10 Biggest TV Controversies Of 2023
6. Niles' Absence - Frasier
It was just a matter of time before a Frasier revival happened, with Paramount formally announcing its development in early 2021.
Though Kelsey Grammer's involvement was a given, fans were disappointed when it was announced that David Hyde Pierce - who of course played Frasier's neurotic brother Niles in the original series - wouldn't be appearing.
As a series, Frasier is so thoroughly defined by the catty dynamic between Frasier and Niles that the prospect of continuing without one of the duo seemed positively ridiculous, enough that some fans insisted their interest in the revival had immediately cratered.
Ultimately the recently-aired series was watchable enough, largely due to Grammer's note-perfect reprise of his most iconic role, even if Pierce's absence was strongly felt throughout. Though the show made a game effort to fill the void by introducing Nicholas Lyndhurst as Frasier's pretentious college pal Alan, he's just not Niles.