From the years 1993 to 2004, NBC telecast the quintessential American sitcom Frasier for its 11 seasons. 'Cheers,' an equally beloved show, spawned this spin-off which delved into psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane's life (Kelsey Grammer). As he relocates back home to Seattle and assumes hosting duties on his popular radio program, a call-in psychiatry series develops - Frasier Crane Show. Breaking a 20-year hiatus, Frasier stages a triumphant comeback; however, while the original series unfolded in Seattle, the reboot takes on a twist as it brings Dr. Crane back to Boston, a vibrant city with its unique charm.
Where was Frasier filmed?
Despite its setting in Seattle, Washington, Frasier was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California. On a meticulous recreation of a soundstage set in Los Angeles was the iconic apartment where Frasier Crane resided. Set designers and decorators carefully attended to detail: capturing not only the essence of Frasier's sophisticated taste but also showcasing his eclectic collection of art and furniture--all with precision-executed precision.
The film crew captured the interior shots in Los Angeles, while they actually recorded the exterior scenes of Elliot Bay Towers - Frasier's residence building - in Seattle. This strategic choice facilitated a seamless transition between studio-set interiors and authentic outdoor imagery; thus, preserving viewers' illusion that the show indeed took place within Seattle.
The showrunners established the Seattle atmosphere by incorporating numerous shots of the city's skyline and landmarks throughout the series: this strategy not only added an authentic touch to our setting, but also included references to local places--further enhancing its authenticity with nods towards regional events. The meticulously crafted set, exterior shots, and various references—despite the majority of filming occurring in Los Angeles—successfully transported viewers to Seattle.
The Frasier revival, on the other hand, was filmed before a live studio audience at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, mirroring the location of almost every episode in the original series. An addition to the reboot is Mahoney's, a new bar introduced in the show. Frasier's updated residence is also a unique two-story home, a result of his renovation of two previously separate units into a single space. Personally outfitted by Frasier, the apartment boasts distinctive features, including a genuine Steinway piano.
Where was Frasier's apartment in Seattle?
In an interview with Metro UK prior to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, writer and producer Joe Keenan disclosed a surprising fact about Frasier Crane's iconic Seattle apartment in the original series. Despite being a central visual in the Emmy-winning sitcom, the apartment, situated at Elliot Bay Towers with a picturesque view of the Space Needle, doesn't actually exist in real life.
Keenan emphasized that the luxurious view of the Space Needle was a key element that made the apartment appear astonishing on-screen, yet it was crafted from a vantage point where there is no actual building. He said, "The view [of the Seattle Space Needle] was the most luxurious. That apartment, without that view, would not seem that astonishing. That made it seem fabulous – and it doesn’t really exist. It was taken from a vantage point where there is not a building."
How much did Kelsey Grammer make from Frasier?
While Kelsey Grammer has remained discreet about his earnings from Frasier, leaks indicate that he received $1.6 million per episode during the show's last two seasons. This translated to approximately $38 million per season, totaling $76 million.
Additionally, it's been reported that Grammer continues to earn $13 million annually from residuals since the show concluded in 2004. When combining residual income with the salary he likely earned for the initial nine seasons, estimates suggest Grammer's potential earnings could exceed $200 million.
FAQs
A. No, Elliott Bay Towers don't exist in real life.
A. Frasier Crane was rich because he had several sources of income including his earnings as a psychiatrist, alongside his successful talk show career.
A. Frasier Crane reportedly left Seattle to accept a TV Therapist job in San Francisco although it was later revealed that he left to reunite with Charlotte, who moved to Chicago.