The 18 Best Frasier TV Episodes

Frasier has been a beloved staple on television for 30 years, and its enduring popularity is a testament to its unique blend of wit and humor. Few could have foreseen the success of a Cheers spinoff featuring a pompous psychiatrist who can’t follow his own advice, but Frasier Crane’s charm lies in his fallibility. He’s pretentious, nitpicky, and status-obsessed, which makes it all the more satisfying to watch him stumble. What sets Frasier apart is that his intelligence is celebrated rather than mocked, a refreshing contrast to the trend of dumb characters in TV shows during its time. Even if some references require a Google search, the show’s writers never aimed for the lowest common denominator.

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The Stellar Cast

Frasier’s character is made even more endearing by the stellar cast of co-stars surrounding him. John Mahoney’s portrayal of his down-to-earth father, Martin, is universally beloved, and David Hyde Pierce’s depiction of Niles, Frasier’s even more fastidious and haughty brother, is charming. Jane Leeves and Peri Gilpin exhibit unparalleled comic timing as Daphne, Martin’s home health care worker, and Roz, Frasier’s radio producer, delivering punchy laugh lines that often overshadow Frasier’s corny puns. And then there’s Eddie, the Jack Russell Terrier played by Moose, whose star power even irked Kelsey Grammer enough to dedicate a section of his memoir to complaining about dogs being called “actors.”

Expanding Universe

One of Frasier’s remarkable qualities is how it keeps expanding its universe throughout its 11-season run, introducing memorable guest stars and recurring characters. Frasier’s ex-wife Lilith (Bebe Neuwirth), carried over from Cheers, serves as the perfect foil for her ex-husband, with their striking similarities ensuring their relationship remains doomed. Trevor Einhorn portrays their son Frederick, who left an indelible impression and went on to appear in “Mad Men” and “The Magicians.” Harriet Sansom Harris plays Frasier’s agent Bebe Glazer, one of TV history’s most delightfully amoral characters. Her portrayal of a similar character in “Licorice Pizza” further attests to her acting prowess.

Timeless Yet Imperfect

While “Frasier” remains a beloved show, it’s worth acknowledging that as a ’90s series, it contains lecherous and homophobic jokes and premises that don’t align with contemporary sensibilities. However, on the whole, the show has aged well. It boasts one of TV’s most enduring running gags, constantly referring to Niles’ high-society waif of a wife, Maris, without ever showing her on screen. Moreover, the show exudes warmth, a quality often missing in today’s short, intense streaming series. “Frasier” manages to blend gravitas seamlessly with its zaniest scripted hijinks, making it a thoughtful series.

Whether you’re new to the show or have been singing about tossed salad and scrambled eggs since 1993, let’s explore the best episodes from the 11-season run of “Frasier.”

18. “Morning Becomes Entertainment” (Season 7, Episode 19)

Selecting the best Bebe Glazer episode is akin to choosing a favorite child. Each one could easily make this list. However, “Morning Becomes Entertainment” perfectly showcases Bebe’s unhinged anarchy. It places her and Frasier in the roles of TV morning show co-hosts, an endeavor Bebe embarks on without any prior TV experience. This episode highlights a recurring Faustian bargain Bebe offers Frasier: fame versus serious psychiatry. The humor lies in the absurdity of Frasier cooking omelets on TV next to a toque-wearing chimpanzee chef.

17. “A Lilith Thanksgiving” (Season 4, Episode 7)

Trevor Einhorn’s debut as Frederick is a classic moment in Frasier’s history. In this episode, Frasier and Lilith scheme to get their son into the prestigious Marbury Academy. While they navigate the headmaster’s unyielding demeanor, Martin and Niles struggle as babysitters for young Frederick, leading to hilarious mishaps. Trevor Einhorn’s portrayal quickly establishes him as an integral part of the family dynamic.

16. “The Two Mrs. Cranes” (Season 4, Episode 1)

Considered by many as one of the best episodes, “The Two Mrs. Cranes” is a farce masterpiece that relies on your familiarity with the characters. When Daphne’s ex-fiance, Clive, reappears, chaos ensues as Niles pretends to be her husband to ward him off. The episode’s humor arises from the characters’ tangled web of lies, and the meticulous way Niles tries to maintain the charade, including explaining “Frasier’s bathroom” to cover up monogrammed towels.

15. “The Ski Lodge” (Season 5, Episode 14)

No list of the best “Frasier” episodes would be complete without “The Ski Lodge,” a sex farce of the highest order. Frasier, Niles, Daphne, and her attractive friend embark on a night at a remote ski cabin with Martin in tow. What ensues is a tangled web of romantic misadventures, with each character setting their sights on someone who desires someone else. This episode is a prime example of the show’s ability to craft complex farces, even though some elements might not align with modern sensibilities.

14. “Roe to Perdition” (Season 10, Episode 18)

“Roe to Perdition” takes a ludicrous turn as Frasier and Niles become de facto caviar dealers, parodying crime movies. The snobbish pushers find themselves with ravenous clients, and Roz’s portrayal of a caviar addict adds a delightful subplot. Martin and Daphne navigating bureaucratic bank red tape provides an additional layer to this top-grade episode.

13. “The Seal Who Came to Dinner” (Season 6, Episode 8)

In Season 6, “The Seal Who Came to Dinner” showcases Frasier and Niles planning another ill-fated dinner party. However, their dinner plans are derailed when they discover a rotting seal corpse on the beach near Maris’s beach house. Their attempts to dispose of it before their guests arrive result in escalating comedic situations, a hallmark of the show’s humor.

12. “Rooms With a View” (Season 10, Episode 8)

“Rooms With a View” highlights the show’s ability to tackle serious topics with grace. This three-episode arc in Season 10 focuses on Niles’ heart issues, emphasizing the characters’ emotional depth. While waiting for updates on Niles’ condition in the hospital, each member of the Crane family reflects on past hospital visits, providing a poignant contrast to the show’s usual humor.

11. “Look Before You Leap” (Season 3, Episode 16)

“Look Before You Leap” celebrates Leap Year as Frasier encourages his loved ones to take unexpected risks. The episode humorously explores their brave choices and the consequences of their actions, culminating in hilarious and unforgettable moments that make it a classic in the “Frasier” canon.

10. “Halloween” (Season 5, Episode 3)

“Halloween” adds another layer of chaos to a party gone awry, as the characters don wacky costumes. Roz’s pregnancy scare, her attempts to keep it secret, and the resulting misunderstandings create a comedy of errors. The episode’s clever use of double entendres and deep-cut literary references make it a standout.

9. “Big Crane on Campus” (Season 7, Episode 14)

Jean Smart’s Emmy-winning guest appearance in “Big Crane on Campus” offers a fresh perspective on Frasier’s character. When Frasier reconnects with his high school crush, Lorna Lindley, their blossoming relationship is both humorous and revealing. Frasier’s internal struggle between past desires and present reality provides a compelling narrative.

8. “They’re Playing Our Song” (Season 7, Episode 13)

“They’re Playing Our Song” showcases Frasier’s inability to keep things simple. When the radio station asks its personalities to create new theme songs for their shows, Frasier’s project spirals out of control, resulting in an extravagant orchestral arrangement. The episode humorously satirizes Frasier’s ego and showcases his grandiose musical composition.

7. “Room Service” (Season 5, Episode 15)

“Room Service” is a standout episode that features the return of Frasier’s ex-wife, Dr. Lilith Sternin. Lilith’s visit to Seattle leads to a series of humorous events, including a complicated situation that requires the characters to deceive border security. This episode exemplifies the show’s skill in weaving ethical conundrums into comedic situations.

6. “Author, Author” (Season 1, Episode 22)

In “Author, Author,” Niles and Frasier attempt to co-write a book about sibling relationships despite their competitive natures. The episode lays the foundation for their dynamic throughout the series, where their attempts to collaborate inevitably lead to conflicts. The clash between their egos and their belief in their abilities creates a recurring theme that defined their relationship.

5. “Death and the Dog” (Season 4, Episode 12)

“Death and the Dog” exemplifies the show’s ability to seamlessly blend complex themes with moments of absurdity. When a dog psychiatrist examines Eddie, it prompts Frasier and Niles to explore their own struggles with depression. This episode’s clever writing and comedic moments leave viewers feeling uplifted.

4. “Travels With Martin” (Season 1, Episode 21)

“Travels with Martin” highlights the beloved character of Martin Crane. Frasier’s attempt at a luxurious vacation with his father takes an unexpected turn when Martin insists on a road trip in a Winnebago. This episode showcases the family’s dynamic and the humor that arises from their conflicting personalities.

3. “Dinner Party” (Season 6, Episode 17)

“Dinner Party” stands out as one of the few episodes taking place in real-time. Frasier and Niles plan a dinner party, but their preparations lead to a breakdown in their relationship. The episode offers a unique and intimate look at their dynamic, with no time passing off-camera, making it a masterclass in multicam comedy writing.

2. “Moon Dance” (Season 3, Episode 13)

“Moon Dance” explores Niles’ feelings for Daphne and showcases David Hyde Pierce’s exceptional acting. As Niles prepares for a society ball, Daphne offers him ballroom dancing lessons. When his date cancels, Daphne steps in, leading to a heartfelt and iconic dance sequence. This episode earned an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series in 1996.

1. “The Innkeepers” (Season 2, Episode 23)

The top spot goes to “The Innkeepers,” an exuberant and absurd episode that encapsulates the essence of “Frasier.” When a classic Seattle restaurant closes, Frasier and Niles decide to open their gourmet eatery despite their lack of relevant experience. Chaos ensues on the opening night of “Les Frères Heureux,” with angry French chefs, exploding desserts, and hilarious mishaps. This episode is a romp in its purest form, delivering a fantastic and unforgettable payoff.

These 18 episodes represent the best of “Frasier,” showcasing its unique blend of humor, complex characters, and memorable moments. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the show, these episodes are a testament to the enduring appeal of this beloved sitcom.

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Mohammad Mo: Senior TV Reporter

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