After years of planning, the new edition of the sitcom "Frasier" is to go into production soon. "We start rehearsals in February," said lead actor Kelsey Grammer (67) in an interview with People magazine published on Wednesday (local time).

The concept had previously been worked on for "six or seven years". Grammer, who met psychiatrist and radio host Dr. Frasier Crane starred in the NBC sitcom Cheers from 1984 to 1993 and then in the spin-off Frasier until 2004, was involved in the development of the story. The new edition is to appear on the Paramount streaming service. An official title and release date were not initially released.

Frasier in new surroundings

The original plan was to bring back the entire "Frasier" ensemble, the actor said. However, that idea was scrapped because David Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier's brother Niles, didn't want to reprise the role. John Mahoney, who played Frasier's father Martin, also died in 2018.

In the new edition, the audience will now experience Frasier in a completely new situation, Grammer continued. "He's our brave little soldier moving on in life and meeting new challenges, a new love, new people, a new city and more." He's really looking forward to it.

At the same time, the series will honor the past. "We have to acknowledge the fact that John Mahoney has passed away and that Martin is no longer with us. We will definitely deal with that."

Article People