David Hyde Pierce explains why he might return for the Frasier reboot. A spin-off of the sitcom Cheers, Frasier centers on therapist Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), who utilizes his radio talk show to dole out wisdom to his listeners, but struggles with his personal relationships due to his pretentious temperament. Making its debut in 1993, Frasier was critically praised and ran up to season 11 on NBC before signing off in 2004.
Starring Grammer, Pierce as Frasier’s supercilious brother Niles, the late John Mahoney as Frasier’s father Martin, Jane Leeves, Bebe Neuwirth, and Peri Gilpin, Frasier is hailed as one of the most acclaimed sitcoms of all time. In 2021, it was announced that a Frasier reboot was in the works and would arrive on Paramount+ on a so-far unconfirmed date. However, few updates on the project have been offered since then, except for the confirmed return of Grammer as Frasier. More recently, Pierce said he was supportive of Grammer's efforts to revive Frasier, but didn't reveal whether he would return to role in the Frasier reboot.
Now, Pierce has offered some insight as to what would lead him to reprise his role as Niles. Per Deadline, Pierce revealed that he would sign on for the Frasier reboot if he could see a convincing script. The actor admitted he isn't sure where the Frasier reboot stands, but suggested that it's still a work in progress. However, Pierce admitted that a strong Frasier reboot script would likely get him on baord. Read what he said below:
"My feeling was always that they had gone on their way, and I wasn’t really thinking about where they had gone. I went on to other shows. But I think if I saw a script where I went, “Oh my gosh, how interesting. Who would have thought that this is what they’re doing?” That’s why I never say I wouldn’t do it. It’s about how their story is told, because I care a lot about those people, those actors. And so, if I were to see a script of a Frasier reboot that I had to do, I would do it."
Of course, Pierce offering his conditions on what would convince him reprise his iconic Frasier role as Niles is an improvement on his previous comments. Back in 2017, Pierce stated that he wasn't at all interested in a Frasier reboot. As it stands, it seems a Niles return boils down to a revival story that places the original characters in a compelling storyline, rather than bringing back the Frasier cast for nostalgia's sake. For now, loyal fans can continue to hope that the original cast will join Grammer in the next chapter of Dr. Frasier's life. Indeed, one of the reasons Frasier was so successful was due to the chemistry, sibling rivalry, and dynamic between the Crane brothers, and a reboot is unlikely to be as successful without Pierce's involvement.
The Frasier reboot has been in the works for a while, but it sounds as if show is still trying to settle the foundation for its premise, with the title character in the third act of his life. Aside from returning characters, another major unknown of the Frasier reboot is where the series will take place, as Frasier famously departed Seattle for Chicago in the series finale. Indeed, it seems Grammer and his team have their work cut out for them as they continue to workshop the highly-anticipated Frasier reboot to the point where Pierce is willing to return.
Source: Deadline