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'I'm cautiously optimistic': readers on the return of Frasier

<span>Photograph: AF archive/Alamy</span>
Photograph: AF archive/Alamy

‘It was one of the best comedy series ever’

Brilliant to hear it’s returning. I was very sad when it finished – it was one of the best comedy series ever. I loved it from start to finish – the scripts were very good and the acting superb. My favourite moment is most likely when Niles [Frasier’s brother] and Daphne [Frasier’s housekeeper and physical therapist for his father] finally got together, but most of the series were excellent and each episode is a masterclass, so it’s very hard to choose one exact moment. Hopefully they get most of the cast back together. Kevin Dolecki, 72, retired, Halifax

‘I’m ecstatic about it returning’

I’m ecstatic about it returning – the reboot will be like catching up with an old friend. I for one cannot wait to see where Frasier has found himself many years later and for us to learn if he’s still “listening”. The absurd trajectory of Niles’ courtship of Daphne and Frasier’s relationship with Eddie [his father’s dog] were always a highlight. And who could forget The Ski Lodge episode? Also, I think it’s time for us to finally meet Maris [Niles’s ex-wife]. Daniel, 30, lawyer, Australia

‘Frasier has been a comfort during lockdown’

Old episodes of Frasier have been a big comfort to me during lockdown, so maybe it’s what the world needs now. My favourite is the season seven episode, They’re playing our song, when Frasier offers to write a jingle and completely overdoes it and ends up with an orchestra complete with bagpipes. For me, it’s the essence of Frasier’s bombast and lack of self-awareness.

Niles: Whatever happened to the concept of “less is more”?

Frasier: Ah, but if less is more, just think of how much more MORE will be.

And of course, the inimitable John Mahoney as Martin [Frasier’s father]: “All we need is a rhyme for ‘ombudsman’ and we can go to bed”. It makes me roar. Emily, 27, TV producer, London

John Mahoney as Martin Crane.
John Mahoney as Martin Crane. Photograph: AA Film Archive/Alamy

‘I am not sure how the aesthetics will work out’

It might sound like a minor issue, but I am not sure how the aesthetics will work out on the new show] There is something so distinctly late-90s about the Frasier set and costuming. I actually think that this was a pretty important feature of the show. It speaks to a very specific slice of American culture. I hope they will retain Martin’s memory by demonstrating that Frasier has learned something from him – to take himself less seriously, or become a bit more comfortable in his own skin. Ella McKelvey, 24, student, Durham

‘It holds a special spot in my heart’

Oh my god yes. Frasier holds such a special spot in my heart as it was my go to for comfort watching TV. The characters and relationships were so endearing to watch and I am excited, but will feel sad to not see Martin Crane return. I would like to see a goodbye tribute to him though. I love the episode Give him the chair! revolving around Martin’s chair – it reminded me of my mum’s love of a kitchen table she’s had since before I was born. Cristina Bran, 29, technology transformation manager, London

‘There’s a massive hole to fill’

What can a reboot possibly add? The cultural differences between Frasier and Martin, and the dynamic that presented, was the essence of the show. So much hinged on it and it gave the writers loads to play with. Not having Martin – and Eddie – will be a massive hole to fill. So much so that it seems pointless trying. But maybe that is the point: to set a new tone and try a new approach. Maybe the producers have to be brave and put Frasier in a situation he’s not comfortable with or prepared for. That narrative has worked incredibly well in Schitt’s Creek – a bankrupt Frasier returning to Boston might be an interesting idea. Nick Green, digital marketer, Ipswich

‘I’d like to see Frasier in a new city once again’

I am apprehensive about Frasier’s return, given John Mahoney is no longer with us. I would rather the show was left as it was since it had a brilliant finale. I think if they take the character Frasier and place him in a new environment – like they did with Frasier being a spin off from Cheers – it could work. Much will depend on the writers and Kelsey Grammer’s ability to re-inhabit Frasier. The Ham radio episode is my favourite; a perfect example of Frasier’s hubris. I’d like to see Frasier in a new city once again, but with a new cast, to prevent it tarnishing memories of the original run in Seattle. Nicholas, 25, student, London

The cast of Frasier.
The cast of Frasier. Photograph: Everett Collection Inc/Alamy

‘I hope they can find a way to recapture the magic’

I’m cautiously optimistic. I hope they can find a way to recapture the magic. Maybe they can make Freddy [Frasier’s son] the new everyman of the cast, in the mould of his grandfather, Martin. I just hope they don’t do this at the expense of his intelligence. There’s no reason Freddy couldn’t be even smarter and more cultured than his dad and his uncle Niles – he just happens to like pop culture and sports like his grandad. Same for Niles and Daphne’s kids. If they are shown, I would hope they are depicted as being as smart as their dad, but as down-to-earth as their mum. It wouldn’t be Frasier if he wasn’t in endless pursuit of a companion too. Maybe the trick might be to have him realise how wonderful his life already is, though. Brett, 34, Manchester

‘I’d like to see him facing retirement and old age’

I’m sure there would be interesting stories to explore as Frasier ages. But on the other hand it could so easily be messed up, especially given John Mahoney’s death and the questions over whether other cast members will return. Will it also be hard to separate Grammer’s conservative views from the presumably still liberal Frasier?

The episode I could watch on repeat is Three Valentines. The scene that still makes me laugh out loud is Niles setting fire to his trousers while getting ready for his date at Frasier’s apartment. It’s a masterclass in comic acting by David Hyde Pierce [who plays Niles]. In the new series I’d like to see Frasier facing retirement and old age, which he might not deal with so gracefully. Caroline, 52, arts fundraiser, London