Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Grammer shines in witty, family-friendly reboot; drinking.
Parents Need to Know
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Where to Watch
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Frasier
What's the Story?
Almost two decades after the original Frasier ended with a beloved finale, FRASIER returns to catch up with Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), a psychiatrist known for his radio call-in show in Seattle, Washington. After the death of his father and the end of his relationship with his former partner Charlotte, Frasier returns to Boston where his son, Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott) lives. Hoping to build a better relationship with Freddy, Frasier decides to stay and take a professorship at Harvard, where he works under aggressive psychology department chair Olivia Finch (Toks Olagundoye) and with long-time colleague Alan Cornwall (Nicholas Lyndhurst).
Is It Any Good?
Rebooting older brands is often a horrible idea, but this reboot of the acclaimed 1990s series of the same name has charm, chiefly in the form of Grammer. He re-inhabits Frasier like he's enjoying a well-marbled steak: his plummy tones and delivery are intact, and he makes even sitcom lines work. Frasier smartly picks up as if the character has been living his life off-screen, and ties up some of its old storylines in a few sentences: Here's where everyone is and why they're not here. The show then gets into the business of inserting Frasier into new situations with new characters, en route to setting up the same work life vs. home life conflict as in the first series.
Again, sounds like a horrible idea, but it mostly works. Some of the new characters are a little hard to take (Frasier's nephew is no Niles), and some actually work pretty well (Frasier's new work colleagues have fizzy chemistry with him). The writing is top-tier sitcom-style, and mostly it's just fun to see Grammer again. The guy can deliver a line, and the writers give him all the best ones. Watching Frasier feels like climbing back into a pair of comfy slippers; there are no surprises, but it's a joy nonetheless.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about reboots. Why do you think they would want to bring back a once-popular show? Have there been any reboots you have enjoyed? Which weren't as successful?
Frasier was filmed before a live audience, and we can hear the audience laughing whenever the actors crack a joke. Does the laughter sound real or artificial? What would Frasier sound like without it? Why do shows sometimes use "canned" laughter (pre-recorded audience noises)? Would it surprise you to know that the laughter on Frasier was manipulated by sound technicians?
Kelsey Grammer is best-known for inhabiting the role of Frasier. What would this show look and feel like with someone else in the role? Would it be successful? Can reboots change the main members of their casts successfully? What examples can you think of?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 12, 2023
- Cast : Kelsey Grammer , Jack Cutmore-Scott , Toks Olagundoye
- Network : Paramount+
- Genre : Comedy
- TV rating :
- Last updated : December 3, 2025
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