heartbreaking moment in the season 1 episode "Coach's Daughter," where he struggles to convince his only child (Allyce Beasley) to not marry her boor of a fiancé. From that moment forward, the writers deployed Coach as a lovably addled fount of accidental wisdom; though irreparably concussed by taking too many baseballs to the noggin during his major league career, the goofball always came through when it counted.
And suddenly, before the conclusion of the series' pivotal third season, he was gone.
"Cheers" still had a deep-bench ensemble with Sam, Diane, Carla, Norm and Cliff,...
- 1/26/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
David Hyde Pierce is an accomplished actor who's won awards for his various performances on stage and screen. But there's no doubt he's best known for playing the finicky Niles Crane, brother of the titular psychiatrist in "Frasier." Pierce won four Emmys for his performance in the beloved sitcom, which ran from 1993 through 2004, heralding what was basically the official end of the '90s when both it and "Friends" wrapped up in the same year.
To be fair, if all Pierce did in his career was play Niles, there'd be no problem. As the Washington Post put it in a 1996 profile of the actor, Pierce "may have been born to play Niles Crane." At the time, he'd been co-starring in "Frasier" for three years, but from the very first episode, he really did seem like the one and only choice to play Niles.
The pilot episode of "Frasier" remains truly...
To be fair, if all Pierce did in his career was play Niles, there'd be no problem. As the Washington Post put it in a 1996 profile of the actor, Pierce "may have been born to play Niles Crane." At the time, he'd been co-starring in "Frasier" for three years, but from the very first episode, he really did seem like the one and only choice to play Niles.
The pilot episode of "Frasier" remains truly...
- 1/15/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
One of the most memorable characters on the long-running NBC sitcom "Frasier" isn't one of the fussy humans that surround radio psychiatrist Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) but rather his father Martin's (John Mahoney) Jack Russell Terrier, Eddie. Eddie is a fully-fledged character who sometimes seems even more human than his two-legged counterparts, showing love to Martin and the Crane's live-in housekeeper, Daphne (Jane Leeves) while serving as Frasier's arch-nemesis. Portrayed by dog actor Moose and later his son, Enzo, Eddie became a vital part of the series' comedic chemistry. However, there's an old adage about never working with animals or children because they can be difficult and chaotic, and that was often the case on the set of "Frasier."
In a Vanity Fair oral history of the sitcom series for its 25th anniversary in 2018, the cast and crew shared their memories working alongside furry four-legged actors, and it...
In a Vanity Fair oral history of the sitcom series for its 25th anniversary in 2018, the cast and crew shared their memories working alongside furry four-legged actors, and it...
- 1/14/2024
- by Danielle Ryan
- Slash Film
The current generation will likely know John Cleese for his Tweets and his Gb News project "The Dinosaur Hour," which recently saw him trading witticisms with Stephen Fry in a 12th-century castle for some reason. Which is a shame because at one time he was pretty much unanimously viewed as a British national treasure and comedy great. So much so that when he dropped in on the "Cheers" crowd back in the '80s, he basically caused the whole show to buckle under the weight of his reputation, at least until the writers managed to compose themselves enough to get his episode back on track.
Appearing in the season 5 installment "Simon Says," Cleese played Dr. Simon Finch-Royce, a renowned marriage counselor and friend of Kelsey Grammer's Frasier Crane, who at one time attended Oxford with the distinguished doctor. Presumably, in the "Cheers"-verse, Finch-Royce was also a friend of Alan Cornwall,...
Appearing in the season 5 installment "Simon Says," Cleese played Dr. Simon Finch-Royce, a renowned marriage counselor and friend of Kelsey Grammer's Frasier Crane, who at one time attended Oxford with the distinguished doctor. Presumably, in the "Cheers"-verse, Finch-Royce was also a friend of Alan Cornwall,...
- 1/1/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
When he first read the pilot script for "Frasier," David Hyde Pierce thought it was terrible. The actor, who is best known for his portrayal of Niles Crane on the now legendary sitcom, was evidently confused as to why the writers had, as he told Vanity Fair, "written two of the same character." Pierce was referring to Niles and his brother, the eponymous doctor, both of whom were fussy, pompous, egotistical, and endlessly lovable.
But once filming got underway, it became clear almost immediately that Niles and Frasier formed one of the best comedy duos in sitcom history. In fact, "Frasier" remains remarkable for how it seemingly had everything dialed in from the very first episode, without requiring the usual "settling-in" period so many other series have to go through.
In retrospect, then, it seems odd that Pierce was so worried about a show that is now known as a classic of the sitcom genre.
But once filming got underway, it became clear almost immediately that Niles and Frasier formed one of the best comedy duos in sitcom history. In fact, "Frasier" remains remarkable for how it seemingly had everything dialed in from the very first episode, without requiring the usual "settling-in" period so many other series have to go through.
In retrospect, then, it seems odd that Pierce was so worried about a show that is now known as a classic of the sitcom genre.
- 12/31/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
When you think about it, "Frasier" is one of the most unlikely success stories in TV history. Running from 1993 to 2004, the show is one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time and has recently returned some 20 years after it went off-air for a revival series currently streaming on Paramount+.
But a lot had to happen in order for this impressive multi-decade run to pan out. After the show on which Frasier Crane first debuted, "Cheers," almost crashed and burned during its first season, it went on to become the most celebrated sitcom of the '80s and still enjoys a legacy as one of the finest TV shows ever. In season 3 of the series, we were introduced to Dr. Crane for the first time. Originally intended to be a character that appeared in a few episodes as a way to further the will-they-won't-they romance storyline between Ted Danson's...
But a lot had to happen in order for this impressive multi-decade run to pan out. After the show on which Frasier Crane first debuted, "Cheers," almost crashed and burned during its first season, it went on to become the most celebrated sitcom of the '80s and still enjoys a legacy as one of the finest TV shows ever. In season 3 of the series, we were introduced to Dr. Crane for the first time. Originally intended to be a character that appeared in a few episodes as a way to further the will-they-won't-they romance storyline between Ted Danson's...
- 12/30/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
There was every reason to be skeptical about the "Frasier" reboot. Back in the '90s, producers David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee pulled off the seemingly impossible by spinning off the character of Frasier Crane from "Cheers" and making a sitcom that became as beloved as the classic show from which it had sprung. Running for 11 seasons between 1993 and 2004, "Frasier" set itself apart from every other sitcom with a mix of highbrow humor and heart, made all the more effective by one of the best ensemble casts ever assembled on the small screen. By the time the show wrapped and Frasier departed his native Seattle for a new life in Chicago, we'd had 11 arguably perfect seasons.
So, the idea of reviving the show 20 years after the close of the original was both an exciting and daunting prospect. After all, how was our beloved Dr. Crane, who seemed to...
So, the idea of reviving the show 20 years after the close of the original was both an exciting and daunting prospect. After all, how was our beloved Dr. Crane, who seemed to...
- 12/7/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
"Cheers" is, by several measures, one of the most successful shows in the history of television. It ran for 11 seasons and 275 episodes — a number that is downright unthinkable in the modern age. It also remains beloved to this day, which is not something that can be said of many shows from that same era. So much of it can be boiled down to the lovable characters, and few were more lovable than Norm.
Played by George Wendt, Norm appeared on nearly every episode of the show and was always greeted with a warm welcome. Not just from the audience, but from the other patrons at the bar as well who would, in a running gag, yell "Norm!" in celebration every time he would enter, followed by a joke. It turns out that implementing this running gag all of the time ended up giving the writers a bit of a headache...
Played by George Wendt, Norm appeared on nearly every episode of the show and was always greeted with a warm welcome. Not just from the audience, but from the other patrons at the bar as well who would, in a running gag, yell "Norm!" in celebration every time he would enter, followed by a joke. It turns out that implementing this running gag all of the time ended up giving the writers a bit of a headache...
- 12/3/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
"Frasier" had a bevy of guest stars throughout its original eleven-season run, but you might not recognize some of them on first watch. That's because many of the most famous actors to appear on the beloved sitcom did so in voice only, calling into psychologist Frasier Crane's (Kelsey Grammer) Seattle radio show for all manner of life advice. Casting a celebrity who viewers never actually see felt like a new gimmick when the series first premiered, and it's frankly still a rarity now.
In an oral history of the series published by Vanity Fair in 2018, series co-creators Peter Casey and David Lee, casting director Jeff Greenberg, and director Jimmy Burrows talked about how the call-in guest stars idea originated, who showed up on the other end of the line, and which celebrities turned "Frasier" down. "Early on, someone suggested getting guest voices," Casey recalled. "Kelsey agreed, as long as they weren't goofy calls.
In an oral history of the series published by Vanity Fair in 2018, series co-creators Peter Casey and David Lee, casting director Jeff Greenberg, and director Jimmy Burrows talked about how the call-in guest stars idea originated, who showed up on the other end of the line, and which celebrities turned "Frasier" down. "Early on, someone suggested getting guest voices," Casey recalled. "Kelsey agreed, as long as they weren't goofy calls.
- 11/19/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
When we last saw Bebe Neuwirth's Lilith Sternin, she was gazing affectionately at her ex-husband, Frasier Crane, as he left her hotel room. Season 11, episode nine of "Frasier" aired some 20 years ago and saw the titular psychiatrist set up on a blind date with his ex-wife without realizing it. As had happened so many times before, the pair ended up in bed together, before departing on a rather sweet note. As Frasier leaves he remarks, "We do have our baggage don't we? But then sometimes that's what makes the trip so interesting."
The scene ends with both Frasier and Lilith looking longingly after one another, knowing they have a deep bond but can never make a real relationship work. Touching stuff, really. But then, "Frasier" always managed to pull off heartfelt moments, blending them with comedy to create the magic we all remember.
Fast-forward to 2023 and Frasier has once again...
The scene ends with both Frasier and Lilith looking longingly after one another, knowing they have a deep bond but can never make a real relationship work. Touching stuff, really. But then, "Frasier" always managed to pull off heartfelt moments, blending them with comedy to create the magic we all remember.
Fast-forward to 2023 and Frasier has once again...
- 11/16/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
What would "Frasier" be without its supporting cast? Well, now we know. The "Frasier" revival has finally hit Paramount+ with only Kelsey Grammer returning, and the result is something that's neither disappointing nor remarkable. The original sitcom ran for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2004, and featured a cast of beloved characters that helped ground the often insufferably pompous Frasier Crane as he went about trying to build a new life for himself in Seattle.
Whether it was John Mahoney as Frasier's blue collar cop father, Martin, or Peri Gilpin as his straight-talking producer, Roz, the titular shrink always had people around him that helped to highlight his own pretentiousness when he most needed it. David Hyde Pierce as Frasier's Brother Niles would often encourage the ego-driven pomposity, but much like star Kelsey Grammer, the actor brought such a likable quality to the role that Niles remained as endearing as everyone else in the show.
Whether it was John Mahoney as Frasier's blue collar cop father, Martin, or Peri Gilpin as his straight-talking producer, Roz, the titular shrink always had people around him that helped to highlight his own pretentiousness when he most needed it. David Hyde Pierce as Frasier's Brother Niles would often encourage the ego-driven pomposity, but much like star Kelsey Grammer, the actor brought such a likable quality to the role that Niles remained as endearing as everyone else in the show.
- 10/30/2023
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
When NBC closed shop on "Cheers" in 1993, it felt like the right time to bid farewell to our favorite broadcast barflies and a death in the family. For 11 consistently great seasons, viewers knew that every Thursday evening, they could drop by the neighborhood tavern where everybody knows their name. We couldn't begrudge the actors for wanting to move on to other opportunities, but their characters were so rich and relatable that we wanted to grow old with them.
"Cheers" fans were more than happy to settle for "Frasier," which transplanted Kelsey Grammer's neurotic psychiatrist to Seattle, where he had to contend/coexist with his equally neurotic brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and his retired cop father Martin (John Mahoney). Under the aegis of creators David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee, "Frasier" quickly established itself as the wittiest, most erudite sitcom on network television. It was the perfect spinoff.
"Cheers" fans were more than happy to settle for "Frasier," which transplanted Kelsey Grammer's neurotic psychiatrist to Seattle, where he had to contend/coexist with his equally neurotic brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce) and his retired cop father Martin (John Mahoney). Under the aegis of creators David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee, "Frasier" quickly established itself as the wittiest, most erudite sitcom on network television. It was the perfect spinoff.
- 10/21/2023
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Tonight, the doctor is in again as Kelsey Grammer returns to the small screen as Frasier Crane in the Paramount+ comedy Frasier. The sequel series, with an almost entirely new cast, will drop the first two episodes of Season 1 at midnight Pt.
The titular character made his television debut in Season 3 of NBC’s Emmy-winning series Cheers, which aired originally in 1984. When Cheers concluded in 1993, Frasier moved to Seattle and his story continued in the eponymous spinoff series. Grammer will come full circle in Season 1 of the Paramount+ series as his character returns to Boston, the city where it all began for him, and where the bar where everybody knows your name is located.
For a third time as part of the Cheers-verse, Grammer reunited with renowned TV producer and director James Burrows. Burrows co-created Cheers alongside Glen and Les Charles and also directed multiple episodes of the Og Frasier.
The titular character made his television debut in Season 3 of NBC’s Emmy-winning series Cheers, which aired originally in 1984. When Cheers concluded in 1993, Frasier moved to Seattle and his story continued in the eponymous spinoff series. Grammer will come full circle in Season 1 of the Paramount+ series as his character returns to Boston, the city where it all began for him, and where the bar where everybody knows your name is located.
For a third time as part of the Cheers-verse, Grammer reunited with renowned TV producer and director James Burrows. Burrows co-created Cheers alongside Glen and Les Charles and also directed multiple episodes of the Og Frasier.
- 10/12/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s Frasier Week at IndieWire. Grab some tossed salad and scrambled eggs, settle into your coziest easy chair, and join us. We’re listening.
Ask a few diehard “Frasier” fans to name the strangest moment from the show’s 11 season run and you’ll get a few different answers. Some will point to the infamous “Goth Freddie” scenes, in which Frasier’s bookish son shows up looking like a seat filler at a Nine Inch Nails concert. Others will single out the time Frasier stars in a TV commercial that sees his voice imposed on a talking version of Eddie in a nightmarish foreshadowing of TikTok A.I. And of course, someone will mention a stoned Martin Crane explaining that he put his trousers in the refrigerator because he had an idea for “Fridge Pants.” All three are perfectly defensible choices — and they all come from the same infamous episode.
Ask a few diehard “Frasier” fans to name the strangest moment from the show’s 11 season run and you’ll get a few different answers. Some will point to the infamous “Goth Freddie” scenes, in which Frasier’s bookish son shows up looking like a seat filler at a Nine Inch Nails concert. Others will single out the time Frasier stars in a TV commercial that sees his voice imposed on a talking version of Eddie in a nightmarish foreshadowing of TikTok A.I. And of course, someone will mention a stoned Martin Crane explaining that he put his trousers in the refrigerator because he had an idea for “Fridge Pants.” All three are perfectly defensible choices — and they all come from the same infamous episode.
- 10/10/2023
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
“Frasier” has reentered the building — and announced the premiere date for its much-anticipated reboot series at Paramount+.
The streaming revival, again starring five-time Emmy winner Kelsey Grammer as the titular psychotherapist, will debut its first two episodes on Oct. 12, the studio announced Tuesday.
It will also notably broadcast its first two episodes, which are directed by the legendary James Burrows, Oct. 17 on CBS — five days after the show’s streaming premiere.
You can watch the series’ date reveal video, featuring a newly recorded rendition of sitcom theme song “Tossed Salads and Scrambled Eggs” by Grammer, in the video below.
Per an official synopsis of the series, this new iteration of “Frasier” will follow “Frasier Crane (Grammer) in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill.” Like the original, the...
The streaming revival, again starring five-time Emmy winner Kelsey Grammer as the titular psychotherapist, will debut its first two episodes on Oct. 12, the studio announced Tuesday.
It will also notably broadcast its first two episodes, which are directed by the legendary James Burrows, Oct. 17 on CBS — five days after the show’s streaming premiere.
You can watch the series’ date reveal video, featuring a newly recorded rendition of sitcom theme song “Tossed Salads and Scrambled Eggs” by Grammer, in the video below.
Per an official synopsis of the series, this new iteration of “Frasier” will follow “Frasier Crane (Grammer) in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill.” Like the original, the...
- 8/22/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Paramount+ confirmed Tuesday that Peri Gilpin is returning for its upcoming “Frasier” reboot.
Gilpin will reprise her role as Roz Doyle, Frasier’s producer, as a guest star. It seems like that tossed salad and scrambled eggs are finally coming together.
The upcoming revival is expected to premiere later this year. It will follow Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) in a new city as he faces new challenges, new relationships and tries to fulfill a new dream or two.
Grammer will reprise the titular role. Additionally, this new take on the classic sitcom will star Jack Cutmore-Scott as Freddy, the son of Frasier and Lilith; Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan Cornwall, Frasier’s old college buddy who is now a professor; Anders Keith as David, Frasier’s nephew and the son of Niles and Daphne; Jess Salgueiro as Eve, Freddy’s roommate; and Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, the head of an Ivy League university’s psych department.
Gilpin will reprise her role as Roz Doyle, Frasier’s producer, as a guest star. It seems like that tossed salad and scrambled eggs are finally coming together.
The upcoming revival is expected to premiere later this year. It will follow Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) in a new city as he faces new challenges, new relationships and tries to fulfill a new dream or two.
Grammer will reprise the titular role. Additionally, this new take on the classic sitcom will star Jack Cutmore-Scott as Freddy, the son of Frasier and Lilith; Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan Cornwall, Frasier’s old college buddy who is now a professor; Anders Keith as David, Frasier’s nephew and the son of Niles and Daphne; Jess Salgueiro as Eve, Freddy’s roommate; and Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, the head of an Ivy League university’s psych department.
- 4/25/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
The NBC comedy Cheers had a number of memorable guest stars. There were celebrities like Alex Trebek and Tip O’Neill. There were actors who would become well known for other roles like Harry Anderson and John Mahoney. In fact, Mahoney guest starred on Cheers when another actor bailed forcing the Cheers producers to recast.
L-r: Kirstie Alley, Woody Harrelson, and Ted Danson | NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Cheers writer Ken Levine discussed the show’s celebrity guest stars on an episode of his Hollywood & Levine podcast. Here’s why Mahoney had to fill in at the last minute.
The original Sy Flembeck guest star on ‘Cheers’ got really nervous
Levine didn’t out the original actor for the part, but he shared how nervous he was. This was a season 11 episode so Cheers must have been daunting. Levine was entirely sympathetic to the nervous actor, and did his best...
L-r: Kirstie Alley, Woody Harrelson, and Ted Danson | NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Cheers writer Ken Levine discussed the show’s celebrity guest stars on an episode of his Hollywood & Levine podcast. Here’s why Mahoney had to fill in at the last minute.
The original Sy Flembeck guest star on ‘Cheers’ got really nervous
Levine didn’t out the original actor for the part, but he shared how nervous he was. This was a season 11 episode so Cheers must have been daunting. Levine was entirely sympathetic to the nervous actor, and did his best...
- 3/31/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Cheers is streaming in its entirety on Peacock and Paramount+, and a few seasons are still on Hulu. 11 seasons gives you 273 total episodes to watch, but let’s say you’ve already watched them all. At under 30 minutes each, it would only take you 136 hours, so less than a week if you don’t sleep. Anyway, here are five other shows you might like if you also like Cheers.
L-r: Bebe Neuwirth, Kelsey Grammer, and Ted Danson | CBS via Getty Images ‘Taxi’ was the show that led to ‘Cheers’
Glen and Les Charles were writers on Taxi when they enlisted director James Burrows to create Cheers with them. So, in many ways it’s an origin story. The cast of Taxi checked into their dispatch center where they would commiserate over the wacky passengers and shenanigans that had ensued.
The cast included Danny DeVito, Judd Hirsch, Marilu Henner, Jeff Conaway,...
L-r: Bebe Neuwirth, Kelsey Grammer, and Ted Danson | CBS via Getty Images ‘Taxi’ was the show that led to ‘Cheers’
Glen and Les Charles were writers on Taxi when they enlisted director James Burrows to create Cheers with them. So, in many ways it’s an origin story. The cast of Taxi checked into their dispatch center where they would commiserate over the wacky passengers and shenanigans that had ensued.
The cast included Danny DeVito, Judd Hirsch, Marilu Henner, Jeff Conaway,...
- 2/27/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Philadelphia Eagles will best the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl Lvii. Well, at least according to a Madden ’23 game simulation. Chiefs fans might want to keep the faith, and Philadelphia fans may not want to get their hopes up, though. After all, it’s just a game simulation, right? While that’s true, there is something to the simulations. As it turns out, the Madden franchise is really good at predicting the winner of the big game. Chiefs fans don’t need to despair, though. The simulation is on a bit of a losing streak lately.
‘Madden 23’ predicts the Philadelphia Eagles will win the Super Bowl
If Madden 23 is correct, the Eagles will walk away with the Lombardi Trophy on Feb. 12. The simulation ran through an entire game and came up with some key takeaways about the game. According to the simulation, the Chiefs will get on the board first.
‘Madden 23’ predicts the Philadelphia Eagles will win the Super Bowl
If Madden 23 is correct, the Eagles will walk away with the Lombardi Trophy on Feb. 12. The simulation ran through an entire game and came up with some key takeaways about the game. According to the simulation, the Chiefs will get on the board first.
- 2/12/2023
- by Andrea Francese
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Kelsey Grammer is opening up about David Hyde Pierce’s decision not to return to the upcoming Frasier revival series on Paramount+. Hyde Pierce played Grammer’s titular Frasier Crane’s younger brother on the Emmy-winning Cheers spinoff series.
“David basically decided he wasn’t really interested in repeating the performance of Niles,” Grammer told People in an interview.
After Frasier, Hyde Pierce went on to successful theater career and most recently starred in the HBO Max series Julia.
Grammer said Hyde Pierce’s decision not to return actually has worked out well in terms of the new series’ storyline.
“In a very funny way, it just took us to a new place, which was what we originally wanted to do, anyway, which was a Frasier third act,” Grammer told People in the interview. “It’s an entirely new life for him.”
Hyde Pierce previously told Vulture it’s not...
“David basically decided he wasn’t really interested in repeating the performance of Niles,” Grammer told People in an interview.
After Frasier, Hyde Pierce went on to successful theater career and most recently starred in the HBO Max series Julia.
Grammer said Hyde Pierce’s decision not to return actually has worked out well in terms of the new series’ storyline.
“In a very funny way, it just took us to a new place, which was what we originally wanted to do, anyway, which was a Frasier third act,” Grammer told People in the interview. “It’s an entirely new life for him.”
Hyde Pierce previously told Vulture it’s not...
- 11/24/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Kelsey Grammer is returning to Frasier in a revival set at Paramount+. The actor is addressing how John Mahoney’s absence will be dealt with on the show.
“His loss is and was devastating and must be given the proper attention in honor of the extraordinary man he was and the contribution he made to the show and to the acting profession,” Grammer told Fox News Digital. “We will most certainly be honoring him according to his merit. A man of merit he remains to this day.”
Mahoney died in 2018 and played patriarch Martin Crane in the comedy series.
Grammer added, “John was a kind man, and the world cannot afford to lose a kind man at any time.”
The sitcom star also made it clear that the new Frasier series “is not a reboot.”
“Frasier, in his third or fourth act, is not a reboot, but a new show...
“His loss is and was devastating and must be given the proper attention in honor of the extraordinary man he was and the contribution he made to the show and to the acting profession,” Grammer told Fox News Digital. “We will most certainly be honoring him according to his merit. A man of merit he remains to this day.”
Mahoney died in 2018 and played patriarch Martin Crane in the comedy series.
Grammer added, “John was a kind man, and the world cannot afford to lose a kind man at any time.”
The sitcom star also made it clear that the new Frasier series “is not a reboot.”
“Frasier, in his third or fourth act, is not a reboot, but a new show...
- 10/19/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
While Paramount+’s reboot of Frasier, which just received a series order, has the full blessing of original show creator David Lee, it will not be front of mind.
Lee — who started Frasier alongside Peter Casey and the late David Angell, his colleagues in Grub Street Productions — is not involved; it’s being reimagined by star Kelsey Grammer’s Grammnet Productions, CBS Studios and scribes Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli.
“My writing partner Peter Casey and I are not generally fans of the reboot idea,” the nine-time Emmy winner says, “but if someone can come up with a great premise, a great script and a great staff of writers and actors, then we say, ‘Go for it!’ Hopefully for 11 years [like ours did]. We won’t be involved in the sausage-making, though.”
David Lee and Josh Smith
Instead, he’ll be focused on his continuing work...
While Paramount+’s reboot of Frasier, which just received a series order, has the full blessing of original show creator David Lee, it will not be front of mind.
Lee — who started Frasier alongside Peter Casey and the late David Angell, his colleagues in Grub Street Productions — is not involved; it’s being reimagined by star Kelsey Grammer’s Grammnet Productions, CBS Studios and scribes Chris Harris and Joe Cristalli.
“My writing partner Peter Casey and I are not generally fans of the reboot idea,” the nine-time Emmy winner says, “but if someone can come up with a great premise, a great script and a great staff of writers and actors, then we say, ‘Go for it!’ Hopefully for 11 years [like ours did]. We won’t be involved in the sausage-making, though.”
David Lee and Josh Smith
Instead, he’ll be focused on his continuing work...
- 10/8/2022
- by Abigail Stone
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Tossed salad and scrambled eggs all around: Frasier is returning to television.
Paramount+ has given a series order to the long-developing revival of the series, with Kelsey Grammer once again playing the title role. The series pickup comes some 19 months after the streamer announced it was developing a follow-up to the 1993-2004 NBC series.
Prior to that, Grammer and CBS Studios began fielding ideas for a revival back in 2018. The new series will find psychiatrist/radio host Frasier Crane (Grammer) beginning the next phase of his life in a new city. The surviving members of the original cast — David Hyde Pierce’s Niles, Jane Leeves’ Daphne and Peri Gilpin’s Roz — aren’t expected to be regulars, though they could make guest appearances (John Mahoney, who played Frasier and Niles’ father, Martin Crane, died in 2018). The cast will feature new characters who populate...
Tossed salad and scrambled eggs all around: Frasier is returning to television.
Paramount+ has given a series order to the long-developing revival of the series, with Kelsey Grammer once again playing the title role. The series pickup comes some 19 months after the streamer announced it was developing a follow-up to the 1993-2004 NBC series.
Prior to that, Grammer and CBS Studios began fielding ideas for a revival back in 2018. The new series will find psychiatrist/radio host Frasier Crane (Grammer) beginning the next phase of his life in a new city. The surviving members of the original cast — David Hyde Pierce’s Niles, Jane Leeves’ Daphne and Peri Gilpin’s Roz — aren’t expected to be regulars, though they could make guest appearances (John Mahoney, who played Frasier and Niles’ father, Martin Crane, died in 2018). The cast will feature new characters who populate...
- 10/4/2022
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: The long-in-the-works Frasier followup is finally a reality. Paramount+ has given a series greenlight to the multi-camera comedy, executive produced by Kelsey Grammer who is reprising his signature character, psychiatrist-turned-radio host Frasier Crane.
As Deadline reported exclusively, Grammer in 2018 started fielding interest for a new Frasier series that would feature the title character in a new city and has been the driving force behind the efforts ever since. The project was eventually set up at Paramount+ and was announced as being in development at the streamer’s February 2021 launch event. It has now been formally picked up to series. The number of episodes has not been confirmed, I hear it will likely be 10.
Details about the new series are also not being revealed beyond the fact that it is focused on Frasier Crane’s (Grammer) next chapter in a different city. He will be surrounded by new characters, with...
As Deadline reported exclusively, Grammer in 2018 started fielding interest for a new Frasier series that would feature the title character in a new city and has been the driving force behind the efforts ever since. The project was eventually set up at Paramount+ and was announced as being in development at the streamer’s February 2021 launch event. It has now been formally picked up to series. The number of episodes has not been confirmed, I hear it will likely be 10.
Details about the new series are also not being revealed beyond the fact that it is focused on Frasier Crane’s (Grammer) next chapter in a different city. He will be surrounded by new characters, with...
- 10/4/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
(Welcome to The Daily Stream, an ongoing series in which the /Film team shares what they've been watching, why it's worth checking out, and where you can stream it.)
The Series: "Frasier"
Where You Can Stream It: Paramount+, Peacock, Hulu
The Pitch: Following the end of his marriage, eminent psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar) leaves his life in Boston (and his stool across the bar from Norm Petersen and Cliff Clavin) behind to return to his hometown of Seattle, Washington to start a new life as a radio talk show host and man about town. His life is thrown for a bit of a loop when he takes in his retired police officer father (John Mahoney) after he gets shot in the line of duty, along with his dog Eddie and his live-in physical therapist and caregiver (Jane Leeves).
Because Frasier and his neurotic brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce...
The Series: "Frasier"
Where You Can Stream It: Paramount+, Peacock, Hulu
The Pitch: Following the end of his marriage, eminent psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammar) leaves his life in Boston (and his stool across the bar from Norm Petersen and Cliff Clavin) behind to return to his hometown of Seattle, Washington to start a new life as a radio talk show host and man about town. His life is thrown for a bit of a loop when he takes in his retired police officer father (John Mahoney) after he gets shot in the line of duty, along with his dog Eddie and his live-in physical therapist and caregiver (Jane Leeves).
Because Frasier and his neurotic brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce...
- 8/14/2022
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
Farrah Forke, who co-starred on the long-running NBC sitcom “Wings,” died of cancer on Feb. 25 in her Texas home, a family friend confirmed to Variety. She was 54.
Forke appeared on Seasons 4 through 6 of “Wings,” which aired on NBC from 1990-1997. She played helicopter pilot (and veteran of Desert Storm) Alex Lambert at the show’s Nantucket airfield, and she was a love interest of both Joe (Tim Daly) and Brian Hackett (Steven Weber) — Brian eventually won her favor. “Wings” was created by “Cheers” and “Frasier” writers David Angell, Peter Casey and David Lee. The show also starred Tony Shalhoub and Thomas Haden Church.
Forke also had a recurring role as attorney Mayson Drake on Season 2 of “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.” Her acting résumé includes the television shows “Ned and Stacey,” “Mr. Rhodes” and “Party of Five,” along with appearances in movies “Brain Twisters” (Forke’s first...
Forke appeared on Seasons 4 through 6 of “Wings,” which aired on NBC from 1990-1997. She played helicopter pilot (and veteran of Desert Storm) Alex Lambert at the show’s Nantucket airfield, and she was a love interest of both Joe (Tim Daly) and Brian Hackett (Steven Weber) — Brian eventually won her favor. “Wings” was created by “Cheers” and “Frasier” writers David Angell, Peter Casey and David Lee. The show also starred Tony Shalhoub and Thomas Haden Church.
Forke also had a recurring role as attorney Mayson Drake on Season 2 of “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.” Her acting résumé includes the television shows “Ned and Stacey,” “Mr. Rhodes” and “Party of Five,” along with appearances in movies “Brain Twisters” (Forke’s first...
- 3/2/2022
- by Kate Aurthur
- Variety Film + TV
Editor’s note: Part of a series of stories tied to the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
The biggest Hollywood name among the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks was Frasier co-creator/executive producer David Angell, who along with his wife of 30 years, Lynn, were among the passengers of the hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 that crashed into the World Trade Center. They were flying from their home in Cape Cod (via Boston) to Los Angeles so David could attend the table read for the next episode of Frasier as well as the upcoming Primetime Emmy Awards, where the show once again was up for a slew of trophies having already set a new record with five consecutive Outstanding Comedy Series wins.
Frasier star/executive producer Kelsey Grammer, who first worked with Angell on Cheers before re-teaming with him and fellow Frasier co-creators/executive producers Peter Casey and David Lee for the spinoff,...
The biggest Hollywood name among the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks was Frasier co-creator/executive producer David Angell, who along with his wife of 30 years, Lynn, were among the passengers of the hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 that crashed into the World Trade Center. They were flying from their home in Cape Cod (via Boston) to Los Angeles so David could attend the table read for the next episode of Frasier as well as the upcoming Primetime Emmy Awards, where the show once again was up for a slew of trophies having already set a new record with five consecutive Outstanding Comedy Series wins.
Frasier star/executive producer Kelsey Grammer, who first worked with Angell on Cheers before re-teaming with him and fellow Frasier co-creators/executive producers Peter Casey and David Lee for the spinoff,...
- 9/10/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Dr. Frasier Crane is officially coming back.
Kelsey Grammer is confirmed to reprise his role as the Seattle psychiatrist turned radio host in a reboot of long-running comedy Frasier for Paramount+.
The revival is being announced by Julie McNamara at ViacomCBS’ launch of the streaming service.
The new incarnation of Frasier comes from writers Chris Harris (How I Met Your Mother) and Joe Cristalli (Life In Pieces), who will exec produce with Grammer. The series will be produced by CBS Studios in association with Grammnet Productions.
Paramount+/ViacomCBS Streaming Event: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
“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. “I gleefully anticipate sharing the next chapter in the continuing journey of Dr. Frasier Crane.”
Grammer had been leading the efforts to revive the series,...
Kelsey Grammer is confirmed to reprise his role as the Seattle psychiatrist turned radio host in a reboot of long-running comedy Frasier for Paramount+.
The revival is being announced by Julie McNamara at ViacomCBS’ launch of the streaming service.
The new incarnation of Frasier comes from writers Chris Harris (How I Met Your Mother) and Joe Cristalli (Life In Pieces), who will exec produce with Grammer. The series will be produced by CBS Studios in association with Grammnet Productions.
Paramount+/ViacomCBS Streaming Event: Deadline’s Complete Coverage
“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. “I gleefully anticipate sharing the next chapter in the continuing journey of Dr. Frasier Crane.”
Grammer had been leading the efforts to revive the series,...
- 2/24/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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 Frasier studio 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 with CBS Studios to reprise his role and executive produce the sequel, I have learned. David Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier Crane’s (Grammer) brother Niles in the original series, also has been approached about returning, I hear.
Both Grammer and Pierce headline new series, ABC’s Kelsey Grammer/Alec Baldwin comedy and HBO’s Julia, respectively, so I hear the new Frasier installment would not get underway until 2022, if all deals with actors and producers close successfully.
Grammer met with a number of writers for the Frasier followup.
Paramount+ is eying a 10-episode order for a followup to the Emmy-winning NBC series produced by Frasier studio 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 with CBS Studios to reprise his role and executive produce the sequel, I have learned. David Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier Crane’s (Grammer) brother Niles in the original series, also has been approached about returning, I hear.
Both Grammer and Pierce headline new series, ABC’s Kelsey Grammer/Alec Baldwin comedy and HBO’s Julia, respectively, so I hear the new Frasier installment would not get underway until 2022, if all deals with actors and producers close successfully.
Grammer met with a number of writers for the Frasier followup.
- 2/1/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The long-rumored “Frasier” revival could soon be a reality at Paramount Plus.
Variety has confirmed with sources that a new iteration of “Frasier” is in discussions at the ViacomCBS streaming service, though those discussions are said to be in the very early stages.
Reps for CBS Studios and Paramount Plus declined to comment.
Series star Kelsey Grammer has been trying to get the revived show off the ground for some time. According to sources, one potential hangup for the show is the cost. After all, “Frasier” was a successful spinoff of the successful show “Cheers,” with both shows costing a pretty penny by the time they went off the air. Grammer and any other stars from the original series who would return for the revival would no doubt expect pay comparable to what they were making at the time the show ended.
Still, “Frasier” remains one of the most successful sitcoms of all time.
Variety has confirmed with sources that a new iteration of “Frasier” is in discussions at the ViacomCBS streaming service, though those discussions are said to be in the very early stages.
Reps for CBS Studios and Paramount Plus declined to comment.
Series star Kelsey Grammer has been trying to get the revived show off the ground for some time. According to sources, one potential hangup for the show is the cost. After all, “Frasier” was a successful spinoff of the successful show “Cheers,” with both shows costing a pretty penny by the time they went off the air. Grammer and any other stars from the original series who would return for the revival would no doubt expect pay comparable to what they were making at the time the show ended.
Still, “Frasier” remains one of the most successful sitcoms of all time.
- 2/1/2021
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
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. This comes after Deadline broke the news last year that Grammer, who also exec produced the long-running comedy, was in talks with CBS Television Studios and writers on a pitch to bring the show back.
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...
Grammer lifted the lid on the “continuation” of the NBC series on British talk-show Lorraine. This comes after Deadline broke the news last year that Grammer, who also exec produced the long-running comedy, was in talks with CBS Television Studios and writers on a pitch to bring the show back.
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...
- 5/24/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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 Frasier 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...
“No, there’s been no premise that has come along that has the necessary fire,” Grammer said about the potential Frasier 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...
- 11/4/2018
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Spinoffs have long been a staple of the broadcast network landscape, but precious few have successfully captured an audience to such a degree that they lasted as long as the series that spawned them in the first place. “Frasier,” however, managed to defy the odds: it made its debut on NBC 25 years ago and ran for 11 seasons, which is the same length of time that its predecessor “Cheers” maintained its slot on the prime-time schedule.
“A lot of times shows really evolve a lot over the course of the first season, when you kind of discover what you have, but ‘Frasier’ was pretty solid going in,” Ken Levine tells Variety.
Levine wrote, directed and served as a creative consultant on the series at various points during its run. Some things, he admits, were discovered along the way, but he says there was never the need for “a real sea change.
“A lot of times shows really evolve a lot over the course of the first season, when you kind of discover what you have, but ‘Frasier’ was pretty solid going in,” Ken Levine tells Variety.
Levine wrote, directed and served as a creative consultant on the series at various points during its run. Some things, he admits, were discovered along the way, but he says there was never the need for “a real sea change.
- 9/14/2018
- by Will Harris
- Variety Film + TV
Kelsey Grammer is willing to entertain a return to the small screen as Frasier Crane, a role he played for two decades via “Cheers” and “Frasier.” But, he cautions, the idea of a “Frasier” reboot is still very much “in the early stages. I have a wonderful life. I played Frasier for 20 years. It might happen again, it might not.”
Crane warns that he’d only agree to revisit the character if it was a “really great” pitch.
“We just have to make sure it’s going to be a great show,” he told reporters on Thursday at the Fox portion of the Television Critics Association press tour, where he was there to promote his new network drama, “Proven Innocent.” “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.”
It’s all talk,...
Crane warns that he’d only agree to revisit the character if it was a “really great” pitch.
“We just have to make sure it’s going to be a great show,” he told reporters on Thursday at the Fox portion of the Television Critics Association press tour, where he was there to promote his new network drama, “Proven Innocent.” “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.”
It’s all talk,...
- 8/2/2018
- by Michael Schneider
- Indiewire
Exclusive: 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, including Will & Grace, Roseanne and Murphy Brown, I hear that Frasier is envisioned as a reboot, likely set in a new city, with the title character, played by Grammer, as a possible link to the Emmy-winning 1993 series.
Psychiatrist Frasier Craine already made a cross-country move once. He was introduced on the Boston-set NBC hit Cheers before getting his own spinoff series, Frasier, on which he returned to his hometown of Seattle to start a new life as a radio host and to reconnect with his father and brother.
I hear Grammer is currently meeting with writers who are pitching different concepts for the potential followup series.
Unlike the slew of recent revivals of comedy series with the original cast and original creative auspices, including Will & Grace, Roseanne and Murphy Brown, I hear that Frasier is envisioned as a reboot, likely set in a new city, with the title character, played by Grammer, as a possible link to the Emmy-winning 1993 series.
Psychiatrist Frasier Craine already made a cross-country move once. He was introduced on the Boston-set NBC hit Cheers before getting his own spinoff series, Frasier, on which he returned to his hometown of Seattle to start a new life as a radio host and to reconnect with his father and brother.
I hear Grammer is currently meeting with writers who are pitching different concepts for the potential followup series.
- 7/25/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
NBC has a hankering for another serving of tossed salad and scrambled eggs.
Peacock Chairman Robert Greenblatt, the man responsible for the network’s Will & Grace renaissance, tells TVLine that he is very much interested in a Frasier revival. However, there are a number of roadblocks impeding a potential return to Seattle.
RelatedWill & Grace Revival Already Renewed for Season 10 — Get Details
“I’ve had conversations with [exec producer] David Lee about [Frasier],” Greenblatt reveals of the Emmy-winning sitcom, which ended its 11-season run in 2004. “Frasier would be great. I’d love to [bring back] Frasier. We put out feelers about [it] over the years.” (Warning,...
Peacock Chairman Robert Greenblatt, the man responsible for the network’s Will & Grace renaissance, tells TVLine that he is very much interested in a Frasier revival. However, there are a number of roadblocks impeding a potential return to Seattle.
RelatedWill & Grace Revival Already Renewed for Season 10 — Get Details
“I’ve had conversations with [exec producer] David Lee about [Frasier],” Greenblatt reveals of the Emmy-winning sitcom, which ended its 11-season run in 2004. “Frasier would be great. I’d love to [bring back] Frasier. We put out feelers about [it] over the years.” (Warning,...
- 8/10/2017
- TVLine.com
Matthew Weiner has always been more comfortable talking about the past of “Mad Men” rather than letting anyone know anything about the future — even when that future is only seven episodes long, starting Sunday, April 5 at 10 p.m. Having spent enough time over the years asking Weiner questions that he responded to with a very guarded, “Well, you’ve got to watch,” I knew enough to focus as much on the past as possible when we recently sat down for an hour-long interview to discuss the end of his Emmy-winning baby. We talked about the last days of production, looked back all the way to the show’s origins when Weiner was a staff writer on “Becker” looking for a different kind of career in television, the show’s long acting Emmy drought, and more. And I made it almost to the end without a single “You’ve got to watch.
- 3/27/2015
- by Alan Sepinwall
- Hitfix
Lisa Kudrow is completely wonderful as Valerie Cherish in The Comeback. Valerie is sad and broken and self-conscious, but also shameless, and for someone you should openly loathe, Kudrow gives her some dignity and coherence. There's a way, though, that Kudrow will always Phoebe; not that she can't or shouldn't play other parts, but there will always be a momentary flash of "wait! Phoebs!" when Kudrow appears. She's just so iconic. Which is why it's fun to think about the fact that Kudrow was almost in a different role in a major '90s sitcom: She was initially cast as Roz on Frasier.Peter Casey, one of Frasier's creators and executive producers, wrote in 2006 about the casting process. Dozens of actresses auditioned for the role, and Kudrow eventually edged out Peri Gilpin (who was eventually cast after all) after reading for NBC executives. "Lisa didn’t exactly fit the...
- 12/12/2014
- by Margaret Lyons
- Vulture
The Sopranos was named the best-written show in television history by the Writers Guild of America, edging out an eclectic collection of some of the most beloved and admired series. Members of the Writers Guild of America, West (Wgaw) and the Writers Guild of America, East (Wgae) voted online for the 101 Best Written TV Series, with David Chase’s iconic “family” drama topping Seinfeld, The Twilight Zone, All in the Family, and M*A*S*H*.
“At their core, all of these wonderful series began with the words of the writers who created them and were sustained by the writers...
“At their core, all of these wonderful series began with the words of the writers who created them and were sustained by the writers...
- 6/3/2013
- by Jeff Labrecque
- EW - Inside TV
The Walking Dead’s Glen Mazzara and Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz will be speaking at Natpe, association president Rod Perth said today. The two producers will be part of the conference’s Storytellers That Shape Pop Culture series. Other speakers announced for the January 28-30 conference at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach include Electus chairman Ben Silverman, Larry King, Clear Channel Entertainment Enterprises’ president John Sykes and Frasier executive producer/creator Peter Casey. Shine America president Eden Gaha, MundoFox president Emilliano Saccone and Tele Muchen Group chairman Herbert G. Kloiber, who is Napte 2013 Brandon Tartikoff Legacy winner, will also be among the speakers. Mark Cuban had previously been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2013 conference, which marks Natpe’s 50th anniversary. Modern Family co-creator Steve Levitan, Cops executive producer John Langley and Bet CEO Debra Lee will receive the 10th annual Brandon Tartikoff Legacy Award. Perth also...
- 12/12/2012
- by DOMINIC PATTEN
- Deadline TV
While television at first reflected American culture, it then tried to mold it in the 1950s before giving up all pretense towards reality in the 1960s. The seismic cultural shifts in the latter part of the decade could be felt everywhere, including television. A rule of thumb is that the theater reflects society fastest with television and film following years later. That certainly seemed to be the case as the television series of the latter 1960s began to explore the themes people had been debating in classes and on the streets. It also forced producers to mirror the reality of the day, no longer attempting to display the ideal lifestyle.
Neil Simon was one of the brightest playwrights of the decade, having cut his teeth on live television in the 1950s. His play The Odd Couple became a box office smash film and a perfect vehicle for a sitcom. It...
Neil Simon was one of the brightest playwrights of the decade, having cut his teeth on live television in the 1950s. His play The Odd Couple became a box office smash film and a perfect vehicle for a sitcom. It...
- 3/6/2012
- by Robert Greenberger
- Comicmix.com
Tributes have been paid to Frasier co-creator and producer David Angell who was killed in the New York disaster. Angell's co-producers David Lee and Peter Casey are devastated by news that Angell and his wife Lynn were on American Airlines Flight 11 which crashed into the World Trade Center on Tuesday. The producers say, "He was a kind and gentle man with a quiet exterior that masked one of the sharpest comedy minds ever to write for television." During his 25-year television career, he wrote scripts for Cheers and Wings and started up Grub Street Productions with Casey and Lee. They added, "David's wife Lynn was the love of his life. She epitomised southern graciousness and charm."...
- 9/13/2001
- WENN
Frasier co-creator and executive producer David Angell was among the tragic victims of yesterday's terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York. Mr Angell, who was also an executive producer on classic TV hit Cheers from 1983, was among the passengers on one of the two hijacked planes, which crashed into the Twin Towers. Mr Angell - who also wrote scripts for the hit comedy starring Kelsey Grammer - picked up five Emmys between 1994 and 1998 and won Television Producer Of Year for episodic TV in 1996's from the Producers Guild. The West Barrington, Rhode Island-born writer entered the army after graduating from local Providence College and served at the Pentagon in Washington DC - which was also attacked yesterday - until 1972. After a brief career in engineering and insurance, he moved to Los Angeles in 1977 when he sold his first script. Besides co-creating Frasier and writing for Cheers, Mr Angell joined up with producers Peter Casey and David Lee to form the Grub Street Production company.
- 9/12/2001
- WENN
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