When Niles takes over the radio show for a while, he has one of the best lines ever: "Unlike my brother, who's a Freudian, I personally am a Jungian. So, there'll be no blaming mommy today!"
Niles was one of the best written characters of the era, played by one heck of an actor. It was always a treat watching Hyde Pierce take his weekly turn being Niles.
I love Niles!! The Valentines episode where he is getting ready for a date, sets the couch on fire, irons his pants is so amazing I laugh so much. Another one I can’t remember exactly what episode but he comes crawling into Frasiers apartment covered in sap, everyone is arguing and don’t even notice him(I think it was a Christmas episode)
Thinking of favourite scenes, my mind immediately went to Season 3 where Frasier gives someone 'an etiquette lesson' and then the guy threatens to sue, until Niles does this incredible over-the-top fall caused by a prod of the man's index finger, then Niles whispers to Frasier ...'counter-suit'
Niles learning he was named after a Rat was hilarious. I don't find majority of American sitcoms funny but Frasier is one of my top 3 sitcoms of time. The writing & delivery was Genius.
@@TheBlarggle Doncha mean the smartest show on U.S. television? Err, I know this sets a benchmark for you lot, ( who, let's face it ain't the ahem .....smartest in the world), but "The Smartest"Show? Are you quite young dearie?
Frasier is probably the best Sitcom to come out of the 90s, forget friends, forget everything. Frasier has it all. The comedy rolls smoothly of the story but is never cheap, there is always a bit of smarts in it. a bit of class, much like Frasier himself.
He was a true professional. Not many actors can do enough cocaine to kill a small horse, and then still hit their mark dead on every time. What a legend! Goodest boy indeed.
John Mahoney was very much like his Martin character, down to earth and never taking himself too seriously. I used to see him occasionally dining at a local family restaurant in a near west suburb of Chicago. While he had many accomplishments in his career, he was extremely humble and down to earth. Often he even dressed similar to the Martin character, dockers and button down casual shirt. When I was diagnosed, he began venturing out less and less. I missed conversations with him. When he passed, it was very sad and painful news that hit a lot of people who got to know him casually over the years, including myself. I’ll always remember him respectfully and fondly. I cannot imagine anyone having a single bad word to say about him.
Wow, what a treat to meet the man himself in real life! I believe it was him who was really into opera behind the scenes - and would teach Kelsey and David about it. So many feelings about his character, if I ever saw the chair in real life I think I’d crumble to the floor in tears 😢
The funniest scene I remember from the series is when Niles was pretending to have a child by carrying around a sack of flour in baby carrier. Niles becomes so involved in this form of pretend that he starts to have nightmares. In this nightmare Niles's "baby" is kidnapped and the kidnappers started sending him muffins.
@@michablueflamestar5347They explored this in the episode where Daphne gains weight - Niles faces his many flaws during his infatuation with Daphne and she acknowledges how difficult it was learning he had been pining after her for years. While the original storyline was more of a slapstick side piece, it became the heart of the show and the writers explored it as their relationship developed. So yes, he was a shameless liar for many years while he was in awe of Daphne - he later learned how to see her as a fully formed, flawed human being. And as a result, they were able to bloom as a couple. Sorry, I’m far too invested in this shit haha.
@@Qweryidbdjiabsisndwhilst I found it an odd choice to hide Jane Leeves real life pregnancy by (unconvincingly) making her character obese, I did find the episode where she came back explored something interesting in their relationship. When you find out someone has been pining for you, literally thinking you’re a goddess, for years how do you deal with that? Her character ballooned in weight and he never saw anything different in how she looked. It was a cry for help, she felt trapped by the expectations of Niles and overwhelmed. I like that they confronted that what had been a fruitful comic device for the writers (Niles obsession with Daphne) was a toxic start to the relationship. Deep writing for a sitcom.
The scene that speaks to me the most of the polar opposite personalities between Marty and his boys is the scene when Frasier and Niles are ridiculing a family dinner for the aesthetic, food and vibes and Marty reminds them that just because their mom was very much like them, she still enjoyed the little things in life. Like a good beer and a football game. And telling them how disappointed their mom would be if she saw how they acted. I think it really propelled their character development later on in the show when Marty invites Frasier and Niles to Duke's for the establishments final moment as we can see how much Frasier and Niles begin to appreciate the little things Marty enjoyed himself.
@@lexkanyima2195 didn’t say that. But in my opinion he is the real MVP of that series. I don’t think there is an single bad line delivery or failed laugh from him in the entire series.
DHP is, possibly, the greatest physical comedian since Lucille Ball. The valentines day scene where he sets fire to Frasiers apartment is a masterclass in acting.
Keysey was a Gem to allow his co-stars to shine. He could have been selfish, but he was a good guy and recognized that Davie/Niles was fantastic. Love them both. Actually, love the entire main cast. .... PEACE.
I lived alone during the 2020 Pandemic. The social isolation was intense. I binged watched all the episodes of Frasier twice, always seeing some new reference or little side joke I missed the first time around. This show was my saving grace during one of my most difficult times in life. It will always remain my favorite series of all time. RIP John and " Eddie" and the Angels. ps. Can not wait for its return!
Frasier was a show that helped me so much still laughing in my early 20's in a very dark time in my life. It was a privelege to see your detailed, thoughtful, pleasantly delivered retrospective on the show. Thanks and best wishes.
That episode when Niles tries putting Daphne's parents back together JUST to try and make Daphne happy and it dawns on her that he'd do anything for her? Oh man, right in the feels ❤❤
This was great. I used to watch Frasier every day before school. It was shown every workday morning in the UK on channel 4 for years after it had finished its original run. I was the only kid I knew who watched it. Always felt very mature for watching it - and the inherited snootiness it caused in me probably made me relate to Frasier more. The style of joke writing left a lasting impact on me as well as the performances, and all the references to high culture were educational for someone who didn’t grow up in a world where that stuff was taught to me. This is all a very long comment just to say, this was a great retrospective that made me strangely emotional because it touched on all the things that made the show so impactful to me when I was 14. Thanks for making it
Ordinary Guy! Knowing that you also were the only kid in your circle who watched Frasier makes me feel kinda special. I started watching it with my dad, who, while not caring much about fine arts, is a huuuuge history and politics nerd. Even though half of the jokes went over my head because of being ~11 and a non-native English speaker, I found it hilarious enough. And yes, there was always a feeling of intellectual superiority but in a good way, like feeling you were part of a special secret circle of people who "got" it. P.S. Your channel absolutely rules and I can never get enough of it, I wish I could follow you on Instagram because I despise Twitter lol.
Ordinary Things-I loved watching Frasier when I was growing up as well. Every Friday night my family would watch Frasier, so anytime I come across an episode on TV it takes me back to watching the show with my parents, & my brother as a kid.
Martin beating Frasier in chess actually makes a lot of sense. Martin might not be as educated but he isn’t stupid. He was a cop for years and had to solve cases and he often would have had to plan ahead and strategize. So naturally he would be better at a game that involves strategy and trapping your opponent.
I've played thousands of games, even won a tournament. Pattern recognition and tactical awareness is much more relevant to winning than seeing moves ahead. Richard Reti, a grandmaster of the 1920s, was asked by a lesser player how many moves ahead he could see. He replied, "One move". An exaggeration, but his point stands.
Favorite show of all time. The thing I love about Frasier is that it never talks down to its audience. It's not afraid to be "too smart," to drop references that 90% of their audience doesn't even understand. And they provide characters like Martin and Daphne and Roz to be the audience's surrogates. Really nice treatment here, Jose. Subscribed.
My all time favourite comedy series (my favourite series, bar none, The Rockford Files!). Frasier is superb farce. In the UK Channel 4 have it on a continuous loop of three consecutive shows per day - all shown in sequential order. Genuinely extremely funny, smart, intelligent comedy, killer dialogue, with every character, even those who appear only once, being right on the money. I could not abide Patrick Stewart until I saw him in 'The Doctor Is Out' as Frasier's 'love' interest. An absolute joy. I just hope the coming reboot can live up to the high standards of the original!
I’ve learned so much about sherry, opera, literature, etc. from watching Frasier. When I didn’t understand a reference in the script I’d look it up and sometimes go into serious research.
Frasier is one of my favorite shows. I love how it can go from farcical, silly to quiet and heartfelt in a single episode. The intelligence of the jokes and the great misunderstandings are fantastic as well.
The episode where Frasier thinks he's setting up a guy with Daphne, but the guy is gay and thinks he's on a date with Frasier, man, every time I just THINK about Martin's laugh when Niles told him, I laugh, it was that funny.
Frasier was, and still is, a brilliant sitcom. The actors are really good, even the side characters, the scripts were top notch and the interplay between Kelsey Grammar and David Hyde-Pierce just worked incredibly well. You could believe these guys were brothers.
Here in Trinidad and Tobago, Cheers was a massive hit and everyone of my parents' generation watched the show religiously and it aired in reruns constantly til decades later. Frasier never aired here. My parents only saw it on cable when I did in the early 2010s. But it became an instant classic in my household and every time we see a picture of a greyhound in a turtleneck, we reference Maris.
Bebe Glazer has to be the best recurring character on any show ever. The episodes where she fakes a suicide attempt on the ledge and where she tries to quit smoking are perfect. “She has no scruples, no ethics, and NO REFLECTION!” “Aren’t you glad I’m on your side.”
Lord YES, Bebe was an inspired comic creation, brought to life spectacularly by Harriet Sansom Harris. She shared some of the best ever comic scenes with Kelsey Grammer, no question!
it's a small thing, but as someone with an iPad Mini, I really appreciate that you render these videos at the original 4:3 rather than outputting to 16:9 and windowboxing the old show footage
@@TesterAnimal1 it’s called letterboxing when the content is wider than the screen (bars at top and bottom), pillarboxing when the content is taller than the screen (bars at left and right) and windowboxing when pillarboxed content is wider than the screen (bars on all four sides, IE: 4:3 content in a 16:9 container played on a 4:3 screen)
I don't often taken nearly two hours to take a nostalgic walk through TV history, but I really enjoyed this. Thanks so much! Frazier really was special.
I am 20 years old, and this show was a massive part of my childhood. It made me wanna be a therapist, all the while learning how not to be one, how not to convey information, handle relationships... I learned a lot of what not to do. And it's still one of the most endearing, thoughtful, and hilarious shows I've ever seen, and my current favorite show of all time
Frasier, more than any other US sitcom, resembles traditional British sitcoms, especially with its exploration of class and snobbery. Keeping up appearances, the Good life and Faulty Towers immediately come to mind, but even Red Dwarf, Rising Damp, Yes Minister and To the Manor born hold similarities.
On one of the Red Dwarf DVDs there’s a special feature where they talk about the failed US Red Dwarf remake and why it failed to go beyond a pilot. One of the reasons they touch upon is how it made less of a thing about the class divide between Rimmer and Lister that was so prevalent in the British original, and wonder if it’s because America likes to downplay class whereas in the UK class is more deeply entrenched into the culture. I guess so much of American culture (and how it sells itself to the rest of the world) is based upon the American dream, the notion that anyone from any background can be successful, and the revolutionary casting off of the monarchy and stating that all men are created equal. Whereas Britain has a class structure that goes back centuries made all the more prevalent by the fact that we still have a royal family that lives in big fancy castles. And it would be remiss of me not to mention the fun fact that Jane Leeves played Holly the computer in the American Red Dwarf pilot. Thankfully the pilot wasn’t picked up because if it had she wouldn’t have been able to play Daphne. Also the creators of Red Dwarf are both Mancunian, and one of them wondered on the DVD feature if it was spending time with them that influenced her decision to play the part as a Mancunian.
What an interesting observation. Frasier, along with most of the UK shows you mentioned, are among my favorite of all time (and often revisited). But I had never considered the connection.
Hi folks, My father's health is not so great anymore, but Frasier is possibly his favorite show of all time. He grew up a country boy in South Carolina in the 50's and 60's. He served in the Vietnam War because his draft number was 35 (everyone under 100 usually got drafted each year, so he volunteered). After the war he was a pet store owner, and later a machinist for high precision laser manufacturing. He retired on disability in the late 90's because of PTSD from Vietnam. I grew up as a kid in the late 90's and early 2000's with a somewhat older than usual dad who loved to watch: the news (CNN mostly); sitcoms like Cheers, Fraisure, and Seinfeld; and maybe a few reality game shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor. I think the country boy in him loved to watch Frasier, because Frasier's life was comically different from my dad's life. P.S. I also enjoy Frasier, and I strongly believe it's one of the best TV shows ever released. It's shows & art like this which make life worth living.
This is such a great commentary & a snapshot of *why* TV shows are so important. I'm probably of a similar age/a bit younger than you and love regular TV. I miss its Golden Age
Your dad sounds like an honest, good hearted, hardworking man. The fact that music and TV shows can transport us to a different time and place are what makes them so special. Cheers to your dad and to you for being such an attentive, loving child.❤️
I never think enough praise is given to Peri Gilpin. Ros was written fairly well, but the actress played the character to perfection with great charisma and superb comic timing, giving her far more life than the writers did. Better than Daphne or Martin. Of course Niles/David Hyde Pierce stole the show.
I totally agree! So sad she never got an Emmy (or a nomination) for her work… Peri really managed to give the character, that could otherwise be perceived as quite shallow and superficial, so much heart and relatability. I enjoyed every scene she was in.
@@iki9230 fully agreed. There's something about Lisa Kudrow that would have derailed the whole show. She seems to count on people finding her dumb blonde act charming. She plays the same dim-witted version of herself in every role, and succeeded for that in Friends, but it would have been the wrong ingredient in Frasier. Like curry in ice cream
Thank you so much for your care and attention and a wonderful retrospective - as a Brit, Frasier always appealed to me, satire, farce, sarcasm, class distinctions… all often associated with “British” humour and in the 90s I was so glad to see an American show doing it much better than us Brits (in my humble opinion).
What a great retrospective. I was lucky to go to a shooting of an episode - and it was THE SKI LODGE! What luck! My only disappointment was not seeing the classic set of the show. Watching them perform this live was an amazing feat of comic timing.
That is one of my favourite episodes of all time!!! Especially once the room confusion starts. That must have been hilarious to witness as part of the audience.
@@kikibwellness it was like watching a great play. This style of farce is known as a “door-smaller”. Perfectly executed. Seeing play out without the perspective of the camera or editing only added to the experience
I was 13 in 93 when Fraiser premiered just for reference. Ski Lodge was mom and my favorite episode back then and to this day we will still say to each other with a French accent “stop chasing these Lesbians!” and laugh hysterically!
@@kmsleyang1980Hilarious! 😂😂😂 The wonderfully talented James Patrick Stuart (Valentin on "General Hospital") added even more comedic genius along with the amazing "Frasier" cast in this great episode!
Please do the Nanny. Something about that show speaks to me and makes me hopelessly nostalgic. I was probably 10 when it came on but upon rewatching it, I found it hadn’t lost its magic.
Even if Josè did a video essay on The Nanny, I still couldn't watch it. It's great to know that people like you loved and enjoyed it so much but that woman's voice is like fingernails scratching a blackboard to me. It's strange that I enjoyed Ray Romano's talking style but dislike Fran Dreschers. They're both like a stereotypical hard New York accent to me. I visited NYC back in 1990 and found their accent so intriguing. It was the only time during my 5 week visit to the USA that I was mistaken for a native. According to a couple of New Yorkers, my thick Australian accent sounded local 😂 Different strokes for different folks. Mmmm sounds like a good name for a sitcom 😉✌
the writing and humor are nowhere near as clever. it's truly more charactor actor/ situational low brow class humor instead of the wit and suble layers of frasier. like you, just basic and boring, little variety.
I really think it's held up much better than most shows of the same age! Matt Baume (who wrote one of the videos José links in the description) has a great video on the show from a queer perspective that you might enjoy in the meantime :)
Alright, I really dig the retrospectives of those of which I have watched. Hopefully, someday a retrospective of third rock from the sun can be added to the legendary lineup. Great work brother, seriously good stuff.
For reference I was born in 96. Frazier was one of my mother's favorite shows. along with the Golden girls, it's spin off Golden Palace, and Will and Grace. outside of Will & Grace. I kind of have this weird late nostalgia for shows I wasn't really around for. with me finally going to college for a political science major. this channels show analysis content with light political commentary. really hits a niche for me that is hard to find. As a poor college student unable to get the patreon. I just wanted to leave my thanks here. for all of your hard work Jose. It is deeply appreciated.
I grew up watching Frasier and it was and is my favorite sitcom. While my friends loved Friends I would watch reruns of Frasier. The writing is fantastic! After being exposed to that level of writing its hard to find sitcoms that lived up to that standard
The two other sitcoms I can recommend: • "'Allo, 'Allo!". It's more slapstick, but works very well. • As a contrast, "Yes, Minister" and "Yes, Prime Minister" are the highly intellectual ones.
This show has impacted me beyond explanation. When they are all worried about Eddy's depression and they become morose over the existence and meaning of life, they perk up over fresh-baked cookies. This has become my mantra when life seems confusing, over-whelming etc. You'll never understand it, so have a cookie.
I used to think about the line "Oh Dr. Crane, your glockenspiel has sprung to life!" all the time. Frasier was a pretty good and funny show, and I vividly remember many of the episodes despite the fact I watched the show when it first aired and haven't seen it since. I was genuinely laughing at many of the lines used in this video. I really enjoyed the retrospective! Another one hit out of the park.
The fact that someone has watched, analyzed, and uploaded this video about Frasier 3 days ago makes my heart happy. I'm one of the few people I know from my Generation that loves the show so much. Thanks for this. :)
You know with how they’re always at each others throats with jabs, I was expecting something like The Nanny with them. Where the butler and that one woman are always taking jabs at each other but they end up genuinely in love with one another. Only for me to get genuinely surprised by Niles being with Daphne.
It's hard to describe what an impact this show has had on me. I started watching this show when it first came out on DVD, and for the last 15 years or so, I have periodically watched it off and on, over and over. Through my late teens, my twenties, and going into my thirties, it has shaped my sense of humor, and acted as comfort food viewing. It's meant a lot to me over the years, and this retrospective was an amazing look back on it. Thank you!
My husky loved Frasier! He could see the actors on HD TV. He also howl sang to the song. If he was in another room and heard it he would come in and jump on the bed and I would say " it's Frasier , you wanna watch Frasier with me" ?!!! And we watched together. He liked Eddie but he wasn't the only interest he had in the show. Sometimes I would howl sing with him or just sing in human . I miss my husky so dearly. And I miss watching Frasier with him. Rip " Dad " and Wulfy and "Eddie. And Eddie #2. Tears. My very good boy left on March 29, 2019 at the age of 13 or 14. We rescued him from a very hot parking lot on Father's day 11 years before. 💙
Thank you so much for doing this video retrospective. I sometimes embarrassed to admit I will rewatch Frasier every 3-5 years. The entire cast was perfection and until season 8 I wouldn't miss an episode when they were aired. The Two Mrs Cranes is my favourite.
I grew up watching Frasier too and revisited it for the first time in a while a few years ago during my first time away from home. I'd always thought the show was funny, but I really gained an appreciation for the wit and humour in the show. Thanks to the quality of the show and my own emotional connection to it, I find that even watching an episode like 'Ham Radio' for the twentieth time, I still laugh exactly as hard as I did the first couple of times. It's a gem of a sitcom
I saw the Martin Crane not speaking at the parole hearing entirely differently than you stated .. I thought that Martin had pretty good cause to speak against the parole, but did not because he saw that the perp & his mother were both caught in a lifetime of pain .. Just as Martin himself was .. I think he was being very nice & considerate by not voicing his opinion against parole .. It was .. Always had been .. & forever would be .. A no win situation .. TgT
Martin always came across as a very kind, understanding character to me, who had much more emotional intelligence than he gave himself credit for. Yes he was more cynical and 'crusty' but he had spent twenty or thirty years arresting people for doing horrible things, and seeing how cruel and desperate humans could be.
Yeah! He went in all ready to talk about how the shooting had affected him and his life, then saw that the perp's mother in particular was in a very similar situation... and he just couldn't do it. Because he was in fact a very emotionally intelligent and empathetic person.
@@rachelstechman5959 It's been YEARS since I've watched the show but my favourite running joke of the show is how Martin comes from a different class, but is CLEARLY way more intelligent then his two sons, in ways they could never be. Frasier and Niles are highly educated buffoons who struggle to hold conversations with anyone that isn't exactly like them.
That is how I read the scene as well. Much like the characters in the show it demonstrates how different perspectives can result in different conclusions to the same set of events. Everyone has biases and baggage that they carry with them that shape how they view the world.
My Dad loved Frasier & was one of the TV programmes over the year he watched. He must have seen it 5x round before he passed away. We loved watching it & within the last year of his life before passing away, I always took the opportunity to watch it when I was at home having moved away 15 years earlier for work. Frasier will always remind me of my dad who has been dead 10 years now & the laughs we had watching it together. I just know he's up their in his chari watching it on a re-run. Its still shown on Ch 4 daily I believe like he was all those years ago around 8am in the UK. Thanks for the memories.Always had a thing for Ross & that Halloween outfit of hers when she found out she was pregnant was the highlight of that episode. I still remember it now & watched it back many a time. Im sure i can find it on RUclips somewhere 🤣
There's a line in one of the later episodes, the one where his first wife? I think? The one who did the kid's shows, makes an appearance, and she says Do you have any idea what it's like to play the same character for 20 years?! Frasier's face (or probably Kelsey Grammer s face) almost caused me to die from laughter
José's retrospective on Cheers makes me watch all of Cheers. I continue to watch Frasier afterwards, and now José is doing a Frasier retrospective. It all comes together.
José, you have absolutely THE best sitcom retrospectives on RUclips… period Can’t wait to see what comes next. Myself, I’m hoping for Friends, Who’s the Boss, Family Ties… but above all else (I know it’s not a sitcom but it needs to be done) The Wonder Years ! Thanks 🙏
This is my #1 favorite sitcom and ways will be. The humor is sophisticated but silly at the same time, so it's funny for all types of viewers. If I meet someone that doesn't like the show or has no interest in watching with me, I take it a sign of severe incompatibility. Great break down! You absolutely nailed this show!
I adore this show. Best writing, best acting. Thank you so much for making this video. My favorite lines from the show are when Niles sais: "her lips said no but her ayes said read my lips." and also when fraiser thinks back on high school he sais: "I was dubbed by the existentialists club: 'most likely to be.'". No other show was that witty.
I already watched this on Patreon. But find myself here again. Frasier was one of the shows we always watched and always re-watch. Having family work in mental health (and I now do as well) the jokes regarding their devotion to Freud were always on point. I also grew up in Washington, about 2 hours from Seattle, and spent many weekends of my youth with my grandparents who lived 30 minutes from Seattle. My grandparents home is filled with art from other continents, much like Frasier. Who coincidentally loved Gilbert & Sullivan. The Mikado is my favourite. Having family who acted like Niles and Frasier, and also family members like Martin, Roz, and Daphne. This show can feel surprisingly personal at times. I love this show. Flaws and all.
Question about your job: What's up mental health professionals still taking the theories and techniques of Lacan, Freud and Jung seriously? It's still being used in psycho analysis, right? Why? Isn't it like a medical doctor saying: Leeches... You need leeches for this flu.
DAVE OG fans I think it is as time goes on and younger generations keep taking up more of the reigns. When I was in high school in the 00’s, my first ever therapist took a very Freudian approach to me saying I had always wished I was a girl and wanted to transition. He was a Vietnam vet, the next one I saw was a gen X’er and they didn’t take it that way whatsoever, nor has anyone I’ve seen since. This was before trans stuff went mainstream and became a political hellscape, so I can say the change wasn’t to do with any of that.
@@fromthefire4176 But during that time, we were already pretty aware that Freud's theories are nonsense. Nobody assumes introspection to be a good way to figure out the psyche in general. It says more about the person than it will say about the science in general. I see what you mean but scientists being unscientific, while psychology already has a hard time being taken seriously by other scientists, is what I really don't get. Especially nowadays with all the progress we've made in the neurosciences. I just don't get it.
There was one scene where I knew that this was the greatest sitcom ever. Very simple scene but it said so much Frasier is taking charge of Daphne's wedding and he has all those musicians over for a rehearsal before the rehearsal. Martin introduce himself to someone and talk about how he took care of Frasier and Niles back in the day and then he says " I remember taking them to their first music class it seems like it was only yesterday" Then there's the famous Harp playing which often leads to a flashback sequence. It's so predictable you already expect a scene but it just keeps going which makes Martin and everyone else confused until they realize it's the actual harp player in the living room working on his part BRILLIANT 😂😂😂😂
So glad someone mentioned this. Very possibly the best joke on the show, and perhaps more so because it came before meta jokes like that would be common in series like 30 Rock and Arrested Development.
@@dmitryboardman9762 exactly. And it was in the 90s when really every sitcom used that trick. So that was such a clever way of setting themselves apart
Im so glad you did Frasier. I joke with people that Frasier is to me like Friends is for a lot of people my age. It's my mom's favorite show and I always watch it when I need a laugh It's good to see the analysis!
Enemy at the Gate is one of the most perfect shows ever filmed. Every beat of the episode is integral, and the entire episode is essentially a set-up for a single punchline at the end with Roz in the booth. It's a masterclass in comedic writing.
welp, time to rewatch frasier. great retrospective. being a 90s kid this show has such a nostalgic vibe for me. I loved that it was set in seattle, the city that contained some of my favorite bands growing up. knowing that the "grunge/alternative" rock scene could exist in the same world as this group of people is oddly ... comforting?
@@bradjames891 And his family, who are all crazy in their own way. Frasier: Neurotic Niles: Phobic Roz: Impulsive Daphne: Deluded Martin: Old. What? He's sane, just grumpy.
Frasier is my all time favorite sit com. Your analysis of the show and it's characters was brilliant and spot on. It's one of the few shows that makes you laugh as well as cry and warms your heart!
I haven’t really watched Frasier since it aired, but I remember my family and I laughing our asses off at the very well-done comedy. For some reason I clearly remember the episode where Frasier is supposed to sing for a public access channel and screws up. Martin and Daphne mocking him at the end “somethin’ and somethin’ and BUTTONS AND BOWSSS!” makes me laugh way too hard and I can’t even say why.
I grew up watching this because my parents were fans. I never even knew it was a spin-off. Still adore it to this day. Niles and Marty are timeless characters.
This gave me a whole new appreciation for the show. One of the best RUclips videos I've ever seen. Thank you. The thought put into this wonderful show still shines all these years later and the social commentary is spot on. Art is a lie that tells us the truth and Frasier has so many beautiful truths in it.
We have the boxed set of all 11 seasons of Frasier and watch them continuously. We love watching Frasier from the beginning. His rise to fame as a radio psychologist back in his hometown of Seattle captures you from the very first episode to the bittersweet ending--we never get tired of it. It warms our hearts to see our favorite actors in their roles live on with laughter and tears. Most of all, the amazing connection that Frasier has made in our lives. ❤
Just had to send thanks for these retrospectives. They're as warm and inviting as their subject matter. This show's an important one to me. While his high society status may not be relatable, Frasier's troubles with love, his family, and himself certainly are. Helps that it's also just damned funny. One of my absolute favorites, along with the Golden Girls. Glad you did that one too. Beautiful stuff.
You know, I never really watched "Frasier", saw a few episodes, but even as a "Cheers" fan, just couldn't get into it.....HOWEVER, I'm going to watch, and love every minute of this video, because I know this is gonna be another incredibly, insightful retrospective. Side note: I honestly recommend this channel every chance I get, because even though there are literally MILLIONS of videos to choose from, Jose still somehow manages to get me to devote 90 minutes of my life to a subject I'm actually pretty "meh" about, there's a couple of other shows he's covered that I hadn't seen a single episode of, but enjoyed his take on, which I can assure you is not easy, and a feat deserving of way more subs.
I feel the same despite kinda being the opposite; I never saw Cheers, Married with Children or any of the other shows José talks about (with the exception being Fraiser, so I've sorta been waiting for this) But fuck me can they get me excited about shows I haven't seen a second of and I'm not sure I'd enjoy just watching on their own.
@@Azhini Frasier was the first show of José's that I'd never seen. I'd probably seen Roseanne and the Fresh Prince many times over. But I am captivated by this video. I've probably watched it three times. What a great channel!
Such an amazing show, definitely one of my all-time favorites. And it held up really well, too. With the exception of their large, clunky cell phones, there is almost nothing that makes the show seem dated. I can watch almost any episode today and still laugh just as hard as I did when it was actually on the air! Definitely one of the best sitcoms of all time!
When I was a kid I wanted to grow up to be Daphne but I turned into Frasier 😂 The writing between Frasier and Martin, the adult child living with and caring for your parent dynamic, is immaculate. I'm in that situation and watching it now - my dad and I have conversations and conflicts practically word for word.
Wow. This is the first video on this channel I’ve ever watched and I’ve got to say I am very impressed by it. There was so much detail, depth and hard work that went into it. It was very engaging, and the creator did a great job adding their own humour to it. I was apprehensive at first to watch since it’s nearly 2 hours long, but I’m so happy I put it on. I LOVE Fraser and this video here has made me look at it in a whole new way. Totally with the time. Great work, Jose. Keep it up!
IKR. I kinda sensed but never 'saw' the layers of insulation from any real pain that exists in Frasier. I knew he was rich and often characters are in sitcoms (or at least comfortable) because well, its just more palatable, but yeh... hmm, got me thinking.
I remember being so crushed for Niles when he misunderstood Daphne after their dance and then a few years later I became an adult and found out for myself how crushing it can be and I've been both parties in that situation and I'm sure I'm not alone there
These videos are always a joy, José. You've done some shows that I watched and loved as a kid like Cheers or Murphy Brown, but even with the shows I have little or no experience with or fondness for (and I confess Frasier is one of those) you always give a fresh perspective that makes me want to go back and binge the series with fresh eyes. I am sure these take a TON of work, so thank you very much, and please keep 'em coming! I won't sully the sentiment with my requests, cuz whatever you pick, I know I'll really enjoy your future videos!
Frasier is my favorite show of all time. I admit that it is partially influenced by nostalgia and how it gave a mutual interest between my older brother and I. But, this show, while it is not perfect, it is certainly close. It's super funny, has a cast of comedic thespians, has rapid rounds of excellent dialogue, and features fantastic arcs. It lives in the back of my mind and in my heart. Rest in peace Moose, Enzo, and John Mahoney; you continue to be missed.
OMGGGG idk why this didn’t show up in my recommendations but i LOVED this show. when i was younger i’d sneak into my moms room where she’d have the tv on and i’d pretend to sleep just so i could watch this show and then eventually she had realized what i was doing so we’d just watch the reruns together.
I learned so much from their jokes, and I was always happy when I understood scholastic references. They're like easter eggs throughout the series. The best part of the show was how it took the two intelligent men and showed that their deeper instincts and primal behavior made them no better than everyone else. And the chemistry and comedic timing was off the charts. My personal favorites: 1. Voyage of the Damned 2. HAM Radio
I watched this series all the way threw twice with my Dad over the course of a few years when I was a teenager. And even though he's gone now It still brings many fond memories. Excellent show
Hearing you quote and explain 'tossed salads and scrambled eggs' hit me with sudden joy. So much nostalgia for seeing this show in the morning before I left the house for school, never really thought about how much I enjoyed Fraser when it as on.
I don't understand why they made Daphne a Brit? What did that add to the dynamic of anything? I found that accent annoying and she seemed the most likely to make a scene at the slightest thing. Further more, WHAT did Niles see in her? A PT/caretaker? He was much better suited with Mel.
That multiple translation scene was taken from I Love Lucy. Lucy was in a French prison. They translated back and forth from French to German to Spanish to English for the converasation. Ricky did the English-Spanish translation.
Dark Victory is hands down my favourite episode of the show. I love it when he actually helps people. Gets to a personal level and wish they did that more
![Almost every single Maris remark/Joke [Frasier 1993]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pLylFqR0f-U/mqdefault.jpg)
When Niles takes over the radio show for a while, he has one of the best lines ever: "Unlike my brother, who's a Freudian, I personally am a Jungian. So, there'll be no blaming mommy today!"
That was Hella funny🤣
I love that line as well!
@@rheroberts868 Hella?
@@defs8073 mean hell of a funny thing to say
The Collective Unconscious will always win against mommy issues.
Niles was one of the best written characters of the era, played by one heck of an actor. It was always a treat watching Hyde Pierce take his weekly turn being Niles.
I love Niles!! The Valentines episode where he is getting ready for a date, sets the couch on fire, irons his pants is so amazing I laugh so much. Another one I can’t remember exactly what episode but he comes crawling into Frasiers apartment covered in sap, everyone is arguing and don’t even notice him(I think it was a Christmas episode)
re-watching knowing he hid being gay in real life the whole time really brings a whole other level of appreciation for him imo
@@kaila288 yes memories of Christmas or something like that. I watched it today 🤣
I knew him more as the stick bug from A Bug’s Life.
Yeah -- DHP is an absolutely amazing actor!
One of my favorite jokes in Frasier was learning that his mother named him and Niles after her lab rats.
Joke that lead to me naming a whole rodent colony after the cast of Frasier, their mom musta been onto something cuz it suits pretty well somehow lol
maybe they were just down on their luck, show rats!
Thinking of favourite scenes, my mind immediately went to Season 3 where Frasier gives someone 'an etiquette lesson' and then the guy threatens to sue, until Niles does this incredible over-the-top fall caused by a prod of the man's index finger, then Niles whispers to Frasier ...'counter-suit'
Niles learning he was named after a Rat was hilarious.
I don't find majority of American sitcoms funny but Frasier is one of my top 3 sitcoms of time.
The writing & delivery was Genius.
That was a good one
Frasier was a sitcom that always appreciated and never underestimated the intelligence and sensibility of the average viewer.
It was called "The smartest show on television." for a reason.
I feel like it veered towards underestimating them sometimes but then always pulled itself back
rubbish, it was a run of the mill sitcom with two pretentious snobs as the main characters. I'm glad it made you feel smart by watching it though.
@@TheBlarggle Doncha mean the smartest show on U.S. television? Err, I know this sets a benchmark for you lot, ( who, let's face it ain't the ahem .....smartest in the world), but "The Smartest"Show? Are you quite young dearie?
Very well, stated.
Frasier is probably the best Sitcom to come out of the 90s, forget friends, forget everything. Frasier has it all. The comedy rolls smoothly of the story but is never cheap, there is always a bit of smarts in it. a bit of class, much like Frasier himself.
NEVER THOUGHT FRIENDS WAS FUNNY,LIKE CHEERS OR SEINFELD,ITHEY WERE ENTERTAINING,BUT NEVER MADE ME REALLY RIRE...
Its amazing that despite his hard drinking, womanising, and behind the scenes arguments Eddie always brought his A game to set.
He was a true professional. Not many actors can do enough cocaine to kill a small horse, and then still hit their mark dead on every time. What a legend! Goodest boy indeed.
@@KS-xk2so i thought he was an alcoholic
@@mayakelly3594 Eddie got into everything. If you could snort, smoke, inject, or drink it, Eddie would do it, again and again.
He said Eddie, not Kelsey Grammer. Pretty sure he was kidding.
Despite his addiction issues !
John Mahoney was very much like his Martin character, down to earth and never taking himself too seriously. I used to see him occasionally dining at a local family restaurant in a near west suburb of Chicago. While he had many accomplishments in his career, he was extremely humble and down to earth. Often he even dressed similar to the Martin character, dockers and button down casual shirt. When I was diagnosed, he began venturing out less and less. I missed conversations with him. When he passed, it was very sad and painful news that hit a lot of people who got to know him casually over the years, including myself. I’ll always remember him respectfully and fondly. I cannot imagine anyone having a single bad word to say about him.
Wow, what a treat to meet the man himself in real life! I believe it was him who was really into opera behind the scenes - and would teach Kelsey and David about it. So many feelings about his character, if I ever saw the chair in real life I think I’d crumble to the floor in tears 😢
@@QweryidbdjiabsisndAll of the characters in this show were impeccably written and with the best actors for the parts.
The funniest scene I remember from the series is when Niles was pretending to have a child by carrying around a sack of flour in baby carrier. Niles becomes so involved in this form of pretend that he starts to have nightmares. In this nightmare Niles's "baby" is kidnapped and the kidnappers started sending him muffins.
David won an Emmy for that performance
I remember that. That line was hilarious. Fuck me, I have to rewatch the show now.
Flour Child!!! So good!!!
😂
David Hyde Pierce was the star of Frasier. Aside from being absolutely hilarious, it's his sincerity that really sold the Niles/Daphne romance.
Sincerity? He was a pathological liar, especially about his feelings toward daphne. Literally the opposite of sincerity
@@kevinbissinger How do you mean?
@@michablueflamestar5347They explored this in the episode where Daphne gains weight - Niles faces his many flaws during his infatuation with Daphne and she acknowledges how difficult it was learning he had been pining after her for years. While the original storyline was more of a slapstick side piece, it became the heart of the show and the writers explored it as their relationship developed. So yes, he was a shameless liar for many years while he was in awe of Daphne - he later learned how to see her as a fully formed, flawed human being. And as a result, they were able to bloom as a couple. Sorry, I’m far too invested in this shit haha.
@@Qweryidbdjiabsisnd Ah, I see. Thank you for explaining.
@@Qweryidbdjiabsisndwhilst I found it an odd choice to hide Jane Leeves real life pregnancy by (unconvincingly) making her character obese, I did find the episode where she came back explored something interesting in their relationship. When you find out someone has been pining for you, literally thinking you’re a goddess, for years how do you deal with that? Her character ballooned in weight and he never saw anything different in how she looked. It was a cry for help, she felt trapped by the expectations of Niles and overwhelmed. I like that they confronted that what had been a fruitful comic device for the writers (Niles obsession with Daphne) was a toxic start to the relationship. Deep writing for a sitcom.
The scene that speaks to me the most of the polar opposite personalities between Marty and his boys is the scene when Frasier and Niles are ridiculing a family dinner for the aesthetic, food and vibes and Marty reminds them that just because their mom was very much like them, she still enjoyed the little things in life. Like a good beer and a football game. And telling them how disappointed their mom would be if she saw how they acted.
I think it really propelled their character development later on in the show when Marty invites Frasier and Niles to Duke's for the establishments final moment as we can see how much Frasier and Niles begin to appreciate the little things Marty enjoyed himself.
As good and obviously important to the show as Kelsey Grammer is, David Hyde Pierce is the one who truly walks away with the series.
@@lexkanyima2195 didn’t say that. But in my opinion he is the real MVP of that series. I don’t think there is an single bad line delivery or failed laugh from him in the entire series.
@@PaceFilmsProductions bloopers
DHP is, possibly, the greatest physical comedian since Lucille Ball. The valentines day scene where he sets fire to Frasiers apartment is a masterclass in acting.
“Fraser” probably if not “the” best written television show ever written , the cast, a glass act show , nevertheless the funniest show ever.
Keysey was a Gem to allow his co-stars to shine. He could have been selfish, but he was a good guy and recognized that Davie/Niles was fantastic. Love them both. Actually, love the entire main cast. .... PEACE.
I lived alone during the 2020 Pandemic. The social isolation was intense. I binged watched all the episodes of Frasier twice, always seeing some new reference or little side joke I missed the first time around. This show was my saving grace during one of my most difficult times in life. It will always remain my favorite series of all time. RIP John and " Eddie" and the Angels. ps. Can not wait for its return!
Glad you made it through
The maker of this tiptoed around it, for some reason, but Angels were killed on 9-11. They were on one of the planes.
@@danielgregg2530 Yes, I read about it. A tremendous loss for the cast and crew of Frasier.
@@tenebrousoul9368 you don't actually give af
@@CSM100MK2 oh come on, some people aren’t used to being alone.
I wonder what that’s like sometimes.
Frasier was a show that helped me so much still laughing in my early 20's in a very dark time in my life. It was a privelege to see your detailed, thoughtful, pleasantly delivered retrospective on the show. Thanks and best wishes.
Hope you are doing alright these days.
@@CannonRaw Thanks Cannon. Hope you are doing alright too
Always try to remember the best. No matter how difficult. 👍
Me too
Oh my god I watch your videos all the time my favorite is Peppa Pig
That episode when Niles tries putting Daphne's parents back together JUST to try and make Daphne happy and it dawns on her that he'd do anything for her? Oh man, right in the feels ❤❤
This was great. I used to watch Frasier every day before school. It was shown every workday morning in the UK on channel 4 for years after it had finished its original run. I was the only kid I knew who watched it. Always felt very mature for watching it - and the inherited snootiness it caused in me probably made me relate to Frasier more. The style of joke writing left a lasting impact on me as well as the performances, and all the references to high culture were educational for someone who didn’t grow up in a world where that stuff was taught to me. This is all a very long comment just to say, this was a great retrospective that made me strangely emotional because it touched on all the things that made the show so impactful to me when I was 14. Thanks for making it
Ordinary Guy! Knowing that you also were the only kid in your circle who watched Frasier makes me feel kinda special. I started watching it with my dad, who, while not caring much about fine arts, is a huuuuge history and politics nerd. Even though half of the jokes went over my head because of being ~11 and a non-native English speaker, I found it hilarious enough. And yes, there was always a feeling of intellectual superiority but in a good way, like feeling you were part of a special secret circle of people who "got" it. P.S. Your channel absolutely rules and I can never get enough of it, I wish I could follow you on Instagram because I despise Twitter lol.
Good thing I saw this comment; YT un-subbed me! Re-subbed!
And of course, it's nice to see you on LeftTube proper.
Ordinary Things-I loved watching Frasier when I was growing up as well. Every Friday night my family would watch Frasier, so anytime I come across an episode on TV it takes me back to watching the show with my parents, & my brother as a kid.
Perfectly said.
I really enjoyed watching it before school!
Martin beating Frasier in chess actually makes a lot of sense. Martin might not be as educated but he isn’t stupid. He was a cop for years and had to solve cases and he often would have had to plan ahead and strategize. So naturally he would be better at a game that involves strategy and trapping your opponent.
I've played thousands of games, even won a tournament. Pattern recognition and tactical awareness is much more relevant to winning than seeing moves ahead.
Richard Reti, a grandmaster of the 1920s, was asked by a lesser player how many moves ahead he could see. He replied, "One move". An exaggeration, but his point stands.
@@RicardoAGuitarVery cool insight still works with Martin :)
Martin wasn't educated through ivy leagues but his equally important education and knowledge was significant, and the writers showed that well
He wasn't just a cop; he was a detective.
Apparently you don’t know many cops.
My favorite moments were always David Hyde Pierce doing physical comedy, whether he was climbing a tree in an elevator, or setting the couch on fire.
...or the entire first act of "Three Valentines" 😂😂😂
His duel with Maris' fencing instructor is still the greatest sitcom fight till this day
@@pancakemogul yes--love that too!
For me it's any overreaction on Niles' part.
For example when he see's a mosquito: Is that a HUMMINGBIRD!?
He has SUCH an expressive face
Favorite show of all time. The thing I love about Frasier is that it never talks down to its audience. It's not afraid to be "too smart," to drop references that 90% of their audience doesn't even understand. And they provide characters like Martin and Daphne and Roz to be the audience's surrogates. Really nice treatment here, Jose. Subscribed.
They pretty much perfected the art of making the audience laugh even if they don't understand the joke.
My all time favourite comedy series (my favourite series, bar none, The Rockford Files!). Frasier is superb farce. In the UK Channel 4 have it on a continuous loop of three consecutive shows per day - all shown in sequential order. Genuinely extremely funny, smart, intelligent comedy, killer dialogue, with every character, even those who appear only once, being right on the money. I could not abide Patrick Stewart until I saw him in 'The Doctor Is Out' as Frasier's 'love' interest. An absolute joy.
I just hope the coming reboot can live up to the high standards of the original!
I owe 90% of my French vocabulary to Frasier.
I’ve learned so much about sherry, opera, literature, etc. from watching Frasier. When I didn’t understand a reference in the script I’d look it up and sometimes go into serious research.
I've looked up references from the show for more context
Frasier is one of my favorite shows. I love how it can go from farcical, silly to quiet and heartfelt in a single episode. The intelligence of the jokes and the great misunderstandings are fantastic as well.
Something I always wait for is the drama scene in each episode. It’s always tastefully done, and heartfelt, with incredible acting.
One of the few sitcoms with drama that isn’t absolute trash
The episode where Frasier thinks he's setting up a guy with Daphne, but the guy is gay and thinks he's on a date with Frasier, man, every time I just THINK about Martin's laugh when Niles told him, I laugh, it was that funny.
Frasier was, and still is, a brilliant sitcom. The actors are really good, even the side characters, the scripts were top notch and the interplay between Kelsey Grammar and David Hyde-Pierce just worked incredibly well. You could believe these guys were brothers.
Here in Trinidad and Tobago, Cheers was a massive hit and everyone of my parents' generation watched the show religiously and it aired in reruns constantly til decades later.
Frasier never aired here. My parents only saw it on cable when I did in the early 2010s. But it became an instant classic in my household and every time we see a picture of a greyhound in a turtleneck, we reference Maris.
Bebe Glazer has to be the best recurring character on any show ever. The episodes where she fakes a suicide attempt on the ledge and where she tries to quit smoking are perfect.
“She has no scruples, no ethics, and NO REFLECTION!”
“Aren’t you glad I’m on your side.”
Bebe is the best, a fantastic character.
Bebe was probably the most moral person on that show. Frasier and Niles were horrible human beings.
Frasier Crane i wish my eyes were sore so you could be a sight for them
'I am a star MAKER!!!!'
My partner and I quote that to each other all the time, we love Bebe.
Lord YES, Bebe was an inspired comic creation, brought to life spectacularly by Harriet Sansom Harris. She shared some of the best ever comic scenes with Kelsey Grammer, no question!
it's a small thing, but as someone with an iPad Mini, I really appreciate that you render these videos at the original 4:3 rather than outputting to 16:9 and windowboxing the old show footage
No matter who the creator is, i like when they respect the original aspect ratio of whatever they're talking about
Isn’t it called letterboxing?
@@TesterAnimal1 it’s called letterboxing when the content is wider than the screen (bars at top and bottom), pillarboxing when the content is taller than the screen (bars at left and right) and windowboxing when pillarboxed content is wider than the screen (bars on all four sides, IE: 4:3 content in a 16:9 container played on a 4:3 screen)
I don't often taken nearly two hours to take a nostalgic walk through TV history, but I really enjoyed this. Thanks so much! Frazier really was special.
I am 20 years old, and this show was a massive part of my childhood. It made me wanna be a therapist, all the while learning how not to be one, how not to convey information, handle relationships... I learned a lot of what not to do. And it's still one of the most endearing, thoughtful, and hilarious shows I've ever seen, and my current favorite show of all time
Will be watching this with a tossed salad and scrambled eggs
Quite stylish!
They're calling again!
All over your face. What is a boy to do?
wow this is the funniest comment ever how did you come up with it? you must be clever and original and interesting....
....Mercy!
Frasier, more than any other US sitcom, resembles traditional British sitcoms, especially with its exploration of class and snobbery. Keeping up appearances, the Good life and Faulty Towers immediately come to mind, but even Red Dwarf, Rising Damp, Yes Minister and To the Manor born hold similarities.
On one of the Red Dwarf DVDs there’s a special feature where they talk about the failed US Red Dwarf remake and why it failed to go beyond a pilot. One of the reasons they touch upon is how it made less of a thing about the class divide between Rimmer and Lister that was so prevalent in the British original, and wonder if it’s because America likes to downplay class whereas in the UK class is more deeply entrenched into the culture. I guess so much of American culture (and how it sells itself to the rest of the world) is based upon the American dream, the notion that anyone from any background can be successful, and the revolutionary casting off of the monarchy and stating that all men are created equal. Whereas Britain has a class structure that goes back centuries made all the more prevalent by the fact that we still have a royal family that lives in big fancy castles.
And it would be remiss of me not to mention the fun fact that Jane Leeves played Holly the computer in the American Red Dwarf pilot. Thankfully the pilot wasn’t picked up because if it had she wouldn’t have been able to play Daphne. Also the creators of Red Dwarf are both Mancunian, and one of them wondered on the DVD feature if it was spending time with them that influenced her decision to play the part as a Mancunian.
What an interesting observation. Frasier, along with most of the UK shows you mentioned, are among my favorite of all time (and often revisited). But I had never considered the connection.
@@BenCol America doesn't like talking about class because if Americans were more conscious about class struggle it would cause the system to break.
I totally agree, I've always felt the humour and dynamics between the Crane brothers in particular to be very English!
Good point but believe it or not I think All In The Family was based on a original British sitcom.
Hi folks,
My father's health is not so great anymore, but Frasier is possibly his favorite show of all time. He grew up a country boy in South Carolina in the 50's and 60's. He served in the Vietnam War because his draft number was 35 (everyone under 100 usually got drafted each year, so he volunteered). After the war he was a pet store owner, and later a machinist for high precision laser manufacturing. He retired on disability in the late 90's because of PTSD from Vietnam.
I grew up as a kid in the late 90's and early 2000's with a somewhat older than usual dad who loved to watch: the news (CNN mostly); sitcoms like Cheers, Fraisure, and Seinfeld; and maybe a few reality game shows like The Amazing Race and Survivor. I think the country boy in him loved to watch Frasier, because Frasier's life was comically different from my dad's life.
P.S. I also enjoy Frasier, and I strongly believe it's one of the best TV shows ever released. It's shows & art like this which make life worth living.
I assume he may have seen a lot of himself in Martin
@@depalapili-pala4859
Haha, yeah, he does love Martin's quips.
This is such a great commentary & a snapshot of *why* TV shows are so important. I'm probably of a similar age/a bit younger than you and love regular TV. I miss its Golden Age
Your dad sounds like an honest, good hearted, hardworking man. The fact that music and TV shows can transport us to a different time and place are what makes them so special. Cheers to your dad and to you for being such an attentive, loving child.❤️
hope your father is ok
I never think enough praise is given to Peri Gilpin. Ros was written fairly well, but the actress played the character to perfection with great charisma and superb comic timing, giving her far more life than the writers did. Better than Daphne or Martin. Of course Niles/David Hyde Pierce stole the show.
Peri Gilpin made Roz a great character. Fortunately Lisa Kudrow didn't get that part.
Roz. Her nickname is Roz.
I totally agree! So sad she never got an Emmy (or a nomination) for her work… Peri really managed to give the character, that could otherwise be perceived as quite shallow and superficial, so much heart and relatability. I enjoyed every scene she was in.
💯
@@iki9230 fully agreed. There's something about Lisa Kudrow that would have derailed the whole show. She seems to count on people finding her dumb blonde act charming. She plays the same dim-witted version of herself in every role, and succeeded for that in Friends, but it would have been the wrong ingredient in Frasier. Like curry in ice cream
Thank you so much for your care and attention and a wonderful retrospective - as a Brit, Frasier always appealed to me, satire, farce, sarcasm, class distinctions… all often associated with “British” humour and in the 90s I was so glad to see an American show doing it much better than us Brits (in my humble opinion).
What a great retrospective. I was lucky to go to a shooting of an episode - and it was THE SKI LODGE! What luck! My only disappointment was not seeing the classic set of the show. Watching them perform this live was an amazing feat of comic timing.
That is one of my favourite episodes of all time!!! Especially once the room confusion starts. That must have been hilarious to witness as part of the audience.
@@kikibwellness it was like watching a great play. This style of farce is known as a “door-smaller”. Perfectly executed. Seeing play out without the perspective of the camera or editing only added to the experience
I was 13 in 93 when Fraiser premiered just for reference. Ski Lodge was mom and my favorite episode back then and to this day we will still say to each other with a French accent “stop chasing these Lesbians!” and laugh hysterically!
@@kmsleyang1980Hilarious! 😂😂😂 The wonderfully talented James Patrick Stuart (Valentin on "General Hospital") added even more comedic genius along with the amazing "Frasier" cast in this great episode!
Please do the Nanny. Something about that show speaks to me and makes me hopelessly nostalgic. I was probably 10 when it came on but upon rewatching it, I found it hadn’t lost its magic.
The nanny is my comfort show, i dont rewatch shows, i saw them once and thats enough, but i put on the nanny every few years
Even if Josè did a video essay on The Nanny, I still couldn't watch it. It's great to know that people like you loved and enjoyed it so much but that woman's voice is like fingernails scratching a blackboard to me.
It's strange that I enjoyed Ray Romano's talking style but dislike Fran Dreschers. They're both like a stereotypical hard New York accent to me. I visited NYC back in 1990 and found their accent so intriguing. It was the only time during my 5 week visit to the USA that I was mistaken for a native. According to a couple of New Yorkers, my thick Australian accent sounded local 😂
Different strokes for different folks. Mmmm sounds like a good name for a sitcom 😉✌
the writing and humor are nowhere near as clever. it's truly more charactor actor/ situational low brow class humor instead of the wit and suble layers of frasier. like you, just basic and boring, little variety.
I agree! Fran had another spin off that was funny; set in California.
I really think it's held up much better than most shows of the same age! Matt Baume (who wrote one of the videos José links in the description) has a great video on the show from a queer perspective that you might enjoy in the meantime :)
Alright, I really dig the retrospectives of those of which I have watched. Hopefully, someday a retrospective of third rock from the sun can be added to the legendary lineup. Great work brother, seriously good stuff.
Fuck yes to 3rd Rock from the Sun
🛸🪐🌎
Yes! 3rd Rock
One of my favorite shows! The other is Perfect Strangers
Hells yes!!!
I watched it with my family a few years ago, it’s criminally underrated.
I grew up watching Frasier. It is my absolute go-to "comfort show" when I'm feeling down. Your analysis was really well done and I enjoyed this video!
For reference I was born in 96. Frazier was one of my mother's favorite shows. along with the Golden girls, it's spin off Golden Palace, and Will and Grace. outside of Will & Grace. I kind of have this weird late nostalgia for shows I wasn't really around for. with me finally going to college for a political science major. this channels show analysis content with light political commentary. really hits a niche for me that is hard to find. As a poor college student unable to get the patreon. I just wanted to leave my thanks here. for all of your hard work Jose. It is deeply appreciated.
In a show full of fantastic performances I think David Hyde Pierces was the best. Perfect casting.
I agree. He stole so many scenes.
His silent acting in "Three Valentines" was utterly brilliant. It isn't often you get to see silent work in modern TV or film.
He really was. What a talented man.
he is the whole reason i watched the show.
My first media I saw DHP, was in the movie "A Bug's Life".
"I'm learning how to blow smoke."
"Where."
My god I'd never heard that exchange before. God this show is great.
“Sorry caller, I can’t help you.” referring to himself. A scene that had stuck with me for years now
As a former therapist I declined several cases
Know our limits❤
I grew up watching Frasier and it was and is my favorite sitcom. While my friends loved Friends I would watch reruns of Frasier. The writing is fantastic! After being exposed to that level of writing its hard to find sitcoms that lived up to that standard
The two other sitcoms I can recommend:
• "'Allo, 'Allo!". It's more slapstick, but works very well.
• As a contrast, "Yes, Minister" and "Yes, Prime Minister" are the highly intellectual ones.
This show has impacted me beyond explanation. When they are all worried about Eddy's depression and they become morose over the existence and meaning of life, they perk up over fresh-baked cookies. This has become my mantra when life seems confusing, over-whelming etc. You'll never understand it, so have a cookie.
I used to think about the line "Oh Dr. Crane, your glockenspiel has sprung to life!" all the time. Frasier was a pretty good and funny show, and I vividly remember many of the episodes despite the fact I watched the show when it first aired and haven't seen it since. I was genuinely laughing at many of the lines used in this video. I really enjoyed the retrospective! Another one hit out of the park.
Sending people to Little Hoot's video should come with a warning... its such a slap in the face after the positivity of your video! 😅
The fact that someone has watched, analyzed, and uploaded this video about Frasier 3 days ago makes my heart happy. I'm one of the few people I know from my Generation that loves the show so much. Thanks for this. :)
Niles always seemed to have the best lines. "Roz's bed is easier to get into than a community college!"
You know with how they’re always at each others throats with jabs, I was expecting something like The Nanny with them. Where the butler and that one woman are always taking jabs at each other but they end up genuinely in love with one another. Only for me to get genuinely surprised by Niles being with Daphne.
It's hard to describe what an impact this show has had on me. I started watching this show when it first came out on DVD, and for the last 15 years or so, I have periodically watched it off and on, over and over. Through my late teens, my twenties, and going into my thirties, it has shaped my sense of humor, and acted as comfort food viewing. It's meant a lot to me over the years, and this retrospective was an amazing look back on it. Thank you!
Well said @NathanMayer
I'm a simple man. When José posts a nearly 2-hour retrospective on a sitcom I've never seen, I take my kids to their mom's house, and I watch.
Yes! I was hoping after Cheers you'd do Frasier! Truthfully never seen an episode of Cheers but I binge watch Frasier so much
I’m so glad there are more of us out there, I love this show so much.
"Cheers" is one of the very best, clever, and hilarious shows of all time. I guarantee you'll like it!
I hated cheers! You should give it a go though.
Cheers was a great ensemble show, top rated through the eighties for good reason. Go find out why!
Eddie WAS a very good boy and that was the bit that made me cry. Love this show. Fantastic documentary.
My husky loved Frasier! He could see the actors on HD TV. He also howl sang to the song. If he was in another room and heard it he would come in and jump on the bed and I would say " it's Frasier , you wanna watch Frasier with me" ?!!! And we watched together. He liked Eddie but he wasn't the only interest he had in the show. Sometimes I would howl sing with him or just sing in human . I miss my husky so dearly. And I miss watching Frasier with him. Rip " Dad " and Wulfy and "Eddie. And Eddie #2. Tears. My very good boy left on March 29, 2019 at the age of 13 or 14. We rescued him from a very hot parking lot on Father's day 11 years before. 💙
A classic sitcom with the highest wit ever put to screen. Have watched it over and over.
Thank you so much for doing this video retrospective. I sometimes embarrassed to admit I will rewatch Frasier every 3-5 years. The entire cast was perfection and until season 8 I wouldn't miss an episode when they were aired. The Two Mrs Cranes is my favourite.
I grew up watching Frasier too and revisited it for the first time in a while a few years ago during my first time away from home. I'd always thought the show was funny, but I really gained an appreciation for the wit and humour in the show. Thanks to the quality of the show and my own emotional connection to it, I find that even watching an episode like 'Ham Radio' for the twentieth time, I still laugh exactly as hard as I did the first couple of times. It's a gem of a sitcom
I saw the Martin Crane not speaking at the parole hearing entirely differently than you stated .. I thought that Martin had pretty good cause to speak against the parole, but did not because he saw that the perp & his mother were both caught in a lifetime of pain .. Just as Martin himself was .. I think he was being very nice & considerate by not voicing his opinion against parole .. It was .. Always had been .. & forever would be .. A no win situation .. TgT
Martin always came across as a very kind, understanding character to me, who had much more emotional intelligence than he gave himself credit for. Yes he was more cynical and 'crusty' but he had spent twenty or thirty years arresting people for doing horrible things, and seeing how cruel and desperate humans could be.
Yeah! He went in all ready to talk about how the shooting had affected him and his life, then saw that the perp's mother in particular was in a very similar situation... and he just couldn't do it. Because he was in fact a very emotionally intelligent and empathetic person.
@@rachelstechman5959 It's been YEARS since I've watched the show but my favourite running joke of the show is how Martin comes from a different class, but is CLEARLY way more intelligent then his two sons, in ways they could never be. Frasier and Niles are highly educated buffoons who struggle to hold conversations with anyone that isn't exactly like them.
I agree, I think that was a miss for a take, Martin not speaking was him being kind
That is how I read the scene as well. Much like the characters in the show it demonstrates how different perspectives can result in different conclusions to the same set of events. Everyone has biases and baggage that they carry with them that shape how they view the world.
My Dad loved Frasier & was one of the TV programmes over the year he watched. He must have seen it 5x round before he passed away. We loved watching it & within the last year of his life before passing away, I always took the opportunity to watch it when I was at home having moved away 15 years earlier for work.
Frasier will always remind me of my dad who has been dead 10 years now & the laughs we had watching it together. I just know he's up their in his chari watching it on a re-run. Its still shown on Ch 4 daily I believe like he was all those years ago around 8am in the UK.
Thanks for the memories.Always had a thing for Ross & that Halloween outfit of hers when she found out she was pregnant was the highlight of that episode. I still remember it now & watched it back many a time. Im sure i can find it on RUclips somewhere 🤣
There's a line in one of the later episodes, the one where his first wife? I think? The one who did the kid's shows, makes an appearance, and she says Do you have any idea what it's like to play the same character for 20 years?! Frasier's face (or probably Kelsey Grammer s face) almost caused me to die from laughter
That’s the episode with Nanny G!
José's retrospective on Cheers makes me watch all of Cheers.
I continue to watch Frasier afterwards, and now José is doing a Frasier retrospective.
It all comes together.
José, you have absolutely THE best sitcom retrospectives on RUclips… period
Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Myself, I’m hoping for Friends, Who’s the Boss, Family Ties… but above all else (I know it’s not a sitcom but it needs to be done) The Wonder Years ! Thanks 🙏
This is my #1 favorite sitcom and ways will be. The humor is sophisticated but silly at the same time, so it's funny for all types of viewers. If I meet someone that doesn't like the show or has no interest in watching with me, I take it a sign of severe incompatibility. Great break down! You absolutely nailed this show!
Frasier got me through many many dark moments in my life and I am forever thankful.
I adore this show. Best writing, best acting. Thank you so much for making this video. My favorite lines from the show are when Niles sais: "her lips said no but her ayes said read my lips." and also when fraiser thinks back on high school he sais: "I was dubbed by the existentialists club: 'most likely to be.'". No other show was that witty.
I already watched this on Patreon. But find myself here again. Frasier was one of the shows we always watched and always re-watch. Having family work in mental health (and I now do as well) the jokes regarding their devotion to Freud were always on point. I also grew up in Washington, about 2 hours from Seattle, and spent many weekends of my youth with my grandparents who lived 30 minutes from Seattle. My grandparents home is filled with art from other continents, much like Frasier. Who coincidentally loved Gilbert & Sullivan. The Mikado is my favourite. Having family who acted like Niles and Frasier, and also family members like Martin, Roz, and Daphne. This show can feel surprisingly personal at times. I love this show. Flaws and all.
Question about your job: What's up mental health professionals still taking the theories and techniques of Lacan, Freud and Jung seriously? It's still being used in psycho analysis, right? Why? Isn't it like a medical doctor saying: Leeches... You need leeches for this flu.
DAVE OG fans I think it is as time goes on and younger generations keep taking up more of the reigns. When I was in high school in the 00’s, my first ever therapist took a very Freudian approach to me saying I had always wished I was a girl and wanted to transition. He was a Vietnam vet, the next one I saw was a gen X’er and they didn’t take it that way whatsoever, nor has anyone I’ve seen since. This was before trans stuff went mainstream and became a political hellscape, so I can say the change wasn’t to do with any of that.
@@fromthefire4176 But during that time, we were already pretty aware that Freud's theories are nonsense. Nobody assumes introspection to be a good way to figure out the psyche in general. It says more about the person than it will say about the science in general.
I see what you mean but scientists being unscientific, while psychology already has a hard time being taken seriously by other scientists, is what I really don't get. Especially nowadays with all the progress we've made in the neurosciences.
I just don't get it.
I really appreciate you formatting these sitcom videos in the same aspect ratio the shows aired in. It's a nice touch!
There was one scene where I knew that this was the greatest sitcom ever. Very simple scene but it said so much
Frasier is taking charge of Daphne's wedding and he has all those musicians over for a rehearsal before the rehearsal. Martin introduce himself to someone and talk about how he took care of Frasier and Niles back in the day and then he says
" I remember taking them to their first music class it seems like it was only yesterday"
Then there's the famous Harp playing which often leads to a flashback sequence. It's so predictable you already expect a scene but it just keeps going which makes Martin and everyone else confused until they realize it's the actual harp player in the living room working on his part
BRILLIANT 😂😂😂😂
So glad someone mentioned this. Very possibly the best joke on the show, and perhaps more so because it came before meta jokes like that would be common in series like 30 Rock and Arrested Development.
@@dmitryboardman9762 exactly. And it was in the 90s when really every sitcom used that trick. So that was such a clever way of setting themselves apart
Found the clip!! ruclips.net/video/1q4Spi0NMho/видео.html
Hahaha I remember that scene. It was brilliantly hilarious.
I loved that one, too. My brain did a double take and then I started laughing hysterically.
Im so glad you did Frasier. I joke with people that Frasier is to me like Friends is for a lot of people my age. It's my mom's favorite show and I always watch it when I need a laugh
It's good to see the analysis!
Enemy at the Gate is one of the most perfect shows ever filmed. Every beat of the episode is integral, and the entire episode is essentially a set-up for a single punchline at the end with Roz in the booth. It's a masterclass in comedic writing.
welp, time to rewatch frasier. great retrospective.
being a 90s kid this show has such a nostalgic vibe for me. I loved that it was set in seattle, the city that contained some of my favorite bands growing up. knowing that the "grunge/alternative" rock scene could exist in the same world as this group of people is oddly ... comforting?
I love this show. The live radio mystery is one of the funniest things I've seen.
My favorite episode. Very few episodes of any sitcom have made me laugh so much.
HAM RADIO 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
He's got a nug
It was hilarious
Multiple murderer, a la Roz
I feel like I owe this man a steak dinner simply by explaining what the hell "Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs" was supposed to be about,
Frasier has been on record explaining that if you search you’ll find out what it means.
An allegory for his callers. Genius.
Also scrambled eggs and tossed salad are jumbled and mixed up, a metaphor for the predicaments in whic the characters found themselves.
@@bradjames891 And his family, who are all crazy in their own way.
Frasier: Neurotic
Niles: Phobic
Roz: Impulsive
Daphne: Deluded
Martin: Old. What? He's sane, just grumpy.
Thank you for making this.
One of the most uniquely excellent shows of uncompromising quality to have ever existed.
Frasier is my all time favorite sit com. Your analysis of the show and it's characters was brilliant and spot on. It's one of the few shows that makes you laugh as well as cry and warms your heart!
My wife was born in 91, we just started watching this last year as I was telling her what an incredible series was top to bottom. Miss TV like this.
I haven’t really watched Frasier since it aired, but I remember my family and I laughing our asses off at the very well-done comedy. For some reason I clearly remember the episode where Frasier is supposed to sing for a public access channel and screws up. Martin and Daphne mocking him at the end “somethin’ and somethin’ and BUTTONS AND BOWSSS!” makes me laugh way too hard and I can’t even say why.
Look Before You Leap, the last (or penultimate) episode of season 3.
@@katashworth41 thanks!
I laughed just at your quote lol!
I grew up watching this because my parents were fans. I never even knew it was a spin-off. Still adore it to this day. Niles and Marty are timeless characters.
This gave me a whole new appreciation for the show. One of the best RUclips videos I've ever seen. Thank you. The thought put into this wonderful show still shines all these years later and the social commentary is spot on. Art is a lie that tells us the truth and Frasier has so many beautiful truths in it.
We have the boxed set of all 11 seasons of Frasier and watch them continuously. We love watching Frasier from the beginning. His rise to fame as a radio psychologist back in his hometown of Seattle captures you from the very first episode to the bittersweet ending--we never get tired of it. It warms our hearts to see our favorite actors in their roles live on with laughter and tears. Most of all, the amazing connection that Frasier has made in our lives. ❤
in reality Kelsey Grammar didn't rehearse, often showed up late & hungover
Just had to send thanks for these retrospectives. They're as warm and inviting as their subject matter. This show's an important one to me. While his high society status may not be relatable, Frasier's troubles with love, his family, and himself certainly are. Helps that it's also just damned funny. One of my absolute favorites, along with the Golden Girls. Glad you did that one too. Beautiful stuff.
You know, I never really watched "Frasier", saw a few episodes, but even as a "Cheers" fan, just couldn't get into it.....HOWEVER, I'm going to watch, and love every minute of this video, because I know this is gonna be another incredibly, insightful retrospective.
Side note: I honestly recommend this channel every chance I get, because even though there are literally MILLIONS of videos to choose from, Jose still somehow manages to get me to devote 90 minutes of my life to a subject I'm actually pretty "meh" about, there's a couple of other shows he's covered that I hadn't seen a single episode of, but enjoyed his take on, which I can assure you is not easy, and a feat deserving of way more subs.
I feel the same despite kinda being the opposite; I never saw Cheers, Married with Children or any of the other shows José talks about (with the exception being Fraiser, so I've sorta been waiting for this)
But fuck me can they get me excited about shows I haven't seen a second of and I'm not sure I'd enjoy just watching on their own.
@@Azhini Frasier was the first show of José's that I'd never seen. I'd probably seen Roseanne and the Fresh Prince many times over. But I am captivated by this video. I've probably watched it three times. What a great channel!
I have the opposite problem. Love Frasier and Cheers bores me.
@@JD-jc8gp cheers doesn’t do anything for me either but Frasier and all his cast have me in stitches.
Oh nice! Frasier is my all-time favorite sitcom. This promises to be fun.
Such an amazing show, definitely one of my all-time favorites. And it held up really well, too. With the exception of their large, clunky cell phones, there is almost nothing that makes the show seem dated. I can watch almost any episode today and still laugh just as hard as I did when it was actually on the air! Definitely one of the best sitcoms of all time!
When I was a kid I wanted to grow up to be Daphne but I turned into Frasier 😂 The writing between Frasier and Martin, the adult child living with and caring for your parent dynamic, is immaculate. I'm in that situation and watching it now - my dad and I have conversations and conflicts practically word for word.
Thank you for talking about this show. I hope it inspires more people to watch it since it truly holds up well
Wow. This is the first video on this channel I’ve ever watched and I’ve got to say I am very impressed by it. There was so much detail, depth and hard work that went into it. It was very engaging, and the creator did a great job adding their own humour to it. I was apprehensive at first to watch since it’s nearly 2 hours long, but I’m so happy I put it on. I LOVE Fraser and this video here has made me look at it in a whole new way. Totally with the time. Great work, Jose. Keep it up!
"The privilege can afford for the system to fail them." The weight behind this statement is astronomical.
IKR. I kinda sensed but never 'saw' the layers of insulation from any real pain that exists in Frasier. I knew he was rich and often characters are in sitcoms (or at least comfortable) because well, its just more palatable, but yeh... hmm, got me thinking.
That was a real truth bomb
Rich people are insulated from hardship due to their wealth?... it’s not really a groundbreaking thought.
@@pho3nixinflight It doesn't need to be a groundbreakig thought, and that it isn't, is one of the reasons its so easily missed.
I had to read that sentence three times until I realized you meant “the privileged”
I loved Frasier and I *LOVE* your Retrospective.
I'll re-watch this a few times !!!
I remember being so crushed for Niles when he misunderstood Daphne after their dance and then a few years later I became an adult and found out for myself how crushing it can be and I've been both parties in that situation and I'm sure I'm not alone there
These videos are always a joy, José. You've done some shows that I watched and loved as a kid like Cheers or Murphy Brown, but even with the shows I have little or no experience with or fondness for (and I confess Frasier is one of those) you always give a fresh perspective that makes me want to go back and binge the series with fresh eyes. I am sure these take a TON of work, so thank you very much, and please keep 'em coming! I won't sully the sentiment with my requests, cuz whatever you pick, I know I'll really enjoy your future videos!
Wow José is so skilled at this and the smile in his voice infectious!
Frasier is my favorite show of all time. I admit that it is partially influenced by nostalgia and how it gave a mutual interest between my older brother and I. But, this show, while it is not perfect, it is certainly close. It's super funny, has a cast of comedic thespians, has rapid rounds of excellent dialogue, and features fantastic arcs. It lives in the back of my mind and in my heart. Rest in peace Moose, Enzo, and John Mahoney; you continue to be missed.
I adore that you mentioned the great James Patrick Stuart from ‘The Ski Lodge’ episode. He’s a wonderful actor.
OMGGGG idk why this didn’t show up in my recommendations but i LOVED this show. when i was younger i’d sneak into my moms room where she’d have the tv on and i’d pretend to sleep just so i could watch this show and then eventually she had realized what i was doing so we’d just watch the reruns together.
I learned so much from their jokes, and I was always happy when I understood scholastic references. They're like easter eggs throughout the series. The best part of the show was how it took the two intelligent men and showed that their deeper instincts and primal behavior made them no better than everyone else. And the chemistry and comedic timing was off the charts.
My personal favorites:
1. Voyage of the Damned
2. HAM Radio
Ham Radio was waaaay past brilliant 😂
I'm so stoked for this Fraiser is my comfort show, it's free therapy.
I watched this series all the way threw twice with my Dad over the course of a few years when I was a teenager. And even though he's gone now It still brings many fond memories. Excellent show
i forgot how utterly charming david hyde pierce was in frasier. I need to do a full rewatch of the series!
Hearing you quote and explain 'tossed salads and scrambled eggs' hit me with sudden joy. So much nostalgia for seeing this show in the morning before I left the house for school, never really thought about how much I enjoyed Fraser when it as on.
Niles and Daphne is one of the greatest love stories ever. I still get teary watching the episode when they grt together.
To be adored like that..
I don't understand why they made Daphne a Brit? What did that add to the dynamic of anything? I found that accent annoying and she seemed the most likely to make a scene at the slightest thing. Further more, WHAT did Niles see in her? A PT/caretaker? He was much better suited with Mel.
That multiple translation scene was taken from I Love Lucy. Lucy was in a French prison. They translated back and forth from French to German to Spanish to English for the converasation. Ricky did the English-Spanish translation.
Loving these sitcom retrospectives. Keep up the good work!
Dark Victory is hands down my favourite episode of the show. I love it when he actually helps people. Gets to a personal level and wish they did that more
What beautifully written commentaries thank you. A wonderful time in our lives. Cheers from NYC 😉
Frasier still cracks me up. It was wonderfully cast, written, and produced.