Who Opened the Window...

 ...and let all the fresh air in?

That's how I feel about the new reboot of the always welcome "Frasier."  Recently premiering on Paramount Plus (with the first two episodes also showcased on CBS), this is more of a third act than a reboot.   More importantly, it marks clear evidence that it is possible to produce a smart and funny sitcom in front of a live studio audience.   In my book, that's the only way sitcoms should be shot.   With that live energy you get only from 200 folks sitting in the bleachers.

As a fan of the original, I was very skeptical when news came out about the planning of a return, especially since reboots of "Murphy Brown" and "Will and Grace" had gotten it all wrong.

About six months ago, I somehow got my hands on the reboot pilot script and I was astounded just how good it was.   Could this transfer successfully to the sound stage?

You bet it did.

Now much has been made of the fact that Frasier Crane is the only holdover character.   But that, in its own way, is part of the charm.   After all this time, Frasier is moving on.   Dad has just passed away.   His last romance has ended after twenty years.   And he senses it's time to finally be a father to son Freddy, who just happens to live in Frasier's old haunt of Boston.

The reboot builds on the character and allows him to breathe in this new setting organically.  Freddy has quit Harvard to become a fire fighter, much to Dad's chagrin.   And he has a life of his own in which Frasier will now attempt to fit in.

This show has all the laughs and feels and energy of the original, but, in its own retro style, feels brand new.   Or like one of the best sitcoms of the 80s and 90s that we sorely miss and need in 2023.

The cast is superlative, especially Jack Cutmore-Scott as Freddy and the wonderful Anders Keith as the son of Niles and Daphne, complete with his father's many eccentricities.  When I read the pilot, I sensed these characters were strong on paper.   The actors bring them even more life.

And that's another thing about this "Frasier."  In recent years when sitcoms would film in front of a live audience, the sound mixers would be reluctant to let the audience reaction be heard as if they were ashamed of it.   Not on this one. They let you hear the audience in all its raucous response.   This adds to the theatricality of it all as every episode of "Frasier" is like a one act play on Broadway.

There is hope in the world.   Thanks to all behind this welcome breath of fresh air.

Through a window that is now wide open.

Dinner last night:  Sandwich and salad.