Warning! Spoilers ahead for the Frasier season 2 premiere.The events of theFrasierrevival season 2 premiere confirm why Frasier Crane was different inCheers. Kelsey Grammer’s therapist-turned-Harvard educator is officially back in the Paramount+ revival to continue his final act in Boston. Thefirst 10 episodes ofFrasierwere focused on getting the character re-acquainted with his old stomping ground, although he oddly didn’t visit his usual drinking hole. Despite this,Frasier’s history with Cheers remains a big part of his overall arc, especially since it paved the way for the birth of Freddy. Eventually, the new show will have to acknowledge it.
Awarding Frasier with his own spinoff afterCheersendedwas a big risk. Despite the popularity of the bar-set sitcom, its original spinoff,The Tortellis, was canceled early on. Grammer’s character, while fun, didn’t have the same pull as many of the other characters inCheers. That said, the gamble paid off when the Seattle-based Frasier succeeded. For the offshoot to work, however, it had tochange Frasier to fit in his new setting in the Pacific Northwest. For the longest time, there wasn’t an in-narrative explanation for this, but theFrasierrevival season 2 premiere provides it.
Frasier Was More Down To Earth In Cheers Than In His Seattle-Based Spinoff
In Boston, Frasier Is More Grounded
In theFrasierrevival, Grammer’s character is richer than ever after a long stint as a successful TV personality in Chicago. He has always preferred luxury and the finer things in life, which was why he stood out inCheers. When he moved back to Seattle in his own spinoff,Frasier was able to fully embrace his elitist ways. Granted that he wasn’t up to the level of his brother, Niles, but the pair, more or less, had the same taste. He drank sherry and port, as well as attended galas and fundraisers — something he barely did inCheers.
Frasier Season 2 Forces Him To Let Go Of His Elitist Ways
Niles Is Not Around To Feed Frasier’s Elitism
From the get-go,Frasier’s expanded wealthin the revival was already established. Instead of simply getting an apartment, he bought the building to ensure he could stay close to Freddy. He no longer needs to earn money, so he is able to take a gig as a guest lecturer at Harvard. Despite this, Frasier is noticeably more down-to-earth in his return to Boston. He now hangs out at a pub/coffee house — something that he never did in Seattle. He also barely attends any social functions and instead hangs out with a lot of blue-collar workers like Eve and Tiny.
Cheers Bar’s Sad Status Saves It From Frasier Reboot’s Risk Of Ruining Ted Danson’s Comedy
The sad status of Cheers bar in Boston effectively ensures that it is saved from the Frasier reboot potentially ruining the legendary sitcom’s legacy.
Overall, it appears as ifFrasier’s return to Boston transforms him into the character he once was inCheers. TheFrasierseason 2premiere, “Ham,” effectively explains why. In the episode, he buys a very expensive ham as a way to celebrate his and Alan Cornwall’s friendship. A series of events, however, forces him to step back from fully enjoying the luxurious experience. Firstly, Eve mentions how ridiculous it is that Frasier can spend that much money on a ham when someone like her cannot even afford a proper vacation.
If Frasier was still in Seattle, Niles (or his contacts) could have easily taken care of the Jamón ibérico.
Subsequently, Eve and David’s lack of proper knowledge in handling such an expensive delicacy results in the ham getting destroyed. If Frasier was still in Seattle, Niles (or his contacts) could have easily taken care of the Jamón ibérico.The Crane brothers could have enjoyed the expensive porkwith their choice of alcohol pairing — something that Frasier intended to do in the season 2 premiere. In the end, however, he is forced to drink Eve’s cheap sangria, which he initially scoffs at, because the people around him aren’t as particular about the experience he initially wanted to have.
Being In Cheers Taught Frasier To Adapt To His Surrounding So He Can Belong
Frasier Tried To Fit In With The People At Sam’s Bar
This ability for Frasier to adapt to his surroundings in the revival goes back to the events ofCheers. Grammer’s character was originally introduced as Diane’s rebound boyfriend, and unlike Sam, he was a lot more compatible with her. Even whenShelley Long left Cheers, however, Frasier stayed behind, and while he couldn’t quite fully fit in, he made an effort to do so. He started drinking beer and even watched sports, which he never really did in Seattle when he hung out with Niles. Frasier adapted so he could continue coming to Sam’s bar.
I Know Why Frasier Returns To Seattle In Season 2 (It’s Another Tragedy After Martin’s Death)
The Frasier reboot season 2 finale will see Kelsey Grammer’s Boston-based educator return to Seattle, and I think I have a good idea why.
Much has been said about how Frasier is only as enjoyable as the people around him. Interestingly, the group he hangs out with also partially molds his behavior and attitude. WhileFrasier may never lose his elitist attitude, Boston has a way of toning it down. It happened once inCheers, and it is once again the case as he navigates his final act in the Frasier revival.
Cheers
One of the most well-known American sitcoms of the 1980s and 90s, Cheers is primarily set in Boston at the Cheers bar, and features and ensemble cast that includes Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Pearlman, Kelsey Grammer, and George Wendt. Danson’s Sam Malone acts as the bar’s proprietor, and episodes depict the lives of Cheers' staff and patrons during the bar’s operating hours. The series ran for 11 seasons and gave rise to popular spin-off shows such as Frasier.
Frasier
Fraiser is a comedy-drama sitcom that stars Kelsey Grammer as a psychiatrist who takes up the role of a radio show host in Seattle after his life in Boston is upheaved. A spin-off of the series Cheers, Fraiser follows the titular character adjusting to the single life while caring for his father (a retired police officer,) his brother, and other eccentric co-workers.
