Kelsey Grammer as Frasier Crane in Frasier
Even decades after it began, the Cheers universe remains one of the most beloved and influential television franchises in history. The original series is still one of TV's most endearing shows, with an extended universe that includes three other sitcoms, with Frasier being its most successful offshoot.
The Kelsey Grammer-led spin-off was not only a success in its own right, but it also managed to match the duration of its parent series, running 11 seasons from September 1993 to May 2024, before returning for a short-lived reboot in October 2023. While the initial run introduced a plethora of beloved characters, one fan favorite created a surprising continuity error. A massive part of the show’s charm came from Frasier’s father, Martin Crane . The lovable patriarch of the family was truly a hallmark of what made the initial run so memorable. However, according to Cheers lore, Martin should never have existed. But what started as a jarring continuity error ended up being remedied by a surprising return from Frasier’s past. Martin’s Involvement in ‘Frasier’ Started as a Continuity Error In many ways, Frasier did the impossible. Creating a successful spin-off can be a difficult task, with many becoming colossal failures. Add in the fact that the series was a follow-up to the incredibly popular Cheers, and the pressure was certainly on for the beloved doctor. Another Cheers spin-off, The Tortellis failed after just 13 episodes. But Frasier worked because it both maintained the charm and characterization of Cheers while also creating its own identity and style. Like its predecessor, it also had a dynamic cast in both its regulars and its recurring members. As previously mentioned, Martin was one of the show’s greatest assets, thanks to the contradictions he brought when compared to his sons and his lovable quirks. However, according to an episode of Cheers, he shouldn’t have been part of the spin-off. When the character was first introduced during Cheers’ third season, Frasier was a foil to Sam and Diane’s relationship, but over the years, he became an integral part of the bar and its community. In Season 8 in particular, the show began to dive more into Frasier’s backstory, when he tells his friends on Cheers that both his mother and father have passed away. Considering the episode, “The Return of Tecumseh,” was made and aired nearly four years before Frasier went into production, it’s a jarring continuity error. However, Frasier didn’t wait long before he attempted to remedy this with help from an old friend. ‘Frasier’ Addressed Its Continuity Error with a ‘Cheers’ Reunion’ Close Though Frasier largely maintained its own identity throughout the run of the series, it was inevitable that more Cheers alums would be joining the good doctor in Seattle. Frasier’s ex-wife, Lilith was the most obvious and frequented the series, but nearly everyone from Woody Boyd to Norm visited Frasier at some point, with Kirstie Alley’s Rebecca Howe being the only surviving member of the main cast not to appear. In Season 2, it was Sam’s turn. The Season’s 16th episode, “The Show Where Sam Shows Up,” is a treat in many ways. Obviously, it’s wonderful to see Sam again, and he even brings updates on everyone from back in Boston. He also addresses the issue of Martin’s existence. Related “I Would Have Felt at Sea”: Ted Danson Reveals Why He Never Appeared on the ‘Frasier’ Reboot The 'Cheers' star could've crossed over. Posts When Martin asks Sam about Frasier’s time in Boston, Sam reveals that Frasier had previously told everyone that Martin was dead. Frasier explained that he and Martin had just had a significant fight and that he had wished his father were dead. Adding insult to injury, he also addresses the fact that Frasier had told him that Martin had been a scientist, and that Niles didn’t exist at all. The scene is ultimately paid off in a hysterical way when Martin expresses further frustration regarding the occupation Frasier had bestowed upon him, with Frasier saying: “You were dead, what did it matter?” However, there was one more continuity error between the two shows that was never addressed. John Mahoney Previously Guest Starred on ‘Cheers’ Frasier may have corrected the aforementioned continuity error, but there is one astounding mistake that no amount of explanation could correct. Mahoney was an incredible talent indeed, and he had previously brought his skills to the Cheers universe just one year before the spin-off. Season 11’s “Do Not Forsake Me, O' My Postman” sees Mahoney as Sy Flemback, a writer hired to compose a song for the bar. He even has a fantastic scene with Grammer in the outing. Throughout the 1980s and ‘90s , several guest actors were recast into different roles on the same series, but Mahoney’s case was unique. Originally a replacement for an unnamed actor, Cheers’ producer, Peter Casey, revealed on Ken Levine’s blog that it was Mahoney’s work in this episode of Cheers that led to him being cast as Martin on Frasier! NBC was so enthusiastic about the idea that they didn’t even require Mahoney to audition for the role. Mahoney, however, wasn’t that easy to convince, as he wanted to see a completed script before committing to the part. Interestingly, the idea of Mahoney playing the part was enough to enthuse the series’ creators into finishing the script . The day after reading the pilot, Mahoney enthusiastically agreed. Frasier remains one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. Achieving the impossible by matching the success of Cheers, the series smartly took on its biggest continuity error with a fun and logical approach. While the show was never able to explain the dual casting of John Mahoney in multiple roles, we’re glad it happened, as this continuity error gave us the incredible character of Martin. All these years later, he remains a major part of the show’s success, and we’re happy to overlook the contradiction.Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Your comment has not been saved Like Follow Followed Frasier TV-PG Comedy 5 10 Release Date 1993 - 2003 Network NBC Showrunner Christopher Lloyd, Chris Harris, Joe Cristalli Directors David Lee, Kelsey Grammer, James Burrows, Pamela Fryman Writers David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee Cast See All
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