Loads goes into creating a very memorable sitcom. In a time the place overlit studio soundstages play host to a frankly unbelievable quantity of generic sitcoms, the magic of the style’s golden years appears to have been really misplaced. Although they’ve been round for many years, the ’90s gave the impression to be an actual pinnacle for the format, with “Pals,” “Seinfeld,” and “Frasier” all representing a number of the most interesting sitcoms ever produced. Whereas the characters and the writing are inarguably integral to those reveals enduring attraction, there’s additionally the aesthetics to contemplate. All three of those collection had a definite look that was the mixture of how units had been lit again then and the design of these units themselves.
Monica’s condominium in “Pals” is definitely one of the vital recognizable TV units of all time. It had a personality and a character to it that created an indelible picture within the minds of ’90s audiences worldwide. Equally, Dr. Crane’s condominium in “Frasier,” although extra understated than its “Pals” counterpart, borders on iconic standing. The eclectic, post-modern type of Frasier’s spectacular pad grew to become a part of the present’s character and was punctuated all through by important options, from Martin’s recliner to the grand piano and the spectacular however totally unrealistic view of Seattle’s Area Needle from the balcony.
Not that Frasier’s condominium wants anything to cement its standing as one of many all-time nice sitcom units, nevertheless it seems the condominium was truly constructed over an equally, if no more, legendary set.
Frasier’s condominium stood on hallowed floor
In a behind-the-scenes tour of the “Frasier” set again in 1993, star Kelsey Grammer gave viewers an inside have a look at the present, and revealed that the physician’s well-known condominium was constructed on the identical stage as “Cheers.” Sure, the sitcom on which Frasier made his debut was shot on the very same soundstage because the spin-off it produced: Stage 25 at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. It is humorous to assume that that is how issues performed out, contemplating Frasier Crane having his personal spin-off was not the unique plan for post-“Cheers” Grammer.
However there’s extra to this neat little factoid than that. Not solely was Frasier’s condominium shot on the identical stage as “Cheers,” however the condominium lounge was constructed within the precise spot the place the Cheers bar stood. Within the featurette, Grammar truly walks by way of the condominium mentioning the place sure points of the unique bar surroundings used to face and what changed them in “Frasier.” The actor even factors out the place all of the previous actors, together with himself, used to take a seat, revealing that Frasier used to prop himself up within the precise spot the place his new sofa was positioned in Frasier’s condominium.”
Frasier hasn’t moved too far since 2004
Sadly, “Cheers” and its stage 25 legacy ended when “Frasier” went off the air after 11 seasons in 2004. Dr. Crane returned for the neither disappointing nor exceptional “Frasier” revival collection in 2023, and whereas that present additionally shoots on the Paramount lot, it’s now positioned on stage 31 — not that that is something to balk at. That very same stage has hosted such legendary productions as the unique “Star Trek” collection (Kelsey Grammer truly had a cameo on “Star Trek: The Subsequent Era,” additional extending the 2 reveals’ connection), and “Little Home on the Prairie.” Stage 31 has additionally seen movies similar to “Chinatown,” Forrest Gump,” “Addams Household Values,” and “Wayne’s World 2” make use of its services.
Sadly, the “Frasier” set erected on stage 31 for the revival present is not fairly what the previous set was. The nice physician’s condominium within the new collection lacks the character of the unique, and even when, in season 2, Frasier returned to Seattle and the unique units had been recreated, it felt like a missed alternative. Apart from the design language being totally different, there’s one thing in regards to the HD decision and the lighting used at the moment that robs these trendy sitcoms of a lot of their attract, and streaming age “Frasier” isn’t any totally different despite the fact that many luminaries have been introduced again to rekindle the magic, together with sitcom maestro James Burrows, who has never seen a sitcom he hasn’t directed.
Nonetheless, it is good to know the present continues to be shot at Paramount in entrance of a dwell studio viewers. However what could be actually cool to know is what stands instead of Frasier’s bar seat over on stage 25 at the moment.
