A History of Frasier on Cheers

[@Mentski]

You call this a history of Frasier on Cheers, but it feels much more like a history of Cheers through the eyes of Frasier... and I'm all the more here for it.

[@BMask]

Glad to hear- that's a great way to put how I approached it, too!

[@blairnichols5919]

​@@BMask😅

[@pollypurree1834]

I despised Cheers but really liked the show Frasier

[@SovereignStatesman]

Well I’m pretty sure Fraser is a spin off of Cheers, so an in-depth look at the character requires uncovering those roots.

[@LongSinceDead1]

@@pollypurree1834 Cheers slaps though. How can anyone hate it so much?

[@Sunshine_day]

I had forgotten that Fraiser had told everyone on Cheers that his father had died. Now, that brings more meaning to Freddy, telling his work colleagues that his father was dead on the reboot.

[@joevictor53]

That made me laugh when they had it come around again

[@Jackfromshack]

Ot has reboot?

[@Fayerty]

@@Jackfromshackyessir! In paramount plus, but it isn’t as funny as the OG Frasier.

[@Lynmaru_]

Two and a half hour long essay on a character from a sitcom older than myself than I've never watched? Yes please, and thank you

[@LongSinceDead1]

You should watch Frasier. And Cheers too:

[@zainmudassir2964]

Wow same

[@Sunny_Haven]

helllll yeah

[@crytkryssus9851]

I haven't watched Cheers, but grew up as a kid watching Frasier. Rewatched it recently with my wife, and it is still great.

[@Sig509]

Do yourself a favour, and watch Frasier. Cheers could be a hit, or miss with you, but also woth trying. Don't get me wrong, I liked that show, and especially episodes with Frasier, and later Lilith , but it is a different kind of a show, and for example Diane may irritate you etc. And Frasier shows up there in season 3, gradually being more visible, as he was so likeable. There are other nice characters, like the Norm and Clif duo, but as I said, it can be hit or miss, while Frasier is a "safer" choice. It is not only one of the best comedy shows ever, but also very even for all of these years (even though I am not a particular fan of Daphne and the Moons saga, especially in the last seasons). Always well wrritten, and witty.

[@SpiralSine6]

“You were never in love _with_ her, you were in love _at_ her.” … god damn this hit me like a sack of bricks. Maybe I should watch Frasier.

[@BrokamaGay]

Do, and report back with your thoughts.

[@JesseHenderson-xc2kg]

8 months after finishing Frasier....i somehow found myself living in Seattle. Not saying they are connected but I am also not denying it.

[@MrAweeze]

Theres gotta be a "cafe Nervosa" somewhere in the city by now​@JesseHenderson-xc2kg

[@TheDanishGuyReviews]

Watching only Frasier, I didn't understand the "striking resemblance" David Hyde Pierce was supposed to have to his on-screen brother. But seeing what Kelsey Grammer looked like during Cheers made me finally get it.

[@aredub1847]

sam wasnt exactly running a health club.

[@computer_toucher]

As someone who grew up with Cheers, it was magical casting :)

[@Woodman-Spare-that-tree]

Trouble is, that David Hyde Pierce was half Frasier’s size.

[@rachelgrubman4606]

@@Woodman-Spare-that-treebut that happens sometimes in real life it happened with me and my sisters. We look alike but I’m much shorter

[@jennifermcgoldrick6323]

@@aredub1847lol I watched that episode of Frazier within the last week or so

[@catfoot13]

"She challenged his chauvinism, he was mad he couldn't spell that" Always love the writing in your videos. Keep up the good work B-Mask!

[@Slice2099]

Frasier Crane is special, one of the most iconic TV characters of all time he’s like the Saul Goodman of the universe. The fact that we were able to see him Young become middle age and now older is crazy the past 40 years of this character.

[@RoeLuv1]

Seeing Nancy Cartwright on Cheers with Kelsey, knowing years later they’d be on screen together as Bart Simpson & Sideshow Bob was Amazing!!!

[@zapkvr]

And only one of them is a sciencologist wacko

[@G_FRE]

​@@zapkvr That's life

[@heartnet40]

A lot of people say that they can talk about their favorite characters for hours, but only B-Mask can nut-up and put it to video. I can only imagine the amount of script left on the cutting room floor with this one. Can't wait to be floored by this thing.

[@chelktty]

This video really dives deep. Effortlessly entertaining and informative.

[@miaknig3130]

My grandmother got me hooked on Frazier. I had only heard of cheers, but not the other shows mentioned. This was so enlightening for me, ty! 😊

[@petegregory517]

Niles crack’s me up. Still watch 2 hours practically every night. Perfectly cast show.

[@michaelking7847]

Literally just got done showing my girlfriend Frasier for the first time. It went over great, and when she went home it left me in the mood for more, but without wanting to continue watching without her. And like an angel in a ray of light, b-mask shows up with a 2+ hour video all about it. Hallelujah

[@BMask]

Always glad to be of service

[@michaelking7847]

You're doing the Lord's work, my friend

[@LordMalice6d9]

How old are you? Frasier is an old show by now.

[@CCXXI]

I'm struck by a line Frasier says in the "Cheerful Goodbyes" episode: these people were there for me when I needed friends most. Excellent overview. Thanks so much for it.

[@idimation5579]

A 2 1/2 hour video on Fraiser lore is the exact reason I’m subscribed to this channel.

[@mnvr-pd6wz]

Frasier is my #1 favourite show yet I’ve never watched a second of Cheers. This video is genuinely brilliant and it only makes me appreciate Frasier so much more. Frasier Crane’s story is one of the greatest in TV history and you portrayed it incredibly well

[@Digital_David]

I'm surprised you haven't watched Cheers. You'd probably love it.

[@gatormclusky55]

Watch Cheers....I mean it's only one of the Best shows ever

[@lisab7977]

Same! I’ve never seen Cheers but Frasier is my absolute favorite show!

[@SLCandy1]

How would you have an all-time favourite show and yet purposefully choose never to watch a second of the show Frasier spent nine years on? It's like having a favourite album of all-time and by choice choosing not to listen to any earlier albums

[@DissociativeIdentity]

Great video, and you ended on what I think is the central issue. Frasier needed Cheers at that time of his life as much as anyone in the bar. He came there only at Diane's behest, but in the end, he outlasted her, and found a place where he could cut loose and enjoy himself. I love the scenes where his professional mask slips and he just becomes one of the gang: doo-wopping along to "Duke of Earl", dancing along to "Na Na Hey Hey"; getting caught up in all the gossip and little bar dramas...and of course, breaking down when he sees Dave, the stuffed moose head, brought out of storage after a long hiatus! Kelsey Grammer put so much of himself into the role, making you really feel Frasier's insecurity and need for acceptance, but also showing that beneath the pretentious exterior, there was not only "abundant humanity", but genuine warmth as well. Despite the occasional withering put-down, in not one scene in 11 seasons do I get the sense that Frasier truly considers himself superior to anyone at Cheers, not from a social, cultural, or financial standpoint; on the contrary, he desperately wants to be one of them. If that neediness is what makes him relatable, then his desire to help is what makes him loveable, and so different to the other intellectual Diane was involved with, the self-possessed and odious Sumner Sloan. Whenever Sumner appeared in the show, it was to sow discord and get Diane away from the bar; whereas Frasier, on entering the bar's orbit, comes to embrace Cheers, and becomes its staunchest supporter. Eventually of course, he realises he has spent too much time there, as he admits to Lilith, using it as an escape from his marital problems. Leaving Boston to make a fresh start was probably the healthiest thing to do. But I also agree with your conclusion that Cheers was what helped Frasier grow as a person, and was probably the first place where he truly felt he belonged. They were his family for that time, and gave him the experience and insight to later repair the rifts with his own relations in Seattle. Never knew Kelsey was feeling too emotional to get his lines out in the final scene. That's heartbreaking.

[@BMask]

Wonderfully put

[@DissociativeIdentity]

@@BMask Thanks! It was a very good essay - edited the comment since I misspelled Grammer's name. Now I feel I need to rewatch Cheers (and Frasier) for the umpteenth time. Not sure if I'm ready though, it's always an emotional commitment coming back to those shows 🥲

[@jeffreyjeziorski1480]

All I can say after reading that is your depth...frightens me.

[@NPCarlsson]

I really love your editing. It's very inspiring. I think a lot of people assume videos like this are easy to make. You write the script, you record the VO, you put clips in the timeline to match up with it. But, there's more to it than that and I know a lot of thought goes into the pacing and the delivery of the points you make. It's what separates a thoughtless video from a passion project.

[@BMask]

Thank you so much- I know it's not something you can demonstrate to people without them being there, so it means a lot to see someone else in the same game recognising that.

[@BMask]

Hey everyone- when this video originally uploaded it was beset by copyright bots that prevented monetisation, with this pinned comment originally explaining the situation, and those have now been officially cleared. I want to thank everyone who donated to support me during that time and for the wonderful comments from everyone who felt the four months of work was worthwhile. Genuinely floored by the response and just hope I can continue to deliver on future projects. 'Cheers' indeed! 🍻 Update: Have also added the video's soundtrack choices in the description, for anyone curious as to what music was used!

[@wile123456]

Damn if it doesn't work out you should upload it in parts. It sucks to have a 2 hour 30 minute taken down 😢

[@bZman]

So when are we getting a full Fraiser series review?

[@CDubya.82]

Amazing work 👍

[@johnnygoodman2003]

I clicked the thumb pick thinking this was about a lost anime cartoon about cheers.

[@BMask]

@@johnnygoodman2003 Imagine

[@myoak108]

This video made me start watching Frasier, I'd never seen it before ever. I stopped it around 40 minutes in and have been on a binge since like 2 days ago. You're doing god's work.

[@gorcshurut4934]

As a Hungarian man, I'm not at all familiar with either Cheers, or Frasier. But gosh darn, BMask could talk about a bucket full of bile for all I care, I could watch it for 2 and a half hours.

[@SixTwelve-612]

As a media junkie, and an older fart, I had the pleasure of going through both series as they aired. And now the pleasure of this video tome. B- Mask, I've never seen anything quite like this and had no idea I'd been waiting for it. Brother, you can compose. Bravo.

[@Snips.Snails.Fairytales]

Okay. Hear me out. I have never watched a full episode of Cheers or Frasier. But I realized something just from this video. In that Halloween episode, Frasier says he is in costume as Dante Gabriel Rosetti. Dante Gabriel Rosetti was, of course, a very successful painter and poet. If you look at his work, you cannot deny that he was a master of his craft. No one could possibly criticise him or his skill, unless they happened to be his own flesh and blood. No one knows you better than family after all. His sister was Christina Rosetti, also a very famous and successful poet who wrote such classics as "Goblin Market" and "In an Artist's Studio". The latter, I think, is very relevant to Frasier. "In an Artist's Studio", to put it lightly, is essentially Christina giving her own brother a read. If you really look at all of Dante's paintings, you'll realize they all look like they're of the same woman, because they are. She might be in different clothes, poses, and situations, but she always has this kind, wistful, almost expressionless face. In reality, Dante's muse had died very young, and he spent the rest of his life painting this person as she might have been. In the words of Christina "Not as she is, but as she fills his dream." Since this woman died, he never saw the real person beneath the pretty face, so the pretty face was all he could recreate. Everyone else was always going to fail his expectations. Frasier, based on this video, does the same. None of his lovers tragically died (as far as I know) but he does hold onto this image, this idea, of what each one of them could have been, because the reality will always be less than perfect. He might have had a few intellectual equals in Cheers, but no one can call you out on your own BS quite like a sibling can. That, I think, is what makes Niles so imporant and fascinating for Frasier in his spinoff. So to have him turn around and be his own Christina Rosetti and tell his own brother to appreciate the reality rather than the fantasy, is plain beautiful writing. Maybe they dressed him up as Dante Gabriel Rosetti to joke that he's pretentious, which works just fine. But holy shit if they planned that, I aspire to be that well thought out with my own writing. Well fucking done.

[@BMask]

I would not be surprised if an element of that was absolutely in why they chose that reference. I read a fascinating article on how Diane's play very much mirrors the scene in Hamlet where they also perform a play within the story on his own life- and that Frasiers line on how the devil 'can sometimes assume pleasing shapes' is very close to something said there, too. Same can be said of Shaw's Man and Superman which of course has a third act called 'Don Juan in Hell.' These guys were just so well read and so good at learning from their influences that I've no doubt all these ideas helped inform their choices for Frasier, even if just as sly in-jokes.

[@kurtwagner350]

even if it was unintentional the writers being incredibly well versed in high culture adds so much to these shows and has introduced me to so so many interesting things. I wish more shows strove to genuinely have an intellectual edge these days

[@FreejackVesa]

I love it when people come up with off the wall theories, based in reality or not. It's fun. Thanks

[@RoySATX]

No accident, it was "well fucking done" as you say! Frasier was a brilliant sitcom, always clever and always hysterical, always willing to make fun of itself for being so hysterically clever but never going so far as to be intellectually insulting. One of the top sitcoms ever.

[@Anomaly188]

I've heard it said once that Niles is what Frasier would've been if his time in Boston during the run of Cheers hadn't mellowed him out. So you end up having a kind of 'talking to yourself' theme where the older, more experienced, and grounded Frasier is talking to his brother and a younger version of himself at the same time.

[@ItsMefromSnuffys]

Intelligent writers making great entertainment. These shows were magical

[@devinweathers7520]

Definitely wanted those types back

[@zapkvr]

@@devinweathers7520 Did you see The good place? Its perfect.

[@moonlitegram]

I'm old enough to have grown up watching Cheers first so Frasier's past was no mystery to me while also watching Frasier. I loved both shows for very different reasons which is why I think Frasier worked so well and is one of the most, if not the most, successful spin off shows in TV's history. Between the well rounded character that Grammar and the Cheers writers created in Cheers, and the fact that they didn't just try to rehash more Cheers episodes with Frasier, lead to something really great in the spinoff. By the end of Frasier's run I was kind of growing tired of the sitcom formula and kind of enthralled with the newer long format, narrative series that started popping up in the early 2000s. So regretfully I kind of soured on the series towards its later seasons, not because of the show itself, but because of my tastes changing. However, decades later, I find myself returning to shows like Frasier and Cheers and watching them with great fondness. The more episodic nature, and the focus on solid set ups and punchlines, is now a refreshing change to a TV market saturated with long running narratives that feel impossible to keep up with. The old has become new, and the new old. And I get to revisit some old pals from my more younger days.

[@BMask]

Thank you for commenting- I find perspectives like this incredibly important. I know from the many I read it can be difficult to impress to people the effect and changing perception of these things over time to better understand the history of why and how these things come to be, and I know your experience is not isolated. It'll be interesting to see what else this applies to another ten years or so down the line.

[@moonlitegram]

@@BMask Yea its definitely interesting to see how attitudes are influenced over the years. And how the same art and media can take on a whole new reputation as the years go by and the eras change.

[@peteradaniel]

I cannot hear the theme tune of cheers without being completely overwhelmed with memories of childhood. Damn that show. So good.

[@coryreigns7364]

Great show

[@ellejayn]

Same here. One of the best tv show themes of all time.

[@Faynwulf]

This is without a doubt one of the best essays I've ever seen on youtube. And it's about a sitcom character. Please more like this.

[@dougie3829]

I would love to see a character analysis of all the characters of the show

[@zapkvr]

HERE HERE. Should have been delivered at the Paley centre with Kelsey in the audience. Afterwards he could host a qanda. Seriously needs to happen.

[@Tramatik48]

You haven't seen that many essays have you

[@niknokYT]

I've never watched a second of Cheers nor Frasier, yet I still got thoroughly invested into this. You have an incredible knack for telling the stories of these shows/movies/games/etc, without feeling like you've covered absolutely everything. I can already tell there's tons you never even hinted towards in both of these shows that I still have to discover for myself. It's a real talent. I'm not sure if this is just a "right place at the right time" sort of deal, but this video made me realize things about myself that I'd never quite fully comprehended before, good and bad. Thanks for doing everything you do, B-Mask. Please never stop.

[@BMask]

Greatly appreciate this as it's definitely the balance i'm striving for. Thank you so much!

[@keithgriffiths9864]

Watch Cheers first in the right order 😊

[@ramseyrosario3126]

​@@BMaskreally really good video, I can agree this was a really great analysis. I loved it

[@christopherramon-reid2000]

If I could give you some sort of award for this is would. The way you’ve documented the evolution of this television character is phenomenal.

[@jackbiesty3729]

If not an award how about a reward? And I'll just point to his patreon/Ko-Fi in the description.

[@dragonman011]

As someone who never really watched sitcoms growing up, I applaud you for choosing scenes and moments from both Cheers and Frasier that got me howling despite lacking that connection.

[@Robert_D_Mercer]

I was too young for this show, but I remember watching it while there was nothing else on tv. the intro song of fraiser is like a meme now. lol a lot of people vaguely remember the dude and Im 30.

[@RandomPlayIist]

​@@Robert_D_Mercer "lol a lot of people vaguely remember the dude..." What on Earth are you talking about, that's not true at all lol.

[@amandaredd3057]

I watch a double shot of Cheers every morning while drinking my coffee early af before getting ready for work. It tickles me just as much now as it did when I was a kid

[@jcboyle82]

Absolutely love when someone takes a character I’m indifferent about and shares their love of them! It’s so genuine and infectious!

[@samuelchard4816]

I could listen to this man talk about anything for hours and never lose interest.

[@DrewSwenson]

That was PHENOMENAL! My Ex Adored Frasier, and as such I've seen it twice through. After our separation I started Cheers, but never quite made it to Frasier's bits. The sheer amount of Development for him, Lillith and Nanny - G absolutely take things to another level. I now intend to set forth and finish the remaining 9 seasons taking every Frasier Moment to heart... Though I wish I could have shared these moments with her...

[@flyhyland]

1:22:02 You didn't mention it but you probably know that this line was improvised by Woody when he saw the bottle drop on Kelsey's foot. Amazing that Kelsey maintained his composure despite clearly being hurt and just went along with it lol.

[@BMask]

Essentially implied it was improv'd in the video- Kelsey carrying the ball like that was masterful!

[@Scerttle]

Frasier was literally the ONLY show on Channel 9 Australia I would tune in for during the 90s. It was literally the only reason I had the station tuned to begin with. Cheers was before my time, so it's really cool seeing how those two shows link up.

[@n0tk0sher]

If you can catch Cheers on a streaming service, you really should. There are certainly some dated aspects of the show, but it is so worth it. I grew up watching it, and because of this KZbin video, I'm gonna rewatch it. 😊

[@KnayaMayor]

I would have never thought I would ever sit down for 2 and a ½ hours watching something about Frasier and Cheers. I lived every minute of it. So many emotions due to similarities that happened in my life. Very emotional and well done. Hopefully Kelsey Grammer and the execs of those shows, will give you some sort of nod or thumbs up. If KZbin could give you an Emmy for a documentary, it would be well deserved, CHEERS!

[@theslakemoth]

I have never watched an episode of Cheers or Frasier before in my life, and having watched the entirety of this video I feel rather strongly compelled to change this.

[@rtothec1234]

Kelsey won us over with his warmth. He seemed pompous but he mixed and mingled with the blue collar characters to provide a nice foil.

[@the_real_Kurt_Yarish]

Man's about to make me cry because of a 2 and a half hour long video about two sitcoms I've never seriously invested time in. Bravo.

[@ThatZommy]

youtube finally understands me. gosh, a two and a half hour video essay about Frasier (on cheers), this is the peak

[@NeptuneCactus]

I uh, think I might need to watch Cheers and Frasier after watching this. Had no idea they were genuinely compelling. Awesome video, B-mask!

[@UnseenJapan]

Fraiser really holds up today. Extremly well written, witty, with wonderful characters that change and grow.

[@eldonhill4840]

Frasier is a fantastic show. Cheers is more hit and miss in my opinion

[@TheUnmitigatedDawn]

@@eldonhill4840 Honestly, Frasier is the hit or miss one. Cheers is consistently great besides Season 11.

[@DanJackson1977]

They're both great. I prefer Cheers becuse it was more blue collar and had a "hanging out with old friends" kinda feel". Its when Kirstie Alley shows up that... well, it gets dicier.

[@stalfithrildi5366]

I love Frasier and think Cheers stands up just as well. Definitely worth watching through

[@alaina932]

While I don't appreciate crying at work as I listen to this video (and the great ending), I do appreciate the upload and the massive effort in creating this. Frasier has become very important to me, even without having watched Cheers. I just assumed he was a minor character and never bothered watching Cheers, but this gives me a rich perspective I didn't have before. Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@BMask]

Very glad to hear this and that it had an effect, thank you! Apologies for embarrassing you at work that way though, I forget sometimes these can be watched anywhere and everywhere.

[@Aldrius]

That scene with Frasier sitting there pretending to be an extra is so surreal. I love it. Also it's a shame we didn't get more Coach-Frasier scenes. Also shocked we never got any Nancy Marchand in Frasier, but by the time they did Don Juan in hell she was likely in poor health.

[@evanphillips2126]

I really love that Nancy got to play two TV mothers who ruined their son’s lives

[@evilherodiamondcat]

What do you mean? In Frasier lore she died before the series started. Why would she make an appearance?

[@Aldrius]

@@evilherodiamondcat In flashbacks, or as a ghost/a vision.

[@VICTORZITOSS]

​@@evanphillips2126omg, never knew mama soprano and mama crane were the same person Although comparing the two might get a little dark...

[@Mibbitmaker]

@@VICTORZITOSS Well, she did threaten to kill Diane...

[@pmtspmts8441]

I actually cried when they got Lilith back for her last guest role on frasier.. I mean they been on tv together like 15 years or more.. when he left the hotel room Bebe expressed regret and acceptance and some aging of how it was to be

[@heidifedor]

The Cheers bar was modeled after an actual well known bar in Boston called, “The Bull and Finch”. Eventually it was sold, and the new owner renamed it, “Cheers” and based it on the TV series.

[@kevinczaractual]

I would watch an extended cut of Frasier: Frontier Psychicatrist on repeat. That is one of the best edited intros I've ever seen. As it stands, I've watched this three times already. Liked, subbed. Keep it up.

[@kasig2013]

Damn, that was easily one of your best videos to date. Possibly your all-time best. This video convinced me of one thing crystal clear: I have to watch Cheers and Frasier. Through this 2 1/2 hour essay, I really came to love these characters. I want to experience all of their hilarious highs and sad lows. And, I also kind of realized that, like Frasier, I really have to grow up too. For my own good. Even though it'll be hard. Thank you, B-Mask, for showing me this and for adding two amazing shows onto my watchlist.

[@AllSingingAllDancing]

The first few minutes into this, I thought this was some AI gunk. But holy mother of Cheers, you have so much behind the scenes info, so many primary sources, so insanely researched, and I thoroughly and absolutely loved this video. Who the heck are you? Fantastic job!!!!!!!!!

[@ZeroMayhemZX]

Wonderful video. For writers and actors to explore a character, to allow them to grow into a full three dimensional person over such a long period of time is a rare treat in sitcoms. I originally watched Cheers and Frasier in order (must have been wild doing them the other way around). I'm currently rewatching Cheers (it's an all time favorite of mine, Fawlty Towers too, nice to see that brought up) and seeing Frasier as he started, knowing where he's going, and the growth along the way is one of the joys of revisiting it. His development from a foil to Sam to a close friend is always heart warming. You've done an excellent job analyzing the character and the clips and interview segments are fantastic. Thank you!

[@BMask]

No, thank *you* for the wonderful comment!

[@BigGiantMonster]

35:38 The dinner party episode with Same & Diane and Lilith & Frasier's apartment is probably one of the Top 10 Sitcom episodes of all time, so perfect, all the jokes land. I honestly thought the night I watched this when it originally aired that they were setting up a spin-off with Frasier & Lilith

[@bethanybosworth]

I don't know if this is true, but I read somewhere that the original concept for the spin-off was them as a married couple.

[@zorglubmagnus455]

This is a masterpiece. I watched Frasier twice before i realized I could also watch Cheers. Then went on to watch Frasier another 7 or 8 times and Cheers a couple of times. I greatly enjoyed putting all the pieces together backwards.

[@vandas7048]

Frontier Psychiatrist is a banger and a great choice for the clips of a totally normal guy

[@wile123456]

From the guy that made me appreciate a talking dog, 4 superheroes that are only terrible in cinema and a weird 80's glam rock cartoon about a female band, he is now going to make me like Fraiser 🤯

[@JonTalbain777]

What a fantastic essay. I have a lot of thoughts, but what stands out to me the most is your fair and nuanced take on Diane.One of the things that always drew me to Frasier was that Diane and Lilith were my childhood crushes. Fans more or less love Lilith, but Diane is always a point of contention. Diane is so interesting and I always loved her, but her relationship with Sam did shape the entirety of her tenure, and you are right in saying her leaving gave the show room to evolve into a truly ensemble effort. I thought it was interesting that the TV writers turned her into a successful TV writer after her exit. What is that supposed to mean?! The Show Where Diane Comes Back is one of my absolute favorites, and their goodbye still makes me tear up at times. I love how Diane is trying to use art to correct life, and in the end, real life is what corrects the art. It's masterfully written and acted.

[@GingerAnimator]

I'll always remember the summer after uni, waking up every morning to Frasier repeats on Channel 4 and turning to my Mum after a few days and saying "I think I lived with that guy for two years."

[@BMask]

'how I miss those hail-fellows-well-met'

[@idimation5579]

Same here, except it was late night reruns when I was a kid.

[@johnmilligan7788]

This entire video is INCREDIBLE. This is by far the best character essay video I’ve ever seen. Watching this, it was the first time I thought to myself, I should make other KZbin accounts just to like this video several times over. I love “Frasier” and have watched the series several times over but could never really get into “Cheers.” This video filled a void I didn’t even know was there. Wow, just wow.

[@EJSmith145]

A video about Frasier by you was never a matter of "if", but "when". Amazing work as always! 💖

[@gabrielcayton3261]

What a great Frasier-centric Cheers retrospective!

[@jackcharlotte25]

Props to using "Frontier Psychiatrist," aka the greatest song ever, as your theme for this episode

[@pierreschnehage8152]

Fantastic analysis. I've had Frasier on rotation for 3 years now... I'll get Cheers again. Fiction that becomes part of life.

[@JasonBeam7]

Lifelong Frasier fan here. Thank you for doing this

[@MarvinFalz]

I absolutely love that bittersweet moment when Lilith and Frasier say goodbye for the very last time. That short moment of silence feels like they both realize how much they mean to each other and there's nothing but love between them. Beautiful.

[@michaeladkins6]

The last time until a couple of weeks from now.

[@dannyspelman1468]

The Irish actor, Milo O' Shea also appeared in both Cheers and Frasier. He played Niles and Frasier's therapist when they had a falling out but he was also in the wedding episode of Cheers. Woody's wedding.

[@RasheedGazzi-u5l]

Now you got me looking this guy up.

[@dannyspelman1468]

@user-qm2li8zx2d He was a great comedy actor. He even appeared in a Carry On movie. Carry On Cabby

[@omegamanGXE]

I vaguely recall that name, was he the priest guy in the 1968 Zeffirelli film adaptation of Romeo and Juliet

[@dannyspelman1468]

@@omegamanGXE That's him, yes.

[@maureenshields7540]

@@dannyspelman1468 He was excellent as a corrupt, venal, and wholly unsympathetic judge in, 'The Verdict', with Paul Newman, Jack Warden, James Mason, and Charlotte Rampling. Whenever I watch that film, I look forward to his performance and marvel at his casting in that role. It is a cliche to say, 'inspired', but it surely was that and more. He adds to the menace of the David versus Goliath storyline.

[@Acharmedlife]

I’ve seen every episode a dozen times while I was recovering from a severe accident. Saved my life. I never saw most of these cheers clips. What fun. Thank you.

[@snapkickUUUU]

Floored by your presentation and script writing. I've watched enough youtube and tried enough writing myself to know that it is HARD to keep a salient and sensible train of thought going, so keeping it going for 2 and a half hours AND making it entertaining about a sitcom I've never watched nor been interested in is extremely impressive. I'm absolutely going to give Cheers and Frasier a watch at some point now, but you've condensed the key points and the feelings down so well that I feel like I've already experienced it. Amazing work as always, looking forward to more!

[@FauxRomano]

This was a wonderful video, bravo. I've always adored Cheers despite even myself not being old enough to watch it live. It really really holds up.

[@Chris-dz3rs]

I was watching "Cheers" back in the day and I remember noticing him in the background. I noticed we had a new barfly and he was soon revealed to be a new character by the end of that episode . I've been a fan since.

[@MovieMan1710]

Just wanna say this is like the 5th time watching this and I really do appreciate all the hard work you put into making this. It's provided a lot of comfort while I work late nights

[@BMask]

Thank you so much- genuinely means a lot to hear!!!

[@SkepticalChris]

2 and a half hours of pure honest, true tribute to a great character, from a true genuine fan :) Funny, that I was such a big Frasier fan, even today in my head I hear both Frasier and Lilith sometimes giving me mental advise in my head.....and I'm sure Lilith and Frasier would have something to say about that.

[@Me-wk3ix]

I grew up watching Cheers as a kid (it started when I was 2 years old, and it was always on in the background because my parents loved it). I watched Fraiser from middle school through college. This brought back great memories! It's very weird to think that Grammer played this character from when I was about 5, through my early 20s.

[@Deadwolf27]

While being a fan of Kelsey Grammer in general I didn't enjoy him Cheers. I had sat through two seasons of will they won't they I was exhausted with it and at the start of season 3 it hurt to see how broken Sam was. Then in comes Diane with Frasier and it had been such a slap in the face mood killer that it was the nail in the coffin for me and I stopped watching the show entirely, unsure of how exactly this was the character that got a spinoff to call his very own. Thank you for showing me how wrong I was and just how short I had come from striking gold. Edit: As of today. August 5th 2024 I have watched all of the original run of Frasier. What a great show. Thank you for the recommendation B-Mask

[@LegalPhantom]

My absolutely perfect dream is B-Mask doing a review for a retro game and Majuular doing a review of Seinfeld. I would die with no regrets whatsoever.

[@Oakshimasu]

Thank you for making this Video. I love Frasier. I've watched and rewatched the show many times in my life, but I've *still* never watched cheers. It's legitimately cool to see the evolution of the character through this video.

[@DerBlutenPat1348]

I was pondering what Grammar/Paramount might do regarding some kind of retrospective for his upcoming 500th episode playing Frasier. By my count, he’s currently at 471. So it could maybe be the finale of season 3 of the reboot if it continues that long and they expand the episode orders the next couple of seasons. but honestly I don’t know if they’ll be able to top this. This is brilliant and engaging and never once felt like it dragged despite being 150 minutes long. This essay was clearly a labor of love. Bravo.

[@Hoodedjustice01]

Quick praise to the thumbnail artist, phenomenal job, it looks like a piece by Darwyn Cooke

[@BMask]

Joe is an incredible talent, not only as an artist, but as a writer. If you haven't read his Frasier/Colombo crossover i highly recommend it, captures the characters voices perfectly.

[@Mitch_Crane]

I thought it was a Paxton

[@BMask]

@@Mitch_Crane That's what the dealer told me, too

[@aleciahansen7859]

I always preferred Frasier over Cheers. It is nice to see the writers of Frasier tried to carry over sone of the details about the character to the Frasier series. I feel like sitcoms rewrite their own histories, especially older shows since there wasn’t streaming, the audience was less likely to question small changes in continuity. I’m only 1/4 of the way through this and it’s a great video essay!

[@rue8929]

This video inspired me to do a deep dive into other video essays on both Cheers and Frasier so I could see if other people shared this same reverence for the shows and the character of Frasier himself. The search led me to Jose and his retrospective videos on both shows, which in turn led me to a video by the channel hoots that Jose recommended. I've now seen 3 completely differing opinions on the show, your love for the character of Frasier is clear and well supported, while hoots and her collaborator vehemently despise the character and the show for well-supported and respectable reasons (I can't do their arguments justice, I recommend their video). Jose meanwhile presented a more down the middle interpretation of both Cheers and Frasier, highlighting the good and the bad. After hearing all of these contrasting opinions, I had an epiphany. "The only reason I'm searching for all these video essays is because I don't want to commit to watching 22 seasons of television so I could form my own opinion on both shows." And I've thought about that a lot since it first came to me. I've very much enjoyed the clips that you and Jose sprinkled throughout your videos, both Cheers and Frasier seem like my kind of comedy, but I'll never actually know for sure unless I put in the work and actually watch the shows for myself. I think that's the morale that should be taken from shows that have such a divisive legacy. The only clear answer you can give on the show's quality is your own, so you should put in the work and watch it for yourself instead of copying the opinion of a youtuber you like a lot. But thank you for this video, B-Mask. Right now I feel like I'd be more inclined to agree with you about both shows. But only time will tell, and I'm looking forward to starting Cheers and figuring it out.

[@cedarledgepublishing]

The irony of it all is he was my favorite character on CHEERS but hated the show Fraiser for divorcing him from Lilith, taking him out of Boston and the obnoxious supporting cast. I gave up after the first season. Strangely enough, the FRAISER reboot has solved some of these problems, and I is enjoying it. Thanks for the video.

[@somniloguy12]

Damn I wish I watched Cheers before this. I did not expect that story to go into such interesting directions. Wonderful video as always. Your analysis always makes me appreciate whatever you cover more.

[@BMask]

Thank you so much- I will add, there's so much I didn't show concerning all the other characters, and the entirety of the first season is a masterclass in creating a great sitcom, so definitely plenty to still get out of the show!

[@somniloguy12]

@@BMask I just started watching this morning! Cant wait to see it all unfold!

[@gunpuncher3817]

I was born in the Mid-90s, so Cheers and most of Fraiser were before my time unfortunately, although I have vague recollections of media stories endlessly praising Fraiser even back then. On top of that, being raised in a black household meant that Fraiser and especially Cheers were deemed as 'corny' - my mother in particular never liked that show - so I never had a chance to ingest Fraiser even tangentially through cultural osmosis. So, I kind of went through life believing the stereotype that Cheers was a cheesy sitcom constantly derailed by relationship drama that was never ending. I dunno how you managed to get into these shows, but I have to admit that not only have you changed my mind, but you've actually gotten me really invested in these shows to the point where I actually want to watch them for myself now. The thing I think that you do so much better than most video essayists, B-Mask, is the way that you let your passion and genuine love for the shows and movies you talk about be the connective tissue that combines your critical analysis of writing and characters with your meditation on how these shows and their characters affect you personally or reflect reality, which creates this emotional through line where you actually try to identify the artistic value and emotional meaning behind the art you love, which is an astounding talent that makes your videos so engaging. So many other reviewers or essayists just give a beat by beat of the plot or clinically dissect basic writing conventions without really remembering what these criticisms are for in the first place, which is to answer the question: "What is this art trying to say, what does it really mean?" Basically, you make yourself an advocate for the art you love, and not in a blind way, in a genuinely thoughtful, appreciative way. I say this because I had actually read up on Cheers not too long ago out of curiosity, and I had written it off as an 80s sitcom with a lot of melodrama jammed in, and until I watched your video, I never realized just how well developed and deeply considered the characters and humor of Cheers really was. The way you describe it, it's totally different than how I imagined it to be, much more lively and earthy and character-driven, and I kind of feel silly for thinking about it the way I did. Focusing specifically on Fraiser as a character (apart from being the obvious choice) makes it really clear just how strong the narrative through line for the characters in Cheers are in general, and his specific examples really speak to the quality of the show's framing and writing overall. You got a real knack for honing in on emotional arcs and subtle theming; some of this stuff is actually stuff I'd probably miss a first viewing tbh. Now I think I actually understand why people would never shut up about Fraiser, and I'm real mad I never caught it because that nerdy farcical humor is the kind of shit I would have LOVED to death as a teenager, and even more so now, but hey, you were here to inform the ignorant populace, and now I have some homework to do. Thanks for the video B-Mask, you've got real heart, never give it up!

[@sturmley]

And now I need to go watch Frasier again. Thanks, B.

[@9020999]

Wow watching this has made me realize one simple truth...Boy did I miss a lot of episodes! I have rediscovered my love for this character and Cheers I never realized how in-depth these shows were until now

[@IjiModo]

I never expected a frasier video, B-mask, and I couldn't be happier. I'm glad my little bit of patreon support helped do this.

[@knitro1]

This was great. Im one of those few Black Men that watched and Loved this Show. Frasier is my all time favorite show. Thank you for this.

[@virginiaj2793]

I originally found your channel from your Sly Cooper breakdown. So it is such a pleasant surprise to see you deep dive into one of my favorite shows that is so widely different from video games. This is a really interesting watch, thanks!

[@respawnicon]

This was so Frasierian. You're a fucking King. Thank you for this.

[@mjears]

I was only a quarter of the way through this when I wanted to say: This is the most thorough, well-presented, beautifully illustrated essay on a TV character I think I will ever see! Now it has taken me 4 days to finish watching it, and it has been worth every minute. Bravo, and thank you.

[@conkface]

I couldn't get into Cheers despite loving Frasier so much so I'm glad you made this recap. really well made.

[@Chan.711]

This is wonderful. My favorite American show, tied with Martin. And only 2nd to my favorite show Keeping up Appearances! With the unseen son!

[@paxwallace8324]

I just spent 6yrs ending 2021 in Copenhagen. The show Frasier is still huge there. So I was the pianist in a great Thai restaurant in the hippie free town Christainia and met a beautiful local TV exec there while outside there was an actual riot with teargas going on. When I told her that I was from Seattle she surprisingly steered the conversation to Frasier so there was a riot was on going down the street but we talked Seattle and Fraiser. It could've been an episode of Frasier actually. Deported in 2021 I'm currently benge watching Fraiser playing jazz in and around Seattle. My feed seems to know too much about me. Thumbs up BTW

[@Football__Junkie]

Cheers, Golden Girls, and Frasier each gave a lethal dose of sarcasm every episode. Where I developed a sense of humor.

[@nicklundy9965]

May I add the Nanny to the list?

[@redknight1888]

Fun fact: cheers has started two actors who have been in a marvel movie. Kelsey grammer, who plays frasier, played beast in x-men the last stand, days of future past, and in the marvels , while woody harroldson played Cletus Cassidy/carnage in venom: let there be carnage.

[@Perseverance84]

Fantastic analysis of one of my all-time favorite TV characters. My one regret with the ending of Frasier is that the titular protagonist didn’t seem to get any of the resolution he so richly deserved. After all those years and all that personal growth, it stinks that Frasier’s still unlucky and unhappy in love. (Well, possibly. The series finale is ambiguous enough - but the reboot seems to firmly establish that it didn’t ultimately work out.) Weirdly, I always believed Frasier and Lilith’s end game was reconciliation - at least until her last few appearances in Frasier. They both had their baggage, but their chemistry together was off the charts - even after their divorce. I wish the show runners of Frasier committed to growing Lilith as an independent character seeking happiness and fulfillment as much as they did Frasier. She’s sort of played off as a paper thin cliche of all her worst possible tendencies in her final appearances and she isn’t given the chance to grow into a more socially adept, accepting person who could be assertive with her wants and needs without being domineering. Even if she wasn’t destined to rekindle anything romantic with Frasier, it would have been awesome if characters like Martin, Daphne, etc. grew to befriend and trust her.

[@Jessie_Helms]

As someone who saw Big Bang Theory long before Cheers, and it looks like Amy was largely modeled after Lilith, and Sheldon seemed to have some inspiration from Frazier. And that isn’t a critique, just interesting to see

[@spagredo]

THIS IS WHY YOU ARE THE GOAT!!!!!!!! THE ONLY PERSON TO DROP A 2 HOUR CHEERS VIDEO ESSAY

[@bschrdr07]

This is the best. I can't imagine how much work you put into this, absolute masterpiece.

[@ariner19]

I love Cheers so much. Insane to see someone I’m subscribed to making a multi hour video on the series

[@BoundaryBreak]

i love this vid

[@tarekhabib2704]

B mask talking about Frasier. Can't get any better.

[@sphong0610]

I've always tought that Diane from Cheers would have been perfect for Niles instead of Frasier. Her youthful naivety and charm would be exactly what Niles worships.

[@Phaseparagon]

Great Video Man, as someone who never saw Cheers but just recently finished watching Fraiser the few cameos brought out a different side of the character which intrigued me but I just didn't have context for, this helped fill in those missing pieces greatly.