Frasier - The Best Sitcom Spinoff Since Mary Tyler Moore
Anyone who watched CHEERS eagerly anticipated FRASIER. It lasted eleven seasons, the same as CHEERS, making it one of the most successful spin-offs in television. Dr. Frasier Crane was the same pompous psychiatrist joined by an equally pretentious brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce). Frasier is making a new start after divorcing Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth), moving home to Seattle with a new radio call-in program. He plans to be the suave single man, but a kink comes with the presence of his father, Martin (John Mahoney). The great mystery is how Martin, a down-to-earth retired cop, could have been part of a team that raised such snobbish sons.
Frasier is forced by guilt to house his father and his dog, Eddie, who manages to upstage everyone. Then Daphne (Jane Leeves) also becomes a part of the household as Martin's physical therapist. Roz (Peri Gilpin) works with Frasier on his radio show, but they all become entwined in each other's lives.
As Frasier and Niles strive to manipulate others to better their lives, it seems to always fail, causing great humiliation and hilarity. Their efforts to outclass each other is often the theme with the same funny, sad results. Frasier constantly tries to assert his ownership and tastes in his apartment, only to be foiled by Martin, Daphne and Eddie.
Other characters add more tension and laughs. "Bulldog" Briscoe (Dan Butler) is the sports show host for the station that is a constant thorn in Frasier and Roz's flesh. Frazier's less-than-ethical agent, Bebe (Harriet Sansom Harris) becomes more of a problem than help. Many other additions occur to add comedy and drama.
Too bad Kelsey Grammer's new show BACK TO YOU with Patricia Heaton didn't take off. I thought it had great potential. What will he try next?
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