Frasier’s return to Boston opens the door for a reunion with some familiar faces fromCheers. According toFrasierstar and executive producerKelsey Grammer,he’d like to see two of the original series' focal characters appear on the Paramount+ revival series.During a conversation withVariety, Grammer shared that he’d love to see his character interact with Sam (Ted Danson) and Diane (Shelley Long). This, of course, would depend on Danson’s and Long’s interest in participating.
“It’s just a matter of willingness to be on the show,” Grammer said. “And if there’s a good story. I’d still love to have Shelley come back and play Diane, for one more sense of closure for Frasier. Because now that he’s back in Boston, there are things that will come up, and I think that she would be one of them. And Ted, we have a few ideas for that.”
Grammer’s now iconic character was introduced duringCheers' third season as a psychiatrist turned love interest to Diane. AsCheersfans will recall, the two would become engaged, with Diane leaving Frasier at the altar and later reuniting with Sam. Sam and Dianewouldn’t have a happy ending either, with Long leaving the series after its fifth season. She returned for the series finale, briefly reuniting with Sam before leaving for Boston to pursue her writing career. AlthoughCheersconcluded in 1993, it’s possible that Diane still resides in Boston, which would make for a very interesting storyline.
Kelsey Grammer Feels ‘Vindication’ Following Frasier’s Successful Return
With the renewal of the Frasier revival for season two, Kelsey Grammer feels justified in the creative decisions made for the reboot.
Long and Danson would both share the screen with Grammer post-Cheers, making guest appearances onFrasier’s original series. Danson guest-starred in season two, while Long’s return as Diane in season three earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.
This Is Not the First Time Kelsey Grammer Has Talked Reuniting Some of the Cheers Cast On-Screen
While Grammer has expressedhesitancy to revisit theCheersbarin the new iteration ofFrasier, it’s not the first time he mentions reuniting some of theCheerscast on-screen. During the75th Emmy Awardsred carpet, Grammer discussed having Danson on the new series.
“There were some thoughts about the possibility. It would have to be the right thing,” Grammer told Deadline. “If he’s still alive. If Sam Malone’s still alive and has some sort of vital connection that would help Frasier move to another place. It’s all gotta be about growth and what’s funny.”
Later that night, much of theCheerscast reunited for a presentation during the ceremony.
Although Danson previously shot down the idea of aCheersrevival, he hasn’t publicly turned down the notion of reprising Sam Malone. Whether he’ll appear in theFrasierrevival remains to be seen. In the meantime, he’sreconnecting withCheersco-star Woody Harrelsonfor the podcastWhere Everybody Knows Your Name with Ted Danson and Woody Harrelson (Sometimes),whichpremieres on SiriusXM on June 12. The weekly podcast features the duo chatting with special guests, including Martin Short, Nick Offerman, and Conan O’Brien.
Frasierwas renewed for a second season in February, with production commencing in May. While the premiere date for the sophomore season is currently unknown, the first season of theFrasierreboot is streaming exclusively on Paramount+.
