Sitcom universes are an exhilarating extension of television viewing, and, thanks to the World Wide Web, fans can spend hours online searching for crossovers and other connections that they never knew were possible. Norman Lear was a pioneer of the shared sitcom universe with shows like All in the Family and The Jeffersons, and the creators of Cheers followed suit in setting up what would eventually become the Frasierverse.
With a lot of laughs and great one-liners under their belts, fans are ready to tackle all the questions of Frasier Crane’s extended world. Before long, they’ll know what to do with “those tossed salads and scrambled eggs.”
How Is Wings Connected To Cheers Or Frasier?
David Lee, David Angell, and Peter Casey were producers for Cheers in the 1980s and went on to create Wings and Frasier in the early 1990s. Wings is not a spin-off of Cheers like Frasier is, but Wings exists in Cheers‘ universe, thus connecting it to Frasier. Wings finds brothers Joe and Brian reconnecting and working together at their small Nantucket airline, Sandpiper Air.
While Wings didn’t send its cast to a Cheers episode, Cheers sent Cliff, Norm, Frasier, Lilith, and Rebecca to Wings. Frasier and Lilith’s 1992 guest episode, which took place while they were still married, was cleverly called “Planes, Trains, and Visiting Cranes.” Though Carla didn’t fly Sandpiper Air, she did appear in the pilot episode of The Tortellis (1987), the brief spin-off about her ex-husband and his family.
How Many Series Are In The Frasierverse?
This exciting question is a matter of opinion. Some fans adhere to the Tommy Westphall Universe, which is rooted in the series finale of St. Elsewhere (1982-1988). The theory, maintained since 1999 by Keith Gow and Ash Crowe, is that when he looks into a snow globe of St. Eligius in the final episode, young Tommy Westphall sees St. Elsewhere and all other series in its universe within a dream.
There are over 400 shows in that larger world. Even those who discount the theory still have to contend with the Cheers-St. Elsewhere crossovers. Carla has a baby at St. Eligius off-camera in 1983, and St. Eligius doctors have drinks at Cheers in 1985.
How Many TV Years Does The Frasierverse Span?
This might seem like the easiest question, but it’s definitely not. Cheers premiered in 1982 and ran until 1993. Frasier picked up that same year and ran until 2004. Wings joined up right in the middle in 1990, ending in 1997. Some might say that the Frasierverse makes up approximately twenty-two years of television.
Again, the Tommy Westphall Universe expands the time range by leaps and bounds, ultimately running from the 1950s to the present day.
Which Cheers Cast Members Appear On Frasier?
Frasier sets up a fresh chapter for its title character, but that doesn’t mean that old Cheers friends can’t fly out to Seattle. Since Lilith is Frasier’s ex-wife and the mother of his child, she comically appears throughout the show’s run.
Another former flame, Diane Chambers, shows up several times, and Sam Malone guest-stars once in the second season. Carla, Cliff, Norm, Phil, Paul, and Walt are all on the season nine episode “Cheerful Goodbyes,” where Frasier goes back to Boston and unexpectedly celebrates Cliff’s retirement.
Did Any Frasier Cast Members Appear On Cheers First?
Peri Gilpin had a role as a journalist in an episode of the final season of Cheers, just months before she began her Frasier journey.
Oddly enough, John Mahoney was also on the final season of Cheers. He was a jingle writer at the bar before he became Martin Crane. Fans of the Frasierverse might also like to know that Wings’ Thomas Haden Church was on Cheers as a different character, too, in season eight. Cheers truly was a sitcom for everybody, from the actors to the viewers.
Is It True That Kirstie Alley Would Not Visit Frasier Because Of Scientology?
Yes, Kirstie Alley’s religion prohibited her from considering a guest spot on Frasier. However, she wouldn’t necessarily have been included. She called creator David Lee, according to the Sun Sentinel, and “coldly informed him that since she is a Scientologist and doesn’t believe in psychiatry, she would be unable to appear on the program.” Lee answered, “I don’t recall asking.”
How Did Roz Doyle Get Her Name?
The sad story of the character Roz Doyle’s name can be found on the IMDb page of the real Roz Doyle. While working as a producer on Wings, Doyle was informed of her terminal cancer. She passed away in 1991, and Frasier’s friend and co-worker was named in her memory. Prior to Wings, Roz Doyle was a co-producer on The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd and had worked in television for many years.
What Other Crossovers Were There With Frasier Characters?
There are some other fun crossovers with Frasier characters, including fellow NBC sitcom Caroline in the City, as well as The John Laroquette Show and a Star Trek thirtieth anniversary special. David Hyde Pierce appeared as an original character on Caroline in the City, too. Cheers stars voiced their characters on an episode of The Simpsons titled “Fear of Flying”, but Kelsey Grammer did not appear as Frasier Crane.
Which Show In The Frasierverse Came First?
Tommy Westphall Universe or not, Cheers premiered September 30, 1982, and St. Elsewhere premiered on October 26, 1982. This fact might make it seem that everything started at the bar “where everybody knows your name.”
However, those who follow the Tommy Westphall Universe would argue that other shows within that galaxy predate Cheers, going all the way back to 1951 with I Love Lucy, an interesting neighbor for Star Trek(also in the universe).
How Might The Frasierverse Be Handled In A Reboot?
For many months, mum has been the word on a potential Frasier reboot. If it happens, it would be wise for the writers to consider the greater universe, but not make too much of it. For example, Frasier might somehow work in a quip or an anecdote about related shows, or Cheers and Wings actors could make cameos.
Better yet, Niles could transform into David Hyde Pierce’s other character from Caroline in the City, a wannabe musical theatre star who wants to be in Cats. In any event, someone will have to decide just how big the Frasierverse really is!
