Many fans of the sitcom Frasier are feeling wary about the show’s return. Although it will feature lead character Kelsey Grammer in the titular role, it won’t feature any of the sitcom’s other main stars, such as David Hyde Pierce as brother Niles.
However, it’s now been revealed that one recurring character will feature. Actress and longtime LGBTQ+ ally Bebe Neuwirth will reprise the role of Dr. Frasier Crane’s first wife, Lilith.
And certified hunk Jack Cutmore-Scott will play their now-adult son, Freddy.
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Frasier first began life as a character on the iconic sitcom, Cheers, set in Boston. The hit Frasier spinoff, which ran from 1993-2004, took place in Seattle. Neuwirth appeared in 12 episodes. The reboot will see Frasier return to Boston to begin a new chapter in his life.
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According to Deadline, Lilith encounters Frasier again at their son Freddy’s birthday. She’s less than thrilled at having to share parenting of their son again, now that Frasier has returned to Boston, and the party turns into an exchange of barbed comments between them.
Neuwirth first played the role of Lilith in Cheers.
Related: Kelsey Grammer explains why David Hyde Pierce won’t be returning for Frasier reboot
The return of Frasier
Frasier is being shot for Paramount +. The original show featured several gay actors, including Pierce, John Mahoney as dad Martin Crane, and Dan Butler as Bulldog Briscoe.
Last November, Grammer told People the reboot had been in development for several years. It was only when Pierce ruled himself out that they decided to take Frasier out of Seattle.
“David basically decided he wasn’t really interested in repeating the performance of Niles,” says Grammer. This prompted producers to rethink the direction of the show and to relocate Frasier somewhere else.
“In a very funny way, it just took us to a new place, which was what we originally wanted to do anyway, which was a Fraser third act,” Grammer said. “It’s an entirely new life for him.”
bachy
Frasier was a brilliant show: utterly hilarious. Surprised David Hyde Pierce is not returning; seems like his character could have aged in a very interesting manner. Don’t know of any reboots that have been ultra-successful, but Grammer and Neuwirth are proven performers; it really is up to the writers. Here’s hoping they find some top-level talent.
Especially looking forward to Frasier’s adventures in the world of middle-aged dating, which always had me howling.
Paulie P
The Connors, though not the best show, has been on now for several years and a network does not renew if they don’t bring in the numbers….
Jim
Middle aged dating!!! LOL
Old man dating. Get real
kevininbuffalo
Grammer and I are the same age 67/68, the only way that’s middle aged is if we’re going to live to 136. God, I hope not! The last Frasier show was middle aged dating.
bachy
@Jim & kevininb: LOL! Guess I have delusionally high hopes for human longevity!
@ Paulie: you’re right! I’ve actually never watched Roseanne or The Connors! Do you recommend either? I need a new comedy series…
humble charlie
who will play fraser’s consistently suicidal gay lover?
Jim
The strength of Frazier was not Grammer, but the ensemble cast.
I wish him well and I’ll watch the first episode but I don’t have high hopes
thebaddestbabby
I dunno, I think Grammer is one of those actors who is in his own league
MISTERJETT
i lived for Lilith. i’m glad she’ll be back.
Joshooeerr
Actually, the real strength was the writing. I’m still waiting to find out if Joe Keenan is coming back as an exec producer/head writer. He is the genius behind Frasier.
ZzBomb
I liked Frasier back in the day, but I don’t think I could watch it again now knowing what a bigot Grammer is.
bachy
Yes, that’s the biggest problem for me too. I’ll have to pretend he’s revised his politics to watch it. Hope he doesn’t get one of those “executive producer” titles allowing him say in the direction of the show’s narrative…
Bromancer7
The original was lightning in a bottle due to the amazing supporting cast. That David and the rest of the cast have zero interest in returning tells you all you need to know about this trainwreck. Grammer being a RWNJ doesn’t help things.
I can completely see them parading in a stream of far-younger women to be his love interest of the week (Grammer is almost 70), which is gonna be nasty. I loved the original, but this is gonna be a hard pass for me.
Mister P
Frazier that show about two queens acting like they are straight.
PoetDaddy
Kelsey Grammer’s politics are a total turnoff for me. I wouldn’t watch it if it was free, and I am sure as hell not going to pay for a really lame streaming service to watch it. It’ll never see a second season.
Just.my.opinion
I watched the original, but I have my doubts about this.
Salacious1
I wouldn’t mind if the cast & writing are good. I can understand Pierce not signing in for another run. In addition to his career catching a second wind he must be a little ashamed playing Niles as such a stereotypical closeted, self-denying pansy character.
tommyboy5023
Do we know if Fraziers son or nephew are gay? Its one of the only reasons to watch. I didnt watch most of the last show.