Frasier

I was pleased to see the Crane boys rewarded at the Emmys in 2004; a fitting tribute to 11 years of highly entertaining TV, the like of which I personally will miss terribly.

Reading some of the comments on this site prompted me to write that the characters created are all based on the premise that the two experts on life are constantly frustrated by their own shortcomings and are guided, ignorantly, by the other characters, who demonstrate that their own interpretations on how to run their lives supercede the tertiary-educated brothers.

I will sorely miss the interactions between all members of the cast and the ability of the show to hit the nail fairly and squarely on the head, when it comes to addressing the vagaries of interfamilial relationships. If you don't get this, you never will and you will never see the funny side of life.

I look forward to Australia receiving the most recent episodes, as we are still watching reruns from about 1998! Lucky us!

I love this TV show, and I try to watch it as much as possible! The humor is intelligent unlike some TV shows that have humor that is stupid and immature and predictable. You just have to laugh at all the situations that Niles and Frasier get into that could have been prevented in the first place if they weren't so concerned with appearances, hence the episode when they wanted to see that actor's final stage performance but couldn't because they would not get cancellation tickets! Jane Leeves' Daphne Moon is a wonderful character; she tries to offer words of advice to the Crane family that are sadly ignored most of the time. Martin is funny as the dad who is clueless as to reasons why his sons won't embrace the ordinary life(and I want a chair as comfy as his). I like how Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce showcase their musical talents on the show(and I can tell that isn't fake piano playing) quite often.

Roz is delicious, and you have to laugh at her dysfunctionally romantic life. I enjoy watching Bebe Glazer when she comes on, Lilith is a roll-over when she makes her presence, and of course, Bulldog and his stupid and immature attitude. Watch this show! You'll get a good laugh!

Rather like Friends and Seinfeld, Frasier is one of those sitcoms of the 90's with mass appeal. While it probably isn't as internationally famous as "Friends" it is every bit as good as it. Over the years, "Frasier" has remained a consistently entertaining and ultimately satisfying sitcom. It always has fresh, witty material and hopefully will continue for another few years. The cast all work perfectly together, the overall effect is very good. "Frasier" is one of the best sitcoms on television today.

I enjoy watching Seinfeld and Becker more than I enjoy watching Frasier, but Frasier leaves them both behind in genuine sitcom quality. The cast is brilliant and the writing is absolutely top-notch. The first 5 seasons was probably the best display of American sitcom of all time, if not international sitcom. Unfornunately the show ran out of steam in the final few series when the energy seemed to slip away from both the writing and acting.

Frasier is a real comedy lovers comedy. Even though it pokes fun at wine-loving snobs, it's upper-class feel may have kept some from experiencing the show. While it's not my all-time favourite show, Frasier is undoubtedly the most professional sitcom that I have ever seen.

Frasier has a witty, ironic, heart-warming and occasionally self-deprecating humour. Kelsey Grammar's portrayal of the generous, bordering on vain Frasier Crane is brilliant and it is always funny when his gleefully executed pretensions are shot down by the other characters, especially his father and Roz. I think that the humour of the show would be non-existent without well thought out dialogue exchanges between each character. Each character has a depth to them so that you never feel like they're just present within the show as merely a form of comic relief. That said, there are some hilarious side characters, such as Bebe Glazer, who add a little anarchy to the social dynamic of the show and serve to test Frasier's character.

As a result, you have a show strikes a very good and thoughtful balance between comedy, drama and the always interesting and emotive character development throughout the show. For example, Frasier's relationship between his father, Niles and Daphne, Frasier and Roz, Frasier and Niles and so on. All these characters and the way they interact are very thoughtfully written and the comedy never feels contrived. They just bounce off and the way they react to one another forms the perfect chemistry for comedy and drama that any good show needs.

The character of Frasier is complex. He is a romantic who often over-analyses the relationships he's in, only to get disappointed when things don't work out as he had idealised (something I think is quite common). Although he often helps others, he does so because he craves attention from others. At his worst, he comes off as snobby and self-absorbed, particularly in the beginning of the show. At his best, he is very giving. I think that the other characters that come into his life brings the latter out in him and softens the self-absorbed side of his personality, making him a better person throughout the show. This character dynamic is similar to the way his brother Nile's character develops throughout the series, as well as their father.

As a result, the show is very much centred on people, on the importance of family, friends and helping others. I think the show does a stellar job at demonstrating that it is worth confronting and overcoming the many challenges that emerge out of forming relationships with people. If you are ever a bit miserable you can guarantee that Frasier's cast of characters will provide you with some much needed mirth, entertainment and maybe restore a little bit of faith in your fellow human.