Frasier

Unlike "Daddy Dearest," it's a warm, compassionate, story about a human problem the baby boomer generation sooner or later will be dealing with: what to do with geriatric TV set as they get on in years. It's not a big busy ensemble sitcom like "Cheers," more a one-man show for Grammer. But it's cozy, involving, socially relevant and marvelously amusing. [16 Sept 1993, p.93]

A series that constructs its characters and situations with care and skill from the start rather than relying on seeking to confirm expectations. [16 Sept 1993]

Situations are on target, characters are strong, the dialogue bright. Nothing's extraneous as director James Burrows keeps a tight rein on the brisk, smart exercise.

In a season of too many three-child sitcoms, Frasier reminds viewers how good an adult sitcom can be. In its own way, Frasier is a family sitcom, one with meaning for middle-aged children. The father character brings a dark, but not oppressive, tone to the show, and Mahoney offers a performance full of pain and bitter humor. He gives Frasier a weight that other sitcoms, even Cheers, rarely have. [16 Sept 1993, p.G1]

In the tradition of Cheers, the show thrives by selling up distinct, contrary personalities and making them collide for a half-hour each week. So far the writing is sharp and punchy.

So far, Martin and Daphne have been good for a few solid laughs per show,but the indispensable costar has proven to be Frasier's brother, Niles, played by David Hyde Pierce.

Frasier is also that rare supporting character who appears able to support his own series. Tonight's pilot gets Frasier off to a smartly written and deftly acted start that is especially lifted by the effortless pairing of Grammer and Pierce, who was a standout from the short-lived political sitcom "The Powers That Be." [16 Sept 1993, p.1F]

This is almost exactly the same premise as Fox's hideously unfunny Daddy Dearest. What a difference a script makes. [16 Sept 1993, p.E1]

If the premiere of Frasier does not manufacture laughs as consistently as one might expect from a "Cheers" offspring, it's still a cleverly written show with a quality cast that bodes well for the future. Mahoney is superb as the father, who reveals his inner feelings grudgingly, and Grammer is a master of the witty response. [16 Sept 1993, p.F11]

On merit, Frasier seems more likely to succeed, largely thanks to a strong supporting cast, headed by the man who plays the father, John Mahoney. [16 Sept 1993, p.ND42]

Warning: This is not "Cheers II." With the morose Crane as the central character, the Frasier spinoff reflects the gloomy, occasionally pompous personality of the guilt-burdened shrink and the star who plays him. The humor is moody and cerebral, like the chilly Grammer. But that's not bad - especially in this season of warm and gooey domestic sitcoms. [16 Sept 1993, p.43]

Frasier at this point seems much more amusing when he's at home contending with his father than when he's at the workplace fielding phoned-in woes. But wherever he is, he's clearly in good hands -- the hands of old pros who still have the brash enthusiasm of young Turks. [16 Sept 1993, p.C1]

Leeves is a hoot as Daphne, and provides leavening to Mahoney's self-centered gruffness. This could all work out, I guess; these characters (except possibly Dad) could grow on us, and in the post-"Seinfeld" time slot, they're likely to get a chance. [16 Sept 1993, p.6G]

Served up this time as the main course instead of an ensemble hors d'oeurve, Kelsey Grammer's Frasier Crane has been toned down from his overbearing "Cheers" years. He's slightly less pompously goofy, making him far more acceptable in these larger doses.[16 Sept 1993, p.B6]

This "Cheers" spinoff has a winking cleverness about it. The writing is snappy and Kelsey Grammer, who plays a radio shrink, is unexpectedly charming. If I was in major couch-potato mode after "Seinfeld," I wouldn't turn it off. [17 Sept 1993, p.47]

Like most other Cheers fans, it's impossible not to miss the gang back East. But given the disappointing season at hand, Frasier will do. [16 Sept 1993, p.1D]