Long-awaited Frasier reboot gets mixed reaction from viewers

Some viewers thought the comedy fell a little 'flat' but others felt it had 'heart'

Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane in Frasier, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo credit: Pamela Littky/Paramount+

TM & © 2023 CBS Studios Inc. Frasier and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Frasier is back in the building but there has been a mixed response to the long-awaited reboot, with some fans saying it feels “flat” and “forced”.

The hit sitcom starring Kelsey Grammer as radio psychiatrist Frasier Crane originally aired from 1993 to 2004, but has been resurrected for a new run on Paramount+.

Nicholas Lyndhurst has joined the show as an old college friend of Frasier's, but most of the old characters, such as Frasier’s brother Niles and best friend Roz, are absent.

Read more: Frasier: The story so far from Cheers to Kelsey Grammer's reboot

It premiered to much fanfare this week, but not everyone was impressed.

L-R: Jack Cutmore-Scott as Freddy Crane and Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane in Frasier, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo credit: Pamela Littky/Paramount+

TM & © 2023 CBS Studios Inc. Frasier and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The show is back after almost 20 years. (Paramount+)

One person posted on X, formerly Twitter, that there were “too many characters”.

“They clash,” they said. “The jokes like wine need to age with set ups.”

“It was so average and I wanted to love it but you can't completely change everything and expect good results,” said someone else.

Another fan said the new series was “not to my taste”.

“I wish I could enjoy it like the previous 11 seasons,” they said. “It feels so forced. I love Frasier, but not season 12.”

“If you want to see how far comedy writing has fallen, look no further than the new Frasier,” sniped one viewer.

Another posted: “It seems okay but to me, it just seems a little flat.”

L-R: Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane and Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan in Frasier, episode 1, season 1 streaming on Paramount+, 2023. 
Photo credit: Chris Haston/Paramount+

TM & © 2023 CBS Studios Inc. Frasier and related marks and logos are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nicholas Lyndhurst has joined Frasier. (Paramount+)

However, others thought the comedy had potential.

“I won’t lie, the first episode didn’t really sell it for me, but once episode 2 hit, we were back!” said one person.

Read more: New on Paramount+ in October: Best movies and TV shows from Frasier to Fellow Travelers

“While it may not have hit the ground running like the original, it still has its most important ingredient intact…a heart,” said another.

“I am so happy to have Dr Frasier Crane back in my life.”

Watch: Kelsey Grammer 'delighted' over Frasier revival