pan6467

Some 20 years or so ago Taxi switched from ABC to NBC because NBC bought the rights to a comedy based wholly in a Boston bar. Taxi was, at the time James Burrows' baby (with help from Glen and Les Charles), and now Cheers was to be his best. I watched from the beginning, having been hooked on Taxi. I was 15, when it first aired in 1982.

The show floundered at first and NBC for lack of anything else but Brandon Tartikoff's vision it kept running. Then in 1984, as Cosby gave new life to Thursdays and Cheers was given that prime 9 pm slot they introduced a character who was to be on for just a few episodes. His name Frasier Crane..... er.. Dr. Frasier Crane that is and he was played brilliantly by Kelsey Grammer.

With Shelly Long playing diva and behind the scenes causing many issues, the show slowly took the focus off her and Sam and onto the best ensemble ever. Norm, Cliff, Carla and the man himself, Frasier.

There were many highlights during Cheers and once Ms. Long was gone the show truly blossomed. As did the characters. But none so memorable as the good Dr. with many phobias and neuroses. I related to him immediately.

When Cheers ended in 1993, I never cried harder in my life. I was 26 and had missed very few episodes. They had become family and I had allowed them in my living room for many years to lighten my mood and make life seem a little better. I was there for Kelly and Woody's marriage, Lillith's cheating, Sammy taking off the rug, Carla, Norm and Cliff being Carla Norm and Cliff.

Kelsey was to get his spinoff, and his character Frasier moved to Seattle. We met his dad and his dad's dog, Martin and Eddie (Martin being his dad). His brother, Dr. Niles Crane, who was more neorotic and pompous than Frasier himself. There was Roz, his producer and Daphne his dad's Therapy nurse, and the forever unseen Maris, Niles' wife.

For 11 years, the 2nd greatest ensemble cast ever, graced my living room and again made me smile, laugh and tonight cry like a baby.

Granted this show never achieved the audience levels of Cheers but at times it was so much better. So much funnier, I never related to a show better than this. Frasier, Niles and I shared many of the same qualities. I finally felt totally understood and not so alone in my eccentricities. Someone understood me, and showed me it was ok to be the way I was, neurotic, not very good at sports or "manly" things, love of the arts, phobic, sensitive and caring yet in subtle ways.

As stated before I cried tonight, harder than I ever have, including the night Cheers said farewell. Even as I write this, I do so choking back tears and the sound of wailing. For tonight, I said goodbye to one great friend and family member.

While, many can say it was just a tv show and they come and go, for 20 years Mr. Grammer's been in my living room weekly, almost every week. I suppose some psychocologists could claim transference and perhaps they are right. But when you have someone in your living room for 20 years on a weekly basis they become a part of your family. Frasier Crane and Kelsey Grammer have been a part of my family for many years.

So tonight, I thank the stellar cast, David Hyde Pierce, John Mahoney, Peri Gilpen, Jane Leeves, the creators and producers, the writers and directors.

But most of all I graciously thank Mr. Kelsey Grammer for the 20 years for never selling out his character, being true to his audience (even while fighting publicly many personal demons), and for graciously entering my living room for 20 years. Seeing me through puberty, high school, failed attempts at college, a gambling addiction and my own demons and the happy times. The one thing I could count on every week was that he'd bring a smile, a laugh and in some way acceptance.

So farewell Frasier may in Chicago you find that happiness. And to Mr. Grammer, good luck, you are a hell of an actor, as such you will bring life to many future characters, each as great in some way as Frasier.

The stagelight dims on Frasier but for me there will always be a part of him in my life.

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Ace_O_Spades

I loved frasier, they play reruns for an hour every day, and I always manage to catch them... I'm very sad to see it go, thanks for the memories Frasier

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Feh.

KellyC

It's ironic that Fraiser's last episode would be my first time watching the show. It's quite good. I'll be on the look out for the reruns....


btw...that is one hell of a peice you've written there, I very much enjoy reading it

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onetime2

While I haven't been watching Frasier much in the last several years I am a fan. It's tough to see a show (and a character) go when it's been around for a big portion of your life. Cheers is probably my most favorite show ever. Hopefully Kelsey will be successful in getting another show in the future. It would be a shame to see the character fade away.

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Charlatan

It is amazing that a show as great as this went out with not even a quarter of the accolades that an inferior show like Friends garnered...

It really goes to show you that demographics are everything.

I read an artcile recently where Kelsey Grammer predicted that this was the end of sohisticated comedy on American TV. Sadly I fear he is correct.

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quadro2000

I didn't really watch Frasier, but I really enjoyed your post.

I met Kelsey Grammer about 10 years ago. Ironically, I was at the theater, seeing a show called "Wild Men" which starred George Wendt.

He autographed my Playbill, and took pictures with all of us. He was quite gracious.

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frankgrimes

Nice tribute to a great show. Thanks for your thoughtful post.

JoeyB

The end for now, possibly.

Every genre fades and comes back.

Cop Shows
Dramas
Sitcoms

Right now it's reality. Eventually there will be an opportunity for a smart comedy on American TV. Until then....it's Fear Factor and Who Wants to marry my neighbor's cat

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Cynthetiq

nice tribute.

I loved Taxi and Cheers, Harry Anderson's character in the early days was my favorite.

I also will miss. Mr. Frasier Crane even though I didn't watch him religiously I did enjoy him immensely when I did. I'm looking forward to watching the last episode over the weekend.

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Fremen

Reruns are our saviour.

The last episode of the Drs. Crane is on again tonight.

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Charlatan

Agreed... for now... BUT I really think it's going to be a long time before that shift comes... Even if it isn't it sure is going to feel like a long time.

DonnieBoy

I loved Cheers and Fraiser too... didn't watch Frasier much the last few seasons... since Niles and Daphne married but I catch the older episodes on reruns quite often.

DB

WarWagon

I was always a big fan of Frasier, and I didn't even know it was going off the air since I've yet to see an episode since being away at school. Its a shame to see it go.

Jackebear

pan6467...nice epilogue...great writing. I too LOVED Cheers and its spinoff Frasier. No one thought a spin off would work and boy, did those people ever eat their words. 31 Emmys...wow. A show whose writers were fantastic and producers awesome. I mean, you can not picture anyone other than David Hyde Pierce to be Niles...that has got to be the best casting move ever made on any sitcom. And Kelsey Grammar is the best.

So long Seattle...Frasier has left the building.

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