Frasier season 2 has the easiest way to bring back Niles Crane, and I'm begging both Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce to make it happen. Leading up to the return of the Paramount+ revival, I find myself rewatching the original Frasier series. Not that I need any reason to revisit the show, since it's a favorite, but for some reason, it feels more timely to check it out again. While it's always enjoyable, it's also a stark reminder of Niles' absence in the new Frasier, considering how prominent he was in almost every episode of the Seattle project.
Admittedly, I was equal parts anxious and excited when the news about the revival broke out. The original Frasier had a legacy to protect, and the success rate of revivals, despite the sheer number of them in recent years, is pretty low. I was afraid that this new iteration would taint what its parent series accomplished. While the Frasier revival still has work to do to be at the same storytelling level as its predecessor, there was a clear potential for it. However, continuing the Paramount+ comedy only makes Niles' absence more painfully obvious.
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Niles' Frasier Revival Absence Explained
Pierce's Niles Is Missed In The Frasier Revival
I am well aware of why Frasier's scene-stealing brother isn't in the revival. Through the years, I've covered the majority of updates about the matter — from Grammer's earliest comments about getting the project off the ground to Pierce's responses when asked about why he isn't in the fresh endeavor. As much as I would love for Niles to dust the chairs at Mahoney's and mock Frasier's horrible new aesthetic, ultimately, I understand why the actor refuses to return. For those who need a refresher, however, there are a few layers to Pierce's decision.
While I understand these explanations, I believe that at his core, the real reason for Pierce's refusal to appear in the Frasier revival is because of his belief that the show itself isn't needed.
The actor maintains that he doesn't want to simply repeat the performance in the Seattle series by playing Niles again — no matter how great it was. This ties in with his thirst to continue exploring other ventures, which he did on the heels of the original Frasier wrapping up in 1994. Committing to a 10-episode season of the revival will hinder that. While I understand these explanations, I believe that at his core, the real reason for Pierce's refusal to appear in the Frasier revival is because of his belief that the show itself isn't needed.
In 2017, Pierce maintained that Frasier was a product of its time, Because of this, he believes that it shouldn't be revived. At that time, the actor sounded confident that the rest of those involved in the original project shared the same sentiment. What he didn't know was that Grammer would be motivated to bring the Cranes back the next year after seeing Roseanne's return on ABC.
Pierce's Niles Should Be Frasier's Surprise Caller In Frasier Season 2's Seattle Episode
The Crane Brothers' Mental Health Talk On The Air Will Thrill Seattle
Just because I understand his reason for not wanting to be in the Frasier revival doesn't mean I am letting go of my dream of seeing Niles again. This is why I was thrilled when the actor seemingly slightly changed his mind about partaking in the Paramount+ project. In a 2024 interview, Pierce revealed he's open to appearing in the new Frasier but under one condition — that his role only be limited. Ideally, I would want Niles to be a consistent presence in Frasier's life, but it's so much better than his past stance on the matter. Because of that, I also figured out the best and easiest way for him to return in Frasier season 2.
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As previously confirmed, Frasier season 2 will see Grammer's titular character come back home to Seattle for a KACL reunion. It's still unclear what prompts this get-together that will see the return of Dan Butler's Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe and Edward Hibbert's Gil Chesterton, as well as, Harriet Sansom Harris' eccentric agent Bebe Glazer. Peri Gilpin's Roz Doyle will also be part of the outing. The installment will see Frasier revive his iconic radio series, "The Dr. Frasier Crane Show," and Pierce's Niles will be the perfect special caller for it.
The Crane brothers can somehow create that on-air call in Frasier season 2, perhaps while discussing their grief over losing their father.
Niles was once a co-host of his brother's Seattle series; at one point, he even filled in for Frasier who was sick at that time. That said, the younger Crane brother never called in. This would be the perfect time to do that. I have a special affinity for the Frasier pilot, which featured Martin calling in to awkwardly make up with Frasier after a horrible fight. It was sweet, touching, and also funny. The Crane brothers can somehow create that on-air call in Frasier season 2, perhaps while discussing their grief over losing their father.
Why Being A Caller Is The Easiest Way For The Frasier Revival To Address Niles' Absence
Niles Calling In Doesn't Require Pierce To Show Up
Having Niles call in for a brief but meaningful conversation with Frasier on the air can be one of the most poignant moments of the Paramount+ endeavor thus far. Beyond that, however, it's also the easiest way to bring back Pierce. While the actor says that he is willing to make a one-off appearance, having him record a few lines for the Frasier revival season 2 is a much easier way to incorporate the character into its story. The low-effort cameo will resolve the plaguing issue of why the brothers barely spend time together when they should be keener on that after Martin's death.
The other thing I love about this option is how it still allows the new Frasier to stage a proper return for Niles in potential future seasons. At this point, bringing Pierce back must not be combined with an episode already filled with guest stars. Knowing how big of a deal the Cranes' reunion will be, Paramount+ needs to make the most out of the time they will hopefully have with Niles.
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Will David Hyde Pierce Ever Physically Appear In The New Frasier
Pierce Is Open, But It Needs To Wait Until The Potential Frasier Season 3
Currently, I don't think there's a chance of Pierce physically appearing as Niles in Frasier season 2. The whole season is already packed with guest stars, so much so that I'm already worried that Nicholas Lyndhurst's Alan will be sidelined after a brilliant first year. Given this, the only chance for Pierce to properly reprise the role is if Paramount+ renews the Frasier revival for a third season. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing whether that's in the cards for the streamer as early as now. Assuming that happens, hopefully, the next year also brings back some Cheers characters.
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Frasier (2023)
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Follow Frasier Crane in the next chapter of his life as he returns to Boston, Mass., with new challenges to face, new relationships to forge and an old dream or two to finally fulfill.
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Frasier
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