Mixed Reactions to Frasier Reboot Starring Kelsey Grammer and Nicholas Lyndhurst

Critics have generally praised the reboot of the sitcom Frasier, although some have mentioned that it feels a bit outdated. The new version stars Kelsey Grammer, who returns to his role, along with Nicholas Lyndhurst from Only Fools and Horses. The Guardian called it a "joy to watch" and commended Grammer's flawless performance. On the other hand, the Financial Times felt that it lacked the charm of the original, and Rolling Stone described it as an unfunny and uninspiring failure. The original Frasier, which was a spin-off from Cheers, aired for 11 seasons from 1993 to 2004. The reboot's first two episodes will be available to stream on Paramount+ this Friday. According to Variety's Aramide Tinubu, watching the third chapter of Frasier is a delightful and charming experience. The reboot embraces the elements that made the '90s sitcom iconic, without attempting to reinvent the wheel. It may not offer something new, but there is a refreshing charm in dusting off and reviving a beloved relic. Lucy Mangan from The Guardian gave the reboot a four-star review, noting that it initially struggles but eventually recaptures the chemistry and magic of the original. Unlike the disappointing Sex and the City reboot, Frasier successfully updates the comedy's setting, incorporates the character's aging, presents new challenges, and diversifies the cast seamlessly. It feels like a natural progression rather than a forced creation. The revived series follows Frasier back to Boston, where Cheers took place, after spending 15 years as a TV therapist in Chicago. He moves to be closer to his now-grown son Frederick, who left Harvard to become a firefighter. The new episodes show Frasier being convinced to stay on and give lectures at his old university. Dominic Patten from Deadline writes that the revival of Frasier remains true to its original form, with its loud studio audience laughs, staged scenes, comedic setups, and timing. The show's strength lies in delivering exactly what fans would expect if Frasier had never ended in 2004. Kelsey Grammer's Frasier retains his vainglorious personality and can still create hilarity by blocking a kitchen door. The show doesn't need much more to succeed. Despite the positive reviews, there were critics who expressed less enthusiasm. Nick Hilton from The Independent, in his three-star review, noted the absence of some of the show's former supporting cast. Without characters like Daphne, Niles, Martin Crane, or Eddie the Dog, Frasier 2023 feels like a different show. Hilton added that there is little genuinely new in this series that works, resulting in an uncomfortable mix of '90s sitcom tropes and present-day sensibilities. Alan Sepinwall from Rolling Stone was not impressed with the reboot, stating that it simplistically captures what made the character and the '90s version of Frasier successful. Sepinwall perceived an excessive use of wacky misunderstandings and puns in the series. Dominic Maxwell from The Times also gave the reboot a three-star review, mentioning that while the script can feel forced and generic, the performances are energetic, focused, and occasionally electric. Dan Einav from the Financial Times was even less positive, awarding the revival two stars. Einav suggested that the reboot felt more like a relic of the past than a renewed series, with predictable punchlines that could have been written in 2004 when Frasier originally ended. On a more positive note, Nicholas Lyndhurst received praise from Nick Curtis of the Evening Standard, who gave the series four stars. Curtis commended Lyndhurst's deadpan performance as Alan and his ability to portray the character's forgetfulness and indifference. Jasper Rees from The Telegraph gave the reboot a five-star review, stating that it works well based on the first five episodes. Referring to Frasier's fans in the series, Rees mentioned that "Craniacs" will surely increase in numbers. Overall, while there are mixed opinions from critics, the Frasier reboot seems to have pleased many and remained faithful to the original formula.