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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this long-running Cheers spin-off is geared toward an adult audience, so it naturally has a lot of adult humor, including frequent sexual innuendo (most of which may go over the head of younger viewers). Due to some of the characters' fastidiousness and other debonair qualities, there are many references to homosexuality (some of which reinforce stereotypes). Parents should also know that this series features strong positive relationships between a father and his adult sons, between brothers, and among friends.

Families can talk about how families come in different shapes and sizes. Who makes up a family and why? What makes a family strong? Which characters are part of Frasier's "family" on the show? Families can also discuss issues of class and image. Why is it so important for some people to feel superior to others? How should we feel about them? Discussions about psychiatry and therapy are also appropriate. When is it appropriate to seek help or advice from a psychiatrist? What are some of the issues that psychiatrists can help people with?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

FRASIER is a witty slapstick comedy in which the best-laid schemes inevitably backfire. A spin-off of the popular sitcom Cheers, Frasier follows snobbish, insecure, twice-divorced psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) from Boston, Massachusetts, to Seattle, Washington, where he hosts a radio advice show.

Both at work and at home, Frasier finds himself trying to maintain an appearance of intellectual superiority and sophistication while dealing with the lunacy that seems to be constantly surrounding him and his good-hearted but equally flawed family members and co-workers.

Frasier's goal of living a swanky, orderly lifestyle in Seattle are challenged after his blue-collar father, Marty (John Mahoney) -- a former police officer injured in the line of duty -- moves into to Frasier's posh apartment. Along with Marty comes loopy British physical therapist Daphne Moon (Jane Leeves); a beat-up, duct-taped recliner; and Eddie, Marty's loyal-but-quirky Jack Russell Terrier. Frasier's equally haughty and neurotic brother, Niles (David Hyde-Pierce), stops by on an almost-daily basis -- due primarily to his crush on Daphne.

At work, Frasier's producer, Roz Doyle (Peri Gilpin), co-worker Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe (Dan Butler), and assorted call-in listeners (voiced by celebrities including Jodie Foster, Halle Berry, and David Duchovny) regularly add to the mayhem.

While Frasier's farcical comedy often borders the absurd, it's an intelligent, grown-up sitcom that -- believe it or not -- is heavily influenced by Shakespeare's comedies and other literary classics. What also makes this series engaging is that it's very much about family.

They may be a source of continual headaches and endless drama to each other, but the Cranes are also each other's support and strength through the worst of their catastrophes, which include botching restaurant openings, on-air mishaps at the radio station, and, during more heart-felt moments, romance woes and broken hearts. In short, this ensemble series reminds viewers that a little disorder in our lives can bring a lot of laughs and a lot of love.

Frasier ran for 11 seasons on NBC and is now airing in syndication and available on DVD. Fans may also enjoy Will & Grace and Cheers.

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Content
		CS	adults	kids
Sexual Content Frequent (if fairly mild) sexual innuendo and farce that may go over the head of young viewers. Some making out, but no simulated sex acts. Many of the characters are looking for love.
Violence Minor pushing and shoving on occasion. Actions don't cause physical harm -- they're played for laughs.
Language Mild: "damn," etc.
Message
	Social Behavior Strong, positive family relationships between the Crane men, as well as strong friendships among the characters. Homosexual stereotypes are prevalent at times. Differences between social classes are often highlighted (Frasier and Niles can be very snobby).
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Frequent adult consumption of alcohol, including beer, wine, and hard liquor. Prescription drugs are sometimes consumed, but not abused. Adult use of tobacco products is sometimes noticeable, particularly among supporting characters.

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