The long-in-the-works Frasier revival could soon find a home.
According to TVLine, Paramount+ ― which is set to replace CBS All Access in March ― is eyeing the long-gestating project that will serve as a follow-up to the original NBC sitcom that ran for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2004.
Deadline reported that Kelsey Grammer ― who played the titular psychiatrist-turned-radio show host and served as one of the executive producers of the original series ― has had talks with CBS Studios to reprise his role and executive produce the sequel. David Hyde Pierce, who portrayed Frasier’s brother, Niles, in the original series, has also been approached about coming back.
While those discussions are said to be in the very early stages, the ViacomCBS streaming service is reportedly considering giving an initial 10-episode order to the Frasier revival.
Grammer has been spearheading the efforts to revive the iconic series since 2018. And according to Variety, one potential hindrance for the sequel to materialize is its cost. Since Frasier was one of the most successful shows during its time ― earning a total of 37 Primetime Emmy Awards throughout its entire run ― it wouldn’t be a surprise if Grammer is demanding a pay comparable to what he was making at the time the show ended.
Aside from Grammer and Pierce, sources told TVLine that the hope is that Jane Leeves and Peri Gilpin would also be involved in the Frasier revival in some capacity. Leeves played the role of Daphne Moon, Niles’ love interest, in the original series, while Gilpin appeared as Roz Doyle, the producer of Frasier’s radio show.
In an interview with In Depth with Graham Bensinger last November 2019, Grammer revealed that the Frasier revival will explore Frasier in “his next iteration” with a focus on the relationship with his son, Frederick (originally portrayed by Trevor Einhorn), as well as the titular character’s continuing search for a romantic partner.
If the Frasier revival is picked up to series, Deadline reported that the project would not get underway until 2022, as Grammer and Pierce both have to wrap up their respective TV projects first. Grammer is set to headline an untitled ABC multi-cam comedy with Alec Baldwin, while Pierce is one of the main cast members of the upcoming HBO drama Julia.
CBS All Access relaunches as Paramount+ on March 4th.