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{{Short description|American television sitcom (1993–2004)}} | {{Short description|American television sitcom (1993–2004)}} | ||
{{About|the original run|the | {{About|the original run|the sequel|Frasier (2023 TV series)|the main character|Frasier Crane|other uses }} | ||
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2013}} | {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2013}} | ||
{{Infobox television | {{Infobox television | ||
| image = Frasier title logo.svg | | image = Frasier title logo.svg | ||
| image_class = skin-invert | |||
| caption = | | caption = | ||
| alt = The title caption has the similar "FRASIER" logo, black background, and line drawing of Downtown Seattle. Each episode has a different animated gag. The above gag from the pilot episode, "The Good Son", has a lit antenna spire at the observation tower, Space Needle, one of Seattle's landmarks. | | alt = The title caption has the similar "FRASIER" logo, black background, and line drawing of Downtown Seattle. Each episode has a different animated gag. The above gag from the pilot episode, "The Good Son", has a lit antenna spire at the observation tower, Space Needle, one of Seattle's landmarks. | ||
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}} | }} | ||
| based_on = {{basedon|[[Frasier Crane]]|[[Glen and Les Charles]]}} | | based_on = {{basedon|[[Frasier Crane]]|[[Glen and Les Charles]]}} | ||
| showrunner = {{Plainlist| | |||
* [[David Angell]] | |||
* [[Peter Casey (screenwriter)|Peter Casey]] | |||
* [[David Lee (screenwriter)|David Lee]] | |||
* [[Christopher Lloyd (screenwriter)|Christopher Lloyd]] | |||
* [[Joe Keenan (writer)|Joe Keenan]] | |||
* [[Dan O'Shannon]] | |||
}} | |||
| starring = {{Plainlist| | | starring = {{Plainlist| | ||
* [[Kelsey Grammer]] | * [[Kelsey Grammer]] | ||
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* David Lee | * David Lee | ||
* David Angell (seasons 1–8) | * David Angell (seasons 1–8) | ||
* | * Christopher Lloyd<br />(seasons 2–7 & 11) | ||
* Kelsey Grammer (seasons 6–11) | * Kelsey Grammer (seasons 6–11) | ||
* | * Joe Keenan (seasons 6–7 & 11) | ||
* | * Dan O'Shannon (seasons 8–10) | ||
* Mark Reisman (season 8) | * Mark Reisman (season 8) | ||
* [[Rob Hanning]] (seasons 9–10) | * [[Rob Hanning]] (seasons 9–10) | ||
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* [[Grub Street Productions]] | * [[Grub Street Productions]] | ||
* [[Grammnet Productions]] (seasons 3–11, uncredited) | * [[Grammnet Productions]] (seasons 3–11, uncredited) | ||
* [[Paramount Television (original)|Paramount Television]]<br>[[Paramount Domestic Television]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/60555/18-things-you-might-not-know-about-frasier|title=18 Things You Might Not Know About ''Frasier''|date=September 16, 2017|access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225084342/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/60555/18-things-you-might-not-know-about-frasier|url-status=live}}</ref> | * [[Paramount Television (original)|Paramount Television]]<br />[[Paramount Domestic Television]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mentalfloss.com/article/60555/18-things-you-might-not-know-about-frasier|title=18 Things You Might Not Know About ''Frasier''|date=September 16, 2017|access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225084342/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/60555/18-things-you-might-not-know-about-frasier|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
}} | }} | ||
| network = [[NBC]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/3-years-frasier-nbc-360m-deal-delights-grammer-article-1.902338|title=3 MORE YEARS OF 'FRASIER' ON NBC/$360M deal delights Grammer|website=[[New York Daily News]]|date=March 7, 2001 |access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225085645/https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/3-years-frasier-nbc-360m-deal-delights-grammer-article-1.902338|url-status=live}}</ref> | | network = [[NBC]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/3-years-frasier-nbc-360m-deal-delights-grammer-article-1.902338|title=3 MORE YEARS OF 'FRASIER' ON NBC/$360M deal delights Grammer|website=[[New York Daily News]]|date=March 7, 2001 |access-date=March 15, 2018|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225085645/https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/3-years-frasier-nbc-360m-deal-delights-grammer-article-1.902338|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
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}} | }} | ||
'''''Frasier''''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|r|eɪ|ʒ|ər}}) is an American television [[sitcom]] that was broadcast on [[NBC]] for | '''''Frasier''''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|r|eɪ|ʒ|ər}}) is an American television [[sitcom]] that was broadcast on [[NBC]] for eleven seasons from September 16, 1993, to May 13, 2004. The program was created and produced by [[David Angell]], [[Peter Casey (screenwriter)|Peter Casey]], and [[David Lee (screenwriter)|David Lee]] (as [[Grub Street Productions]]), in association with [[Kelsey Grammer|Grammnet Productions]] (1995–2004) and [[Paramount Television (original)|Paramount Television]]. | ||
The | The show was created as the third [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] of the sitcom ''[[Cheers]]''. It continues the story of [[psychiatrist]] [[Frasier Crane]] ([[Kelsey Grammer]]), who returns to his hometown, [[Seattle]], as a radio show host. He reconnects with his father, [[Martin Crane|Martin]] ([[John Mahoney]]), a retired police officer, and his younger brother, [[Niles Crane|Niles]] ([[David Hyde Pierce]]), a fellow psychiatrist. The rest of the main cast consists of [[Peri Gilpin]] as Frasier's producer [[Roz Doyle]], and [[Jane Leeves]] as [[Daphne Moon]], Martin's live-in caregiver. [[Dan Butler]]'s role as [[List of Frasier characters#Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe|Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe]], a sports talk show host on Frasier's station, was later upgraded from a recurring role to main character in some seasons. The part of Frasier's ex-wife, [[Lilith Sternin]], was played by [[Bebe Neuwirth]], reprising her role from ''Cheers''. | ||
Like its predecessor, '' | Like its predecessor, ''Cheers'', ''Frasier'' received critical acclaim, and is highly regarded in both the US and the UK.<ref name="Barnes">{{Cite news|last1=Barnes|first1=Anthony|date=September 6, 2000|title=Just don't tell the Major, Fawlty is our favourite|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Just+don%27t+tell+the+Major%2C+Fawlty+is+our+favourite.-a065007413|newspaper=[[Birmingham Post]]|issn=0963-7915|oclc=500151397|access-date=October 18, 2016|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225090641/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Just+don%27t+tell+the+Major,+Fawlty+is+our+favourite.-a065007413|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="TV Guide Names Top 50 Shows">{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tv-guide-names-top-50-shows/|title=TV Guide Names Top 50 Shows|date=April 26, 2002|work=CBS News|access-date=June 15, 2015|archive-date=September 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904061715/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/04/26/entertainment/main507388.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Wezzo |date=January 3, 2006 |title=Channel 4's Ultimate Sitcom |url=http://www.listology.com/content_show.cfm/content_id.22029 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305192418/http://www.listology.com/wezzo/list/channel-4s-ultimate-sitcom |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=February 25, 2008 |publisher=Listology}}</ref><ref name="101 Best Written TV Series">{{cite web|url=https://www.wga.org/writers-room/101-best-lists/101-best-written-tv-series/list|title=101 Best Written TV Series|website=Writers Guild of America West|date=June 2, 2013}}</ref> The series and the cast won 37 [[Primetime Emmy Awards]], a record at the time for a scripted series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/09/game-of-thrones-emmys-record.html|title=Game of Thrones Breaks Frasier's Emmy Record for Most Wins Ever for a Scripted Series|date=September 18, 2016 |access-date=February 6, 2018|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225084351/https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/game-of-thrones-emmys-record.html|url-status=live}}</ref> It also won the [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series]] for five consecutive years.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-sep-14-mn-22669-story.html|title='Frasier' Wins Record Fifth Straight Emmy|first=Brian|last=Lowry|date=September 14, 1998|via=Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 6, 2018|archive-date=October 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023142144/http://articles.latimes.com/1998/sep/14/news/mn-22669|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Frasier (2023 TV series)|A revival series]], also titled ''Frasier'', premiered on the [[Paramount+]] service on October 12, 2023.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2021-02-24 |title='Frasier' Revival Greenlit at Paramount+ |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/frasier-revival-picked-up-paramount-plus |access-date=2021-02-24 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en |archive-date=April 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428100357/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/frasier-revival-picked-up-paramount-plus |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |date=2021-02-24 |title='Frasier' Revival With Kelsey Grammer Set at Paramount Plus |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/frasier-revival-kelsey-grammer-paramount-plus-1234914269/ |access-date=2021-02-24 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=December 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225091925/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/frasier-revival-kelsey-grammer-paramount-plus-1234914269/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Alexander |first=Julia |date=2021-02-24 |title=Frasier revival in development for Paramount Plus |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/24/22299973/frasier-reboot-paramount-plus-streaming-kelsey-grammer |access-date=2021-02-24 |website=The Verge |language=en |archive-date=December 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225091939/https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/24/22299973/frasier-reboot-paramount-plus-streaming-kelsey-grammer |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
{{See also|List of Frasier episodes}} | {{See also|List of Frasier episodes}} | ||
After the events of ''Cheers'', psychiatrist [[Frasier Crane]] (Grammer) returns to his hometown of [[Seattle, Washington]] from [[Boston]], following the end of his marriage to [[Dr. Lilith Sternin|Lilith]]. His plans for a new life as a single man are challenged when he is obliged to take in his father, [[Martin Crane|Martin]] (Mahoney), a retired police detective who has mobility problems after being shot in the line of duty during a robbery. | |||
After reluctantly taking his father in, Frasier and Martin conduct a series of interviews to hire a physical therapist and caregiver for his father. Martin, much to Frasier's dismay, is particularly keen on hiring a British caregiver as a live-in, and after a short squabble, the two agree to hire [[Daphne Moon]] (Leeves) for the position. Much of the series focuses on Frasier adjusting to living with his father, with whom he has little in common, and his constant annoyances with Martin's dog, [[Minor characters on Frasier#Eddie|Eddie]]. Frasier frequently spends time with his younger brother, [[Niles Crane|Niles]] (Pierce), a fellow psychiatrist, who becomes attracted to Daphne and eventually marries her. | After reluctantly taking his father in, Frasier and Martin conduct a series of interviews to hire a physical therapist and caregiver for his father. Martin, much to Frasier's dismay, is particularly keen on hiring a British caregiver as a live-in, and after a short squabble, the two agree to hire [[Daphne Moon]] (Leeves) for the position. Much of the series focuses on Frasier adjusting to living with his father, with whom he has little in common, and his constant annoyances with Martin's dog, [[Minor characters on Frasier#Eddie|Eddie]]. Frasier frequently spends time with his younger brother, [[Niles Crane|Niles]] (Pierce), a fellow psychiatrist, who becomes attracted to Daphne and eventually marries her. | ||
Frasier hosts ''The Dr. Frasier Crane Show'', a call-in psychiatry show on talk radio station, KACL. Though they share few commonalities, Frasier's producer, [[Roz Doyle]] (Gilpin) becomes his friend in the series. She is depicted as both direct and sarcastic. Her somewhat superficial relationships with men are a frequent topic of conversation until she becomes pregnant with her daughter, Alice. Roz and Frasier share a professional respect and a wry sense of humor, and over time, the two become close friends. Frasier, along with the other characters in the series, often visits the local coffee shop, Café Nervosa, making it a frequent setting. | Frasier hosts ''The Dr. Frasier Crane Show'', a call-in psychiatry show on talk radio station, KACL. Though they share few commonalities, Frasier's producer, [[Roz Doyle]] (Gilpin), becomes his friend in the series. She is depicted as both direct and sarcastic. Her somewhat superficial relationships with men are a frequent topic of conversation until she becomes pregnant with her daughter, Alice. Roz and Frasier share a professional respect and a wry sense of humor, and over time, the two become close friends. Frasier, along with the other characters in the series, often visits the local coffee shop, Café Nervosa, making it a frequent setting. | ||
The Crane brothers, who have expensive tastes, intellectual interests, and high opinions of themselves, frequently clash with their father, Martin. The close relationship between the brothers is often tense, and their sibling rivalry intermittently results in chaos. For two psychiatrists who make a living solving other people's problems, however, they are often inept at dealing with each other's hangups. Other recurring themes in the series include Niles's relationship with his unseen first wife, [[Maris Crane|Maris]] (whom he later divorces); Frasier's relationship with his ex-wife, [[Lilith Sternin|Lilith]], who resides in Boston with their son, Frederick; Frasier's search for love; Martin's new life after retirement; and the various attempts by the two brothers to gain acceptance into Seattle high society. | The Crane brothers, who have expensive tastes, intellectual interests, and high opinions of themselves, frequently clash with their father, Martin. The close relationship between the brothers is often tense, and their sibling rivalry intermittently results in chaos. For two psychiatrists who make a living solving other people's problems, however, they are often inept at dealing with each other's hangups. Other recurring themes in the series include Niles's relationship with his unseen first wife, [[Maris Crane|Maris]] (whom he later divorces); Frasier's relationship with his ex-wife, [[Lilith Sternin|Lilith]], who resides in Boston with their son, Frederick; Frasier's search for love; Martin's new life after retirement; and the various attempts by the two brothers to gain acceptance into Seattle high society. | ||
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[[File:FrazierCap.theora.ogv|thumb|Grammer, Hyde Pierce and Mahoney in character in an advertisement for [[US Treasury bonds]]|alt=]] | [[File:FrazierCap.theora.ogv|thumb|Grammer, Hyde Pierce and Mahoney in character in an advertisement for [[US Treasury bonds]]|alt=]] | ||
* [[Kelsey Grammer]] as [[Frasier Crane]], a radio psychiatrist. He is fussy, uptight, cultured, and sometimes arrogant. Having grown up with an educated mother and an "[[average Joe]]" father, Frasier epitomizes an [[Upper class|upper-class]] sophistication, yet is still sympathetic to [[Working class|working-class]] culture. After returning to Seattle, he begins embracing his more privileged background and develops a more selfish and aloof manner, possibly due to rekindling his relationship with his younger brother, [[Niles Crane]]. Despite his haughty demeanor, however, Frasier has a strong sense of ethics. | * [[Kelsey Grammer]] as [[Frasier Crane]], a radio psychiatrist. He is fussy, uptight, cultured, and sometimes arrogant. Having grown up with an educated mother and an "[[average Joe]]" father, Frasier epitomizes an [[Upper class|upper-class]] sophistication, yet is still sympathetic to [[Working class|working-class]] culture. After returning to Seattle, he begins embracing his more privileged background and develops a more selfish and aloof manner, possibly due to rekindling his relationship with his younger brother, [[Niles Crane]]. Despite his haughty demeanor, however, Frasier has a strong sense of ethics. | ||
* [[Jane Leeves]] as [[Daphne Moon]] (later Crane), | * [[Jane Leeves]] as [[Daphne Moon]] (later Crane), an English immigrant from [[Manchester]]; a physiotherapist and live-in aide hired by Frasier to help his father. Daphne's eccentric, working-class background and self-professed psychic abilities (which often end up being correct) frequently lead to Daphne's comical non-sequiturs about her unusual family, which is a sharp contrast to the Cranes' incredulity. In spite of their different upbringings, Niles falls for her instantly. Niles's obsession with Daphne and her obliviousness to this is developed throughout the earlier seasons of the series. | ||
* [[David Hyde Pierce]] as [[Niles Crane]], Frasier's younger brother. He is a psychiatrist in private practice. Educated, coldhearted, and more arrogant than Frasier, Niles's snobby, anxious qualities provide a foil for Frasier's own issues. Despite his aforementioned qualities, he is brave, caring, and well-meaning, which, to his loved ones, more than makes up for his eccentricities and quirks. Niles is very close to his older brother, though their fiercely competitive natures often provide the audience with much humor throughout the series. Like Frasier, Niles has a deep appreciation and respect for the arts, music, and pursuits that are seen as intellectual and prefers these activities over most sports, though he excels in squash and croquet. Niles is severely [[mysophobia|mysophobic]], often given to wiping his hands after human contact, and is even depicted wiping down chairs in public places before sitting on them. | * [[David Hyde Pierce]] as [[Niles Crane]], Frasier's younger brother. He is a psychiatrist in private practice. Educated, coldhearted, and more arrogant than Frasier, Niles's snobby, anxious qualities provide a foil for Frasier's own issues. Despite his aforementioned qualities, he is brave, caring, and well-meaning, which, to his loved ones, more than makes up for his eccentricities and quirks. Niles is very close to his older brother, though their fiercely competitive natures often provide the audience with much humor throughout the series. Like Frasier, Niles has a deep appreciation and respect for the arts, music, and pursuits that are seen as intellectual and prefers these activities over most sports, though he excels in squash and croquet. Niles is severely [[mysophobia|mysophobic]], often given to wiping his hands after human contact, and is even depicted wiping down chairs in public places before sitting on them. | ||
* [[Peri Gilpin]] as [[Roz Doyle]], the producer of Frasier's radio show. A native of Bloomer, Wisconsin, Roz, one of two single women in the series, is depicted as a sharp contrast to Daphne. Throughout the show, Roz's search for love and liberal approach to dating is the subject of many witty remarks, particularly from Niles. In the middle of series' run, Roz becomes pregnant with her first child, Alice, and the show addresses some of the challenges of being a single mother, including Roz having to borrow money from her boss, and the personal and professional strain that places on their relationship. | * [[Peri Gilpin]] as [[Roz Doyle]], the producer of Frasier's radio show. A native of Bloomer, Wisconsin, Roz, one of two single women in the series, is depicted as a sharp contrast to Daphne. Throughout the show, Roz's search for love and liberal approach to dating is the subject of many witty remarks, particularly from Niles. In the middle of series' run, Roz becomes pregnant with her first child, Alice, and the show addresses some of the challenges of being a single mother, including Roz having to borrow money from her boss, and the personal and professional strain that places on their relationship. | ||
* [[John Mahoney]] as [[Martin Crane]], Frasier and Niles's father, is an outspoken and laid-back Seattle police detective who was forced to retire after sustaining a gunshot wound to his hip. Because this injury renders him incapable of living alone, upon Frasier's return to Seattle, Martin is forced to accept Frasier's invitation to live with him. Though he and his sons share few commonalities, the relationship between the three men strengthens throughout the series. Martin's relationship with his Jack Russell terrier, Eddie, and his pea-green tartan- and twill-upholstered recliner are a perpetual source of distress for Frasier. He is also known for his fondness for beer (specifically that for [[P. Ballantine and Sons Brewing Company|Ballantine]]). | * [[John Mahoney]] as [[Martin Crane]], Frasier and Niles's father, is an outspoken and laid-back Seattle police detective who was forced to retire after sustaining a gunshot wound to his hip. Because this injury renders him incapable of living alone, upon Frasier's return to Seattle, Martin is forced to accept Frasier's invitation to live with him. Though he and his sons share few commonalities, the relationship between the three men strengthens throughout the series. Martin's relationship with his Jack Russell terrier, Eddie, and his pea-green tartan- and twill-upholstered duck tape stricken recliner are a perpetual source of distress for Frasier. He is also known for his fondness for beer (specifically that for [[P. Ballantine and Sons Brewing Company|Ballantine]]). | ||
* [[Dan Butler]] as Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe (main seasons 4–6; recurring season 1; special appearance seasons 2–3; special guest seasons 7–11), | * [[Dan Butler]] as Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe (main seasons 4–6; recurring season 1; special appearance seasons 2–3; special guest seasons 7–11), a [[shock jock]] hosting a sports show which follows Frasier's time slot at KACL. | ||
===Recurring=== | ===Recurring=== | ||
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* [[Brian Klugman]] as Kirby Gardner (season 9; guest season 8), a part-timer at KACL and the son of Frasier's former classmate | * [[Brian Klugman]] as Kirby Gardner (season 9; guest season 8), a part-timer at KACL and the son of Frasier's former classmate | ||
* Ashley Thomas as Alice Doyle (seasons 10–11; co-star season 9), Roz's daughter | * Ashley Thomas as Alice Doyle (seasons 10–11; co-star season 9), Roz's daughter | ||
* [[Felicity Huffman]] as Julia Wilcox ( | * [[Felicity Huffman]] as Julia Wilcox (season 10; guest 11), host of a financial news segment, whose personality leads to frequent clashes with others at KACL | ||
* [[Wendie Malick]] as Ronee Lawrence (season 11), Frasier and Niles's childhood babysitter who, after a chance meeting, becomes Martin's girlfriend | * [[Wendie Malick]] as Ronee Lawrence (season 11), Frasier and Niles's childhood babysitter who, after a chance meeting, becomes Martin's girlfriend | ||
* [[Luke Tarsitano]] (season 3) and [[Trevor Einhorn]] (seasons 4–11) as Frederick Gaylord Crane, Frasier's son with ex-wife Lilith | * [[Luke Tarsitano]] (season 3) and [[Trevor Einhorn]] (seasons 4–11) as Frederick Gaylord Crane, Frasier's son with ex-wife Lilith | ||
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The character of Niles was not part of the original concept for the show. Frasier had told his bar friends on ''Cheers'' that he was an only child;<ref name="Behind The Couch">"Behind The Couch: The Making of Frasier", DVD Extra, Season 1</ref><ref name="allinthefamily">{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Bruce|title=All in Their Family|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-01-ca-24256-story.html|date=March 1, 1998|access-date=February 20, 2009|archive-date=January 27, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127193538/http://articles.latimes.com/print/1998/mar/01/entertainment/ca-24256|url-status=live}}</ref> however, Sheila Guthrie, the assistant casting director on ''Wings'', brought the producers a photo of Pierce (whom she knew from his work on ''[[The Powers That Be (TV series)|The Powers That Be]]'') and noted his resemblance to Grammer when he first appeared on ''Cheers''. She recommended him should they ever want Frasier to have a brother. The creators were "blown away" both by his resemblance to Grammer and by his acting ability.{{r|casey20061206}} They decided to ignore Frasier's statement on ''Cheers'' and created the role for Pierce.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Littlefield|first=Kinney|title=Custom Casting Got Pierce the Niles Role on 'Frasier'|work=Chicago Tribune|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24205875.html?dids=24205875:24205875&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Dec+23%2C+1993&author=Kinney+Littlefield%2C+Orange+County+Register.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=CUSTOM+CASTING+GOT+PIERCE+THE+NILES+ROLE+ON+%60FRASIER%27&pqatl=google|date=December 23, 1993|access-date=February 20, 2009|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725044807/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24205875.html?dids=24205875:24205875&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Dec+23%2C+1993&author=Kinney+Littlefield%2C+Orange+County+Register.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=CUSTOM+CASTING+GOT+PIERCE+THE+NILES+ROLE+ON+%60FRASIER%27&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pierce accepted the role before realizing he had not read a script. Once he was given a script, he was initially concerned that his character was essentially a duplicate of Frasier, thinking that it would not work.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /> The first table reading of the pilot script was notable because the producers had never heard either Pierce or Mahoney read lines, as they were cast without auditions.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /> | The character of Niles was not part of the original concept for the show. Frasier had told his bar friends on ''Cheers'' that he was an only child;<ref name="Behind The Couch">"Behind The Couch: The Making of Frasier", DVD Extra, Season 1</ref><ref name="allinthefamily">{{cite news|last=Newman|first=Bruce|title=All in Their Family|work=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-mar-01-ca-24256-story.html|date=March 1, 1998|access-date=February 20, 2009|archive-date=January 27, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127193538/http://articles.latimes.com/print/1998/mar/01/entertainment/ca-24256|url-status=live}}</ref> however, Sheila Guthrie, the assistant casting director on ''Wings'', brought the producers a photo of Pierce (whom she knew from his work on ''[[The Powers That Be (TV series)|The Powers That Be]]'') and noted his resemblance to Grammer when he first appeared on ''Cheers''. She recommended him should they ever want Frasier to have a brother. The creators were "blown away" both by his resemblance to Grammer and by his acting ability.{{r|casey20061206}} They decided to ignore Frasier's statement on ''Cheers'' and created the role for Pierce.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /><ref>{{cite news|last=Littlefield|first=Kinney|title=Custom Casting Got Pierce the Niles Role on 'Frasier'|work=Chicago Tribune|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24205875.html?dids=24205875:24205875&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Dec+23%2C+1993&author=Kinney+Littlefield%2C+Orange+County+Register.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=CUSTOM+CASTING+GOT+PIERCE+THE+NILES+ROLE+ON+%60FRASIER%27&pqatl=google|date=December 23, 1993|access-date=February 20, 2009|archive-date=July 25, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120725044807/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/24205875.html?dids=24205875:24205875&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Dec+23%2C+1993&author=Kinney+Littlefield%2C+Orange+County+Register.&pub=Chicago+Tribune+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=CUSTOM+CASTING+GOT+PIERCE+THE+NILES+ROLE+ON+%60FRASIER%27&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> Pierce accepted the role before realizing he had not read a script. Once he was given a script, he was initially concerned that his character was essentially a duplicate of Frasier, thinking that it would not work.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /> The first table reading of the pilot script was notable because the producers had never heard either Pierce or Mahoney read lines, as they were cast without auditions.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /> | ||
The only main role that required an audition was Roz Doyle,{{r|casey20061208}} who was named in memory of a producer of ''Wings''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Joyce Saenz |title=Dallas actress finds second home on ''Frasier'' |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=May 5, 1996<!--|access-date=February 20, 2009-->}}</ref> The producers auditioned around 300 actresses, with no particular direction in mind. Women of all ethnicities were considered.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /> [[Lisa Kudrow]] was originally cast in the role, but during rehearsals, the producers decided they needed someone who could appear more assertive in her job and take control over Frasier at KACL, and Kudrow did not fit that role. The creators quickly hired Gilpin, their second choice.<ref name="casey20061208">{{cite web|last=Casey|first=Peter|title=FRASIER starring Lisa Kudrow?|date=December 8, 2006|url= | The only main role that required an audition was Roz Doyle,{{r|casey20061208}} who was named in memory of a producer of ''Wings''.<ref>{{cite news |last=Harris |first=Joyce Saenz |title=Dallas actress finds second home on ''Frasier'' |work=The Dallas Morning News |date=May 5, 1996<!--|access-date=February 20, 2009-->}}</ref> The producers auditioned around 300 actresses, with no particular direction in mind. Women of all ethnicities were considered.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /> [[Lisa Kudrow]] was originally cast in the role, but during rehearsals, the producers decided they needed someone who could appear more assertive in her job and take control over Frasier at KACL, and Kudrow did not fit that role. The creators quickly hired Gilpin, their second choice.<ref name="casey20061208">{{cite web|last=Casey|first=Peter|title=FRASIER starring Lisa Kudrow?|date=December 8, 2006|url=https://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2006/12/frasier-starring-lisa-kudrow.html|publisher=kenlevine.blogspot.com|access-date=December 25, 2010|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225084701/http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2006/12/frasier-starring-lisa-kudrow.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last = Zaslow | first = Jeffrey | title = Balancing friends and family | work = USA Weekend | date = October 8, 2000 | url = http://159.54.226.237/00_issues/001008/001008kudrow.html | access-date = April 17, 2010 | archive-date = March 3, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212441/http://159.54.226.237/00_issues/001008/001008kudrow.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> | ||
The original focus of the series was intended to be the relationship between Frasier and Martin, and it was the focus of most of the first-season episodes. Once the show began airing, Niles became a [[list of breakout characters|breakout character]], and more focus was added to the brothers' relationship, and other plots centering on Niles, starting in the second season.<ref>"Marching On to Season Two", DVD Extra, Season 2</ref> The producers initially did not want to make Niles's wife Maris an [[unseen character]] because they did not want to draw parallels to Vera, [[Norm Peterson|Norm]]'s wife on ''Cheers''. They originally intended that she would appear after several episodes, but were enjoying writing excuses for her absence so much that they eventually decided she would remain unseen, and after the increasingly eccentric characteristics ascribed to her, they concluded that no real actress would be able to portray her anyway.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /> | The original focus of the series was intended to be the relationship between Frasier and Martin, and it was the focus of most of the first-season episodes. Once the show began airing, Niles became a [[list of breakout characters|breakout character]], and more focus was added to the brothers' relationship, and other plots centering on Niles, starting in the second season.<ref>"Marching On to Season Two", DVD Extra, Season 2</ref> The producers initially did not want to make Niles's wife Maris an [[unseen character]] because they did not want to draw parallels to Vera, [[Norm Peterson|Norm]]'s wife on ''Cheers''. They originally intended that she would appear after several episodes, but were enjoying writing excuses for her absence so much that they eventually decided she would remain unseen, and after the increasingly eccentric characteristics ascribed to her, they concluded that no real actress would be able to portray her anyway.<ref name="Behind The Couch" /> | ||
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=== Credits === | === Credits === | ||
The show's theme song, "Tossed Salads and Scrambled Eggs", is sung by Grammer and is played over the closing credits of each episode. Composer Bruce Miller, who had also composed for ''Wings'', was asked to avoid explicitly mentioning any subjects related to the show such as radio or psychiatry. After Miller finished the music, lyricist Darryl Phinnesse suggested the title as they were things that were, like Frasier Crane's patients, "mixed up". The lyrics indirectly refer to Crane's radio show; "I hear the blues a-callin'," for example, refers to troubled listeners who call the show.<ref name="levine20120409">{{cite web | url= | The show's theme song, "Tossed Salads and Scrambled Eggs", is sung by Grammer and is played over the closing credits of each episode. Composer Bruce Miller, who had also composed for ''Wings'', was asked to avoid explicitly mentioning any subjects related to the show such as radio or psychiatry. After Miller finished the music, lyricist Darryl Phinnesse suggested the title as they were things that were, like Frasier Crane's patients, "mixed up". The lyrics indirectly refer to Crane's radio show; "I hear the blues a-callin'," for example, refers to troubled listeners who call the show.<ref name="levine20120409">{{cite web | url=https://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2012/04/story-behind-tossed-salad-and-scrambled.html | title=The story behind 'Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs' | work=...by Ken Levine | date=April 9, 2012 | access-date=April 9, 2012 | author=Levine, Ken | archive-date=December 25, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225084651/http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2012/04/story-behind-tossed-salad-and-scrambled.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Grammer recorded several variations of the final spoken line of the theme, which were rotated for each of the episodes. Other than season finales, a short, silent scene, often revisiting a small subplot aside from the central story of the episode, appears with the credits and song, which the actors performed without written dialogue based on the scriptwriter's suggestion.<ref name="levine20120810">{{cite web | url=https://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-you-see-is-what-we-show-you.html | title=What you see is what we show you | work=...by Ken Levine | date=August 10, 2012 | access-date=August 10, 2012 | author=Levine, Ken | archive-date=December 25, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225084652/http://kenlevine.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-you-see-is-what-we-show-you.html | url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
The [[title card]] at the start of each episode shows a white line being drawn in the shape of the Seattle skyline on a black background above the show's title. In most episodes, once the skyline and title appear, the skyline is augmented in some way, such as windows lighting up or a helicopter lifting off. The color of the title text changed for each season (respectively: blue, red, turquoise, purple, gold, brown, yellow, green, orange, metallic silver, and metallic gold). Over the title card, one of about 25 brief musical cues evoking the closing theme is played.{{r|levine20120409}} | The [[title card]] at the start of each episode shows a white line being drawn in the shape of the Seattle skyline on a black background above the show's title. In most episodes, once the skyline and title appear, the skyline is augmented in some way, such as windows lighting up or a helicopter lifting off. The color of the title text changed for each season (respectively: blue, red, turquoise, purple, gold, brown, yellow, green, orange, metallic silver, and metallic gold). Over the title card, one of about 25 brief musical cues evoking the closing theme is played.{{r|levine20120409}} | ||
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{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Frasier}} | {{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Frasier}} | ||
The series won a total of 37 [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s during its 11-year run, breaking the record long held by [[CBS]]' ''[[The Mary Tyler Moore Show]]'' (29). It held the record until 2016 when ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' won 38.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/4498870/emmys-2016-game-of-thrones-most-wins/ |title=Game of Thrones Now Has the Most Emmy Wins Ever |first=Eliana |last=Dockterman |date=September 18, 2016 |magazine=Time |access-date=September 19, 2016 |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919042453/http://time.com/4498870/emmys-2016-game-of-thrones-most-wins/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Grammer and Pierce each won four, including one each for the fifth and eleventh seasons. The series is tied with [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[Modern Family]]'' for the most consecutive wins for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series|Outstanding Comedy Series]], winning five from 1994 to 1998. | The series won a total of 37 [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s during its 11-year run, breaking the record long held by [[CBS]]'s ''[[The Mary Tyler Moore Show]]'' (29). It held the record until 2016 when ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' won 38.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://time.com/4498870/emmys-2016-game-of-thrones-most-wins/ |title=Game of Thrones Now Has the Most Emmy Wins Ever |first=Eliana |last=Dockterman |date=September 18, 2016 |magazine=Time |access-date=September 19, 2016 |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919042453/http://time.com/4498870/emmys-2016-game-of-thrones-most-wins/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Grammer and Pierce each won four, including one each for the fifth and eleventh seasons. The series is tied with [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]]'s ''[[Modern Family]]'' for the most consecutive wins for [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series|Outstanding Comedy Series]], winning five from 1994 to 1998. | ||
Grammer has been Emmy-nominated for playing Frasier Crane on ''Cheers'' and ''Frasier'', as well as a 1992 [[Crossover (fiction)|crossover]] appearance on ''[[Wings (1990 TV series)|Wings]]'', making him the only performer to be nominated for playing the same role on three different shows. The first year Grammer did not receive an Emmy nomination for ''Frasier'' was in 2003 for the 10th season. However, Pierce was nominated every year of the show's run, breaking the record for nominations in his category, with his eighth nomination in 2001; he was nominated a further three times after this. | Grammer has been Emmy-nominated for playing Frasier Crane on ''Cheers'' and ''Frasier'', as well as a 1992 [[Crossover (fiction)|crossover]] appearance on ''[[Wings (1990 TV series)|Wings]]'', making him the only performer to be nominated for playing the same role on three different shows. The first year Grammer did not receive an Emmy nomination for ''Frasier'' was in 2003 for the 10th season. However, Pierce was nominated every year of the show's run, breaking the record for nominations in his category, with his eighth nomination in 2001; he was nominated a further three times after this. | ||
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=== Fanbase and cultural impact === | === Fanbase and cultural impact === | ||
''Frasier'' began airing in [[Broadcast syndication|off-network syndication]] in March 2006.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/frasier-has-entered-lifetimes-building-102546|title=Frasier Has Entered Lifetime's Building|publisher=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]|date=March 23, 2004|access-date=July 4, 2023|archive-date=January 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126231750/https://www.nexttv.com/news/frasier-has-entered-lifetimes-building-102546|url-status=live}}</ref> It is available on [[Cozi TV]], [[Hallmark Channel]], [[Amazon Prime Video]], [[Hulu]], [[CBS All Access|Paramount+]], [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]], [[SkyShowtime]], [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]], [[Pluto TV]] and [[Crave (streaming service)|Crave]] in select countries. [[Netflix]] stopped offering the show in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-03|title='Frasier' Is Leaving Netflix|url=https://decider.com/2019/12/03/frasier-is-leaving-netflix/|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Decider|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225085212/https://decider.com/2019/12/03/frasier-is-leaving-netflix/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ''Frasier'' began airing in [[Broadcast syndication|off-network syndication]] in March 2006.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/frasier-has-entered-lifetimes-building-102546|title=Frasier Has Entered Lifetime's Building|publisher=[[Broadcasting & Cable]]|date=March 23, 2004|access-date=July 4, 2023|archive-date=January 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126231750/https://www.nexttv.com/news/frasier-has-entered-lifetimes-building-102546|url-status=live}}</ref> It is available on [[Cozi TV]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cozitv.com/shows/frasier/|title=Frasier}}</ref> [[Hallmark Channel]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Frasier {{!}} Hallmark Channel |url=http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/frasier |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404030606/http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/frasier |archive-date=2011-04-04 |access-date= |website=www.hallmarkchannel.com}}</ref> [[Amazon Prime Video]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Frasier-Season-1/dp/B005HFLB9C|title=Amazon.com|website=www.amazon.com}}</ref> [[Hulu]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hulu.com/series/frasier-1993-0cb9b63b-de82-4751-99c9-1cb12118ab9d|title=Frasier (1993)|website=Hulu}}</ref> [[CBS All Access|Paramount+]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/frasier/|title=Frasier (1993) - CBS - Watch on Paramount Plus|date=September 16, 1993|via=www.paramountplus.com}}</ref> [[Showtime (TV network)|Showtime]], [[SkyShowtime]], [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]], [[Pluto TV]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pluto.tv/us/on-demand/series/6356cd00df7dfa001346884d|title=Pluto TV: Watch Free Movies, TV Shows & Live TV Online|via=pluto.tv}}</ref> and [[Crave (streaming service)|Crave]] in select countries. [[Netflix]] stopped offering the show in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-03|title='Frasier' Is Leaving Netflix|url=https://decider.com/2019/12/03/frasier-is-leaving-netflix/|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Decider|archive-date=December 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211225085212/https://decider.com/2019/12/03/frasier-is-leaving-netflix/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
The show's popularity has resulted in several fan sites, podcasts, and publications. Podcasts that look primarily at the show include ''Talk Salad and Scrambled Eggs'' with [[Kevin Smith]] and Matt Mira and ''Frasierphiles.'' | The show's popularity has resulted in several fan sites, podcasts, and publications. Podcasts that look primarily at the show include ''Talk Salad and Scrambled Eggs'' with [[Kevin Smith]] and Matt Mira and ''Frasierphiles.'' | ||
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|title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Frasier|Awards for ''Frasier'']] | |title = [[List of awards and nominations received by Frasier|Awards for ''Frasier'']] | ||
|list = | |list = | ||
{{EmmyAward ComedySeries | {{ScreenActorsGuildAwards EnsembleTVComedy}} | ||
{{GoldenGlobeTVComedy | {{EmmyAward ComedySeries}} | ||
{{GoldenGlobeTVComedy}} | |||
{{People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy}} | {{People's Choice Award for Favorite New TV Comedy}} | ||
{{Producers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Comedy}} | {{Producers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Comedy}} | ||
{{Satellite Award Best Musical or Comedy Television Series}} | {{Satellite Award Best Musical or Comedy Television Series}} | ||
{{TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy}} | {{TCA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Comedy}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
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[[Category:Best Musical or Comedy Series Golden Globe winners]] | [[Category:Best Musical or Comedy Series Golden Globe winners]] | ||
[[Category:Cheers]] | [[Category:Cheers]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:English-language American television shows]] | ||
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Seattle Police Department]] | [[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Seattle Police Department]] | ||
[[Category:Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Screen Actors Guild Award winners]] | [[Category:Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Screen Actors Guild Award winners]] | ||