As one of the best-regarded sitcoms of all time, Frasier is a series that has very few things wrong with it. Although some later storylines haven't aged as well, including some dreadful writing for Daphne's character, the series' first season, in particular, stands the test of time as some of the best sitcom writing.
Even more noteworthy, many of the best parts of season 1 are things that have only become as important and as beloved in retrospect. Whether through the introductions of characters who would become important later, or the establishment of key storylines that viewers would love, there's a lot in season 1 of Frasier that is still worth revisiting.
Bebe's Introduction
There are many iconic recurring characters in the world of Frasier, but few of them leave quite as strong an impression as the wheeling and dealing Bebe Glazer. Though she becomes Frasier's cutthroat agent, Bebe is actually first introduced as Bulldog Briscoe's agent.
Her first appearance in the season 1 episode "Selling Out" provides merely a glimpse of the power she will hold in Frasier's life, as she convinces him to "sell out" by advertising products. Given how prominent a role Bebe would go on to have in the series, it's safe to say that she made a remarkably strong first impression.
Frasier's Humbling Holiday
There are many great holiday episodes in Frasier, and it's certainly true that many of them are funnier in the traditional sitcom sense than season 1's "Miracle on Third or Fourth Street." But it's also true that there is something special about this moving season 1 entry that later holiday episodes don't quite capture.
Frasier really is pushed to his limit in this episode, which finds one holiday plan after another falling through. By episode's end, he has wound up in a diner frequented by the homeless at the holidays, and without his wallet at that. The display of kindness and generosity by his fellow patrons, who all chip in to foot his bill, truly provides a rare moment of humbling for the pompous Frasier.
Frasier And Martin's Pilot Storyline
There aren't any conventionally close family relationships in Frasier, as each branch of the Crane family tree is a little more unconventional and "bent" than the next. But the pilot episode of the series, "The Good Son," doesn't hesitate in the way it immediately establishes the conflict at the heart of Frasier and Martin's relationship.
Both Crane men lament that their lives have not turned out as they expected, with a divorced Frasier now taking in his father Martin due to Martin's health issues. Also contained within the strong first episode conflict are the men's inability to understand their respective cultures (Frasier's high taste, Martin's lowbrow one) and themes of obligation versus gratitude.
Niles And Daphne In "A Mid-Winter Night's Dream"
More than any other relationship in the series, the romance between Niles and Daphne is perhaps the most enduring aspect of Frasier. The characters could not be more different from one another, but their opposites attract, "will they, won't they" storyline kept fans on their toes for seasons on end.
The memorable season 1 episode "A Mid-Winter Night's Dream" nearly put all of that back and forth to an early end, however. This is one of the first episodes in the series to truly highlight the undeniable chemistry between these characters, as well as Niles's internal conflict about his feelings for Daphne when he is still married to the never-glimpsed Maris.
Roz's Sass
Frasier may often be thought of as a show about the Crane men, but there's no denying that the show's real secret weapon is the always-on-point Roz Doyle. Her acerbic wit leads to some of the series' most hilarious moments, and Roz has plenty of hysterically funny quotes to prove it.
As Frasier's producer, she is quickly introduced as one of the only characters other than his brother, Niles, who can match Frasier measure for measure and keep him on his toes at all times. Thankfully, the series only allowed her character to flourish even more as it progressed, allowing for some incredible comedic work by Peri Gilpin.
The Family Drama Of "Beloved Infidel"
It's rare for a sitcom episode, especially one so early in a sitcom's run, to introduce a premise that completely pulls the rug out from under the characters when it comes to the way they understand their family and the world. Season 1's "Beloved Infidel" does exactly that and makes for one of the series' most affecting episodes.
After witnessing their father dining intimately with an old family friend they hadn't seen after a fallout between families years ago, Frasier and Niles come to the conclusion that their father had an affair with the woman. In the end, it is revealed that their mother, Hester, had an affair with this woman's husband, which of course reveals shocking new information about their mother, and also paints their father in a new, understanding light to both Crane sons.
Frasier And Eddie's Rivalry
Though Eddie is "just" a dog and not biologically Martin's child, it's clear that Eddie is just as much Martin's son as Frasier is. This, of course, lends itself to some hilarious sibling-style rivalry between Frasier and the adorable and witty pup, who almost always does everything he can to get on Frasier's nerves.
From sitting with Frasier at the breakfast table to rolling around on the couch when he's not supposed to do to just staring at Frasier for prolonged periods of time, Eddie knows exactly how to get on Frasier's nerves and does so with great skill in season 1, which is something that thankfully continues for the rest of the series as well.
Niles And Frasier Trying To Work Together In "Author, Author"
But when it comes to competitive sibling rivalry, it truly doesn't get any better than the contentious relationship between Niles and Frasier, which reaches its breaking point in season 1 in the hysterical episode "Author, Author."
The brothers get roped into working together on a book through their own idiotic exaggeration, which leads to the two of them sequestering themselves in a hotel room to try and get the writing done. Of course, prolonged exposure to one another only leads to chaos, and some of the series' finest physical comedy and introspection as well.
Everything About "Frasier Crane's Day Off"
Another episode that highlights not only the friction between Niles and Frasier but also Frasier's most selfish and paranoid behaviors is the classic "Frasier Crane's Day Off." When Frasier is sick, he sends Niles in to cover for him on his radio show, since he fears a competitor will try to make moves on his enviable time slot in his absence.
Of course, little does Frasier know, Niles turns out to be an incredible radio host, which gives him a whole new plethora of anxieties. When Frasier, heavily affected by medication, heads down to the radio station to reclaim his spot, the episode veers sharply into madcap comedy, and still stands as some of the series' funniest character work.
Coffees At Cafe Nervosa
Even though Frasier and Niles are often at odds with one another, not just in season 1 but in the series overall, the two brothers manage to always find time to have coffee together at their favorite spot, Cafe Nervosa.
By series' end, this simple ritual has an incredibly poignant meaning, when Niles tells a departing Frasier, "I'll miss the coffees." Cafe Nervosa is, in many ways, the location for the healing of the Crane brothers' relationship, and also proves to serve as the setting of many of the series' most hilarious moments.