Frasier just marked its 30th Anniversary as it debuted its first episode on 16th September 2023, on NBC. Spanning 11 seasons, the sitcom gathered a lot of acclaim from fans and critics alike, making it one of the most successful spin-off series ever made. The original series Cheers also lasted 11 seasons and introduced us to the character of psychiatrist Frasier Crane played by Kelsey Grammer. Frasier continued his story as he returns to his hometown, Seattle, as a radio show host and reconnects with his family. The show won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series for five consecutive years and a reboot spin-off for the show is all set to premiere on Paramount+ on October 12, 2023. So, today, let us take out a few moments to appreciate the very best episodes of Frasier as rated by fans on IMDB.
10) Out with Dad (Season 7 Episode 15) – 9.0
If an episode like Out with Dad is at the bottom of this list, the you can probably guess how top tier this list is going to be. While substituting for Niles at the Opera on Valentine’s Day, Martin claims to be gay to avoid getting fixed up with the mother of a woman Frasier is interested in. Martin gets some comeuppance when Frasier’s date then brings along her gay uncle as a match for Martin. Niles gets dragged into the charade, and David Hyde Pierce is at his best. Outrightly hilarious, Out With Dad is a top notch episode from a top notch sitcom.
9) Halloween (Season 5 Episode 3) – 9.0
Halloween is quite a common trope for sitcoms and we see dedicated Halloween episodes every season in almost every sitcom. This Halloween episode of Frasier came with a twist. When Roz suspects she is pregnant, Frasier invites her to Niles’ Halloween party to take her mind off the possibility. The part where Niles suspects that Daphne is the pregnant one and Frasier is the father is an absolute hoot. Niles, Martin, Daphne, Roz all play the Central part in making this one hilarious and the only thing that held the episode back was the horrendous performance by Camille Grammer as Eve.
8) Something Borrowed, Someone Blue: Part 2 (Season 7 Episode 24) – 9.1
One of the only two season finale on this list, Something Borrowed, Someone Blue: Part 2ends one of the biggest hooks of the series. Not only did the prolonged will they, won’t they period of Niles for Daphne made their eventual pairing more special, but the fact that the show continued past this point, made their relationship more realistic, and added another shading to the character of Niles. Perfectly written and perfectly delivered, this episode is often considered one of the most emotionally charged and goosebumps inducing one of the series.
7) Goodnight, Seattle: Part 2 (Season 11 Episode 24) – 9.1
The finale of the series titled Goodnight, Seattle: Part 2 ended up being one of the only few successful sitcom finales so far. Although the final season wasn’t the best of the series, they managed to have one final profound moment of misunderstanding, that really put a nice bow on the comedic wit that made Frasier what it was. It’s also worth mentioning that this final episode contains one of the show’s best ever gags – when Martin sits on the Eames chair which Frasier has put in place of the awful recliner, and Martin says that he would have been fine with the Eames all along. That’s a gag which took 11 seasons to set up, and it was worth it.
6) Moon Dance (Season 3 Episode 13) – 9.1
This episode is bursting with humor and touching scenes, making it one of the most perfect episodes of the series. Jane Leeves’ Daphne shines in this episode as she teaches Niles to dance and then gives him his life back. His hopes are different than his, but the lovely chemistry between them and their incredible dancing makes it worth watching. Aside from that, this episode was Kelsey Grammer’s directorial debut and he did such a fine job that this episode quickly became one of the highlights of the series.
5) The Doctor Is Out (Season 11 Episode 3) – 9.1
The final years of Frasier weren’t overall as stellar as its first seasons, but Season 11’s The Doctor is Out showcased that the show has still go it. Although much of the appreciation goes to its writers, Patrick Stewart played the role of Alastair to delightful perfection. Frasier is attracted to his celebrity and his kindness. For several reasons, it is assumed that Dr. Crane is also gay. He hesitates telling the truth because of some amazing opportunities to go places and meet some of his heroes. This is a seamless episode with some startlingly funny scenes.
4) The Two Mrs. Cranes (Season 4 Episode 1) – 9.1
The Two Mrs Cranes is another fan favourite Frasier episodes where a simple lie just keeps snowballing on, getting hilariously out of control. And Daphne’s poor ex fiancé is oblivious while the rest of us are rolling on the floor in hysterics. It is an episode that is a tour de force of the great comic writing, where each character has their own motive for lying and it all falls together perfectly.
3) The Matchmaker (Season 2 Episode 3) – 9.2
One of the best and funniest episodes of the series came pretty early in the form of The Matchmaker. With a raft of double entendres, this little French farce involves the search for a man for Daphne. Frasier meets the new office manager, very handsome fellow, and tries to hook him up with Daphne. However, there is a misunderstanding; that being the guy is gay and he thinks Frasier is coming on to him. This is handled wonderfully without a bunch of over the top comments and is is situation comedy at it’s finest.
2) Ham Radio (Season 4 Episode 18) – 9.4
This is another all-star script, played masterfully by all characters. When the 50th anniversary of he station comes around, Frasier is given the task of reprising a murder mystery first aired way back when. Of course, he has to totally take over the whole thing, driving away his best actor, over-directing Niles, and not allowing for situations that occur. Wonderful farce, with lots genuinely big laughs, this should make just about anybody’s top list of great TV half-hours.
1) The Ski Lodge (Season 5 Episode 14) – 9.5
When Frasier is able to bring the whole gang to a luxurious ski lodge, he sets in motion a series of encounters, based on secret desires. Niles loves Daphne, but she doesn’t reciprocate; Frasier wants to shack up with the swim suit model; Daphne wants the ski instructor, but he is gay and takes a shine to Niles. It’s hundred mile per hour comedy and one of the funniest episodes that ever debuted on TV. The talent and chemistry of the cast comes forward the most in this episode as everyone misinterprets each other in an confined space blended with slapstick. With an interesting setting, great writing, and incredible comic timing by the performers, The Ski Lodge is undoubtedly the best episode of the series.
Frasier Reboot is all set to premiere on Paramount+ on October 12, 2023.
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