Frasier, a spin-off of the beloved show, Cheers, has entertained millions of viewers since its inception in 1993. With its brilliant blend of comedy and drama, the show has become a cult classic, and Niles, Daphne, and Roz have become household names. In our opinion, these are the best episodes of Frasier of all time. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive into the wonderful world of Frasier.
1. A Midwinter Night’s Dream (Season 1, Episode 17)
This classic episode showcases the undeniable chemistry between Niles and Daphne. The pair find themselves alone in Niles’ luxurious mansion during a stormy night, and a simple misunderstanding leads to a romantic farce. The tension between them is both hilarious and sweet, making this episode a must-watch for fans of their dynamic. Niles’ gives one of his best performances in this episode.
2. Frasier Crane’s Day Off (Season 1, Episode 23)
In this hilarious episode, Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) is home sick and discovers that his temporary replacement, a therapist named Gil Chesterton, is trying to steal his coveted time slot on the radio. Frasier hatches a plan to get back on the airwaves, but is too loopy from his cold medicine, leading to a series of comedic mishaps that are absolutely hysterical.
3. Coffee with Niles (Season 1, Episode 24)
This fan-favorite episode takes place almost entirely at the Cranes’ favorite coffee shop, Café Nervosa. The conversation between Frasier and Niles (David Hyde Pierce) covers everything from their love lives to their shared profession as psychiatrists. The witty banter and clever dialogue make this episode a standout in the series and highlight the incredible chemistry between the Crane brothers.
4. The Matchmaker (Season 2, Episode 3)
Frasier’s well-intentioned attempt at playing matchmaker for Daphne ends up causing a major misunderstanding when his new (gay) station manager, Tom, believes Frasier is trying to set him up with himself. This episode is filled with laughs as Frasier and Tom navigate their way through the awkward situation, making it a favorite among fans.
5. Moon Dance (Season 3, Episode 13)
Directed by none other than David Hyde Pierce (who plays Niles), this episode sees Niles taking Daphne to a high society dance. The romantic tension between them reaches new heights as they share a dance, and Niles must finally face his feelings for her. This unforgettable episode is both heartwarming and hilarious.
6. The Show Where Diane Comes Back (Season 3, Episode 14)
In a nod to Cheers, the popular sitcom that first introduced Frasier Crane, this episode brings back Diane Chambers (played by Shelley Long). Her unexpected arrival in Seattle leads to a whirlwind of emotions for Frasier, as he grapples with his past and tries to navigate his feelings for Diane. The nostalgia factor and the clever writing make this episode a must-see.
7. Ham Radio (Season 4, Episode 18)
Frasier’s attempt to direct a live radio drama quickly turns into a disaster as he struggles to control his eccentric cast, including Bulldog (played by the hilarious Dan Butler) and Roz (the amazing Peri Gilpin). This episode showcases the show’s knack for clever wordplay and slapstick comedy, making it an instant classic.
8. Halloween (Season 5, Episode 3)
This episode sees Frasier hosting a Halloween party where everyone must come dressed as their favorite literary character. Niles’ costume choice leads to a hilarious misunderstanding, while Roz’s new boyfriend turns out to be a surprising guest. The laughs keep coming in this festive episode that showcases the comedic talents of the entire cast.
9. The Ski Lodge (Season 5, Episode 14)
Frasier, Niles, Daphne, and her friend Annie embark on a ski trip, along with a handsome ski instructor named Guy. What follows is a series of romantic misunderstandings, as each character believes someone else is interested in them. This episode is a brilliant farce that will leave you in stitches. One of the best episodes of Frasier, for sure.
10. Room Service (Season 5, Episode 15)
In this unforgettable episode, Frasier’s ex-wife Lilith (played by the incredible Bebe Neuwirth) comes to town to seduce Frasier, but ends up sleeping with Niles instead, leading to a series of hilarious misunderstandings and mishaps. This episode will have you laughing out loud and marveling at the comedic prowess of these two brilliant actors.
11. Merry Christmas, Mrs. Moskowitz (Season 6, Episode 10)
In this festive episode, Frasier finds himself in a bind when the mother of his new girlfriend believes he’s Jewish. Determined to impress her, he hosts a Christmas party that quickly descends into chaos. This episode is filled with witty dialogue and hilarious situations, making it a holiday classic.
12. Road Warriors (Season 9, Episode 14)
This hilarious episode finds Frasier, Niles, and Martin on a road trip to rediscover their family roots. As they make a pit stop, Niles accidentally climbs into the wrong Winnebago, leading to a series of comical misunderstandings and a wild goose chase to reunite the Crane family. David Hyde Pierce’s impeccable comedic timing shines in this episode, and the mishaps that ensue are a perfect example of the show’s ability to create laughter from even the most unlikely scenarios.
13. High Holidays (Season 11, Episode 11)
This episode features a series of hilarious misadventures as Frasier’s brother, Niles, accidentally ingests a pot-laced brownie, and their father, Martin (played by the wonderful John Mahoney), attempts to bond with Eddie, the family dog. The comedic timing of David Hyde Pierce and John Mahoney is unmatched, making this episode a favorite among fans.
These are just a few of the best episodes of Frasier of all time. Frasier. With its clever writing and an outstanding ensemble cast, it’s no wonder the show has become a beloved classic. It currently holds a 95% score on “Rotten Tomatoes”, almost 30 years later.
News About the Return of ‘Frasier’ to Paramount Plus (2023)
In February 2021, Paramount+ announced that our favorite psychiatrist is making a comeback, with Kelsey Grammer returning as the iconic Dr. Frasier Crane, and he’s back on the Paramount lot.
Since the big announcement, Paramount has been dropping exciting casting news and even giving us a sneak peek of the script. While we’ll see some familiar faces reprising their roles in the revival (including the fabulous Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith), there are a few who won’t be returning.
The star-studded cast for the revival includes Grammer as Frasier; Jack Cutmore-Scott as Freddy, Frasier’s son; Nicholas Lyndhurst as Alan, Frasier’s former college classmate; Toks Olagundoye as Olivia, “the head of the psych department at an Ivy League university” according to Deadline; Anders Keith as David, Frasier’s nephew; and Jess Salgueiro as Eve, Freddy’s college roommate.
In March 2023, it was confirmed that Bebe Neuwirth would be guest-starring as Lilith. And just a month later, Peri Gilpin was also announced to guest star as Roz!
So, who’s not coming back for the Frasier revival?
Sadly, David Hyde Pierce won’t be reprising his role as Dr. Niles Crane. Grammer spoke to People about Hyde Pierce’s decision, explaining that it heavily influenced the direction of the revival.
“David basically decided he wasn’t really interested in repeating the performance of Niles,” Grammer said of his onscreen brother. “In a very funny way, it just took us to a new place, which was what we originally wanted to do anyway, which was a Fraser third act.
He also mentioned that they’ll address the absence of Daphne (as well as his father Martin, played by John Mahoney, who passed away in 2018). Here’s to hoping that Jane Leeves (Daphne) signs up to come back at the last minute! So, buckle up, Frasier fans! We can’t wait to see how the reboot stands up to the classic!