Ken Levine reveals what happened to the Cheers bar in the Frasier reboot. Kelsey Grammer successfully returned as the snooty but beloved therapist in a new Paramount+ series. When it was confirmed that the revival was going to be set in Boston, there were immediate questions about whether Frasier would visit his old drinking hole in the city — Sam’s Cheers. After its first 10 episodes, however, it’s clear that he doesn’t have any intentions of stepping back into the underground pub.
The 10-episode Frasier reboot did feature some references to Cheers (both the sitcom and the bar), but it never confirmed the establishment’s current status. Grammer mentioned that the writers of Cheers seemingly didn’t want them to revisit Sam’s iconic pub, although he never mentioned any direct conversation about it. In any case, Cheers co-writer Ken Levine subsequently confirmed that the pub is still open on his podcast, Hollywood & Levine, and he’s actually curious why Frasier won’t go back there, considering that many of his Boston buddies continue to hang out in their old drinking place.
Frasier like makes a couple of off-handed comments about Cheers, but you’re going Cheers was so much a part of his life, how can he not be returning there? Did he hate it? Apparently not. Sam’s still there, and Norm is still there, and Cliff, maybe Woody.
Cheers’ Frasier Revival Fate Is Secretly Tragic
While it seems like a great development to learn that Cheers is still open during the events of the Frasier reboot, with its old owner and bar flies continuing to spend time there, this revelation is actually quite sad. Seeing all of them in their old age and still engaging in night drinking and childish antics would mean that they won. Norm chugging beer and badmouthing Vera while Sam sent beers to his elder friends would be such a desolate sight. It’s as if they were never able to move past that point in time when hanging out in a bar was their primary hobby.
Getting together once in a while to catch up and reminisce about their old days makes better sense, considering that they spent decades almost every night together. However, anything beyond that will just ruin the legacy of Cheers. Given this, it may actually be better if the Frasier reboot doesn’t feature the pub, especially if Levine’s comments are eventually confirmed to be canonically accepted. Despite Frasier’s flaws and peculiarities, at least he has been able to move forward from his days downing pints of beer.
Every Frasier Christmas Episode (Including The Reboot)
The original Frasier liked its holiday-themed episodes, especially since it gave the family an excuse to gather — something that the reboot continues.
Since the Frasier reboot will continue to be set in Boston, there are still opportunities for the show to come back to Cheers, if ever they can find a justified way to bring the bar back. Perhaps Grammer can convince the writers of Cheers that he was referring to in his quote to change their minds. If not, the revival can still honor the legacy of the legendary NBC show by staging a reunion for its characters. Whether it happens in the actual Cheers bar or elsewhere shouldn’t matter. What’s important is seeing them all back together.
