Frasier Almost Cut The Most Important Character & Killed The Show
Although hailed as one of TV’s greatest sitcoms, Frasier’s suggested pilot change would have completely ruined the show. Spinning off from the influential Cheers, the Kelsey Grammer-led series went on to win 37 Emmys, with considerable praise for the show’s quirky ensemble. However, when making the Frasier pilot, a network note suggested removing the group’s most relatable character.
Dr. Frasier Crane may lead the show, but it’s his father, Martin (John Mahoney), who has the strongest character arc. An ex-cop who begrudgingly lives with his son due to his hip injury, Martin was a key driving force behind the entire show. Much of Frasier revolves around its title character and his brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce), mending their strained relationship with their father. However, if one network executive had their way, this all could have changed.
Related: John Mahoney's Favorite Episode Of Frasier
Speaking to Vanity Fair for their oral history of Frasier, writer Ken Levine recalled, “One of the NBC executives suggested after the run-through that they should ‘get rid of the dad’”. This change would have entirely undermined Frasier’s core premise and robbed the show of its most grounded character, who often provides the best advice. It appears Marty Crane’s initial storyline might have been too depressing for the network, but his development needed to come from a dark place.
When the spinoff was pitched, the network seemed fully on board with Martin, and especially John Mahoney. Frasier’s creators were granted pre-approval on Mahoney before they had even asked him if he wanted to join the sitcom. The pilot wasn’t without its setbacks, like Peri Gilpin replacing Lisa Kudrow as Roz. However, network feedback on Marty’s role
Read more on screenrant.com
