Every Main Character In Frasier Ranked Worst To Best
There are no "bad" characters in "Frasier." Formidable performances and strong writing made "Frasier" one of the best sitcoms from the '90s — and inspired how future comedy series melding workplace and family drama would run. However, we all find our favorite characters after spending hours with them.
Every main character in the show has a story to tell throughout the series' eleven seasons. But ultimately, they share the same purpose: They are foils to Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), the show's endearingly pretentious lead. A radio psychiatrist, Frasier often goes on highfalutin tirades when offering Seattle's citizens his counsel — or when he talks about fine wine, gourmet food, and his "eclectic" furniture. Happily, Bob (Dan Butler), Roz (Peri Gilpin), Daphne (Jane Leeves), Martin (John Mahoney), Niles (David Hyde Pierce), and even their dog Eddie are there to burst Frasier's ego and bring him back down to earth. To celebrate the news of "Frasier" receiving a Paramount+ sequel series, I'm revisiting the best and worst of the Seattle crew.
Bob Bulldog Briscoe
In "Frasier," Bob "Bulldog" Briscoe hosts the "Gonzo Sports Show" at KACL radio. Unfortunately for Frasier, Briscoe's slot follows his, so Dr. Crane must tolerate the sportscaster's bellicose manner, off-color jokes, and curious habit of barking like a dog. Briscoe delights in teasing Frasier and his "boring" show. However, the "Bulldog" reserves most of his schoolboy energy for the women of KACL — who roll their eyes at his impish taunts and immaturity.
Still, it's not all fun and games for the "Bulldog." As a character, he's hot-headed, especially when he has lost something. Despite his surroundings, he won't hesitate to shout: "THIS STINKS!" Just as he screams accusations of theft, Briscoe invariably finds what he is looking for and replies, "Oh, got it." Throughout the NBC series, it's one of the show's several running gags. Briscoe is the only figure in the series to blur the line between being a recurring and lead character. After his recurring and special guest star status in seasons one to four, Briscoe joined the leads in seasons five and six.
Daphne Moon
American audiences may have found Daphne Moon charming, but as a British observer, there was always something jarring about a Mancunian in the Crane household. I suppose that was the point. Daphne's earthy northern ways compellingly contrasted with Niles and Frasier's pomposity. Yet actress Jane Leeves is not from Manchester. She's from East Grinstead in West Sussex, some 250 miles away (about 1,000 miles in US terms). I wouldn't say she does a poor job with the accent. But for some Brits – especially those from Manchester – it didn't quite fit. The Manchester Evening News labeled Leeves' accent as "quite simply the fakest Mancunian accent of all time."
Accent aside, Daphne finds her place in adjusting the show's chemistry. She's not interested in the Crane brothers' intellectual posturing. Instead, Daphne talks about whatever she's interested in — like her spiritual and psychic beliefs. Niles detests her ethereal attitude, but it doesn't stop Daphne from attracting other feelings in Niles either. Their "will they, won't they" relationship becomes a running theme in the show. Often, it leaves Niles highly — and humorously — strung.
Martin Crane
A homicide detective of some 30 years, the blue-collar Martin Crane somehow managed to have two of the prissiest sons imaginable. During the show's run, he is their most vocal foil — nary an episode goes by without the elder Crane cutting them down to size. A classic conversation between them goes something like this: "Oh, jee dad, I thought you were going to surprise me and order a glass of wine," Frasier moans in a local restaurant after Martin orders a beer. "For a moment, I thought you were going to surprise me and button your yap," Martin retorts.
With the help of Daphne, his live-in caregiver, and Eddie, his dear Jack Russell, Martin finds domestic harmony away from his two sons — his cultural opposites. Of course, there is no genuine bliss, as this is a sitcom! There's plenty of sarcastic friction amongst the Crane family and (necessary) roasting of Fraser and Niles's earnest windbaggery.
Roz Doyle
Spunky and independent, Roz takes no s*** from any character on "Fraiser." However, she's not combative. She's sassy and unpretentious — personality traits that lead to inevitable clashes, barbs, and digs with Frasier and Niles. Roz skewers Niles' effeteness while he takes pleasure in improvising double entendres about her colorful love life. Roz is game for such talk, though. She has a down-to-earth approach and happily makes jokes about her salacious mishaps. A great example of this self-deprecating humor is when Roz says, "Even the best protection is only effective 99 out of 100 times. I can't beat those odds!"
Roz and Niles's bond rarely goes beyond flippant remarks, but it's in Roz's interest to at least maintain a working relationship with Frasier since she produces his show. Naturally, professionalism doesn't prevent sardonic shouting matches. Yet her relationship with Frasier is not too fractious. Sometimes, they get on really well. Still, insulting humor is never far away when these two characters share the screen.
Eddie
Played by Moose, the terrier dog adopted by Hollywood trainer Mathilde DeCagney is Martin's dearest friend. Eddie is so cute that he inspired my family to get our first pet: a fellow wire-haired Jack Russell. However, he is something of an acquired taste in the Crane household.
Frasier is too fussy to accommodate an animal, especially one like Eddie, who struggles with furniture boundaries. The strain only gets worse when the mischievous terrier begins staring inexplicably. Eddie stares at Frasier at all times of day — whether he's reading at the breakfast table, relaxing on the sofa, or doing anything within the dog's view. "Don't stare at me, Eddie," Frasier says. "I'm a humane man, but right now I could kick a kitten through an electric fan." Of course, we know Frasier would do no such thing. Slowly but surely, Eddie's charm softens Frasier, who eventually can't help but acquiesce to his furry friend's demands.
Dr. Niles Crane
Niles, Frasier's younger brother, and fellow psychiatrist is neurotic and rarely at a loss for words. He compensates for his physical weakness with an arsenal of waspish putdowns, ranging from off-hand insults to lively broadsides like: "Don't waste your breath on this hairy, knuckle-dragging, mouth-breathing troglodyte who's probably the only male in existence to suffer from penis envy!" This comment causes his subject to lightly press his index fingers against him, sending Niles across the cafe floor and falling through a table in an absurdly dramatic fashion.
When Niles isn't indulging in catty wordplay, he, like his brother, enjoys fine wine, French cuisine, and nights at the opera. Still, Niles has many concerns and quarrels under his immaculate exterior, manifesting in amusingly overwrought ways. As this "Fraiser" moment illustrates, Niles is prone to panicked breathing and whole-body contortions. You'd think that he had lost a relative or something equally traumatic. But the sources of his woes include trivial things like being tardy, petty marital concerns, and tortured memories of high school football. Then there's Daphne, with whom he has a long and arduous (but ultimately fruitful) romance, which is always compelling to watch.
Dr. Frasier Crane
Dr. Frasier Crane is the show's driving force and overall best character. He presents himself as a model of sophistication in his cultural interests and vocation. Yet Frasier is just as anxious and shambolic as his brother — although their temperaments do differ. Whereas Niles is pinched and petulant, Frasier thrives on theatrical indignation, bellowing his displeasure with impeccable diction.
Fortunately, thanks to the doctor's wafer-thin skin, we're treated to many instances of his hammy dramatics. "I am wounded!" may be his best single-line delivery throughout the show. (Although his demand that Julia "GET OUT!" comes close.) However, the best encapsulation of Frasier's manner is when he exclaims, "Fine! I guess I'll just have to make my own tea!" Of course, all of this is just toothless hot air. Frasier is not a tyrant or a bully but a vulnerable man — underneath his pretensions. The era's best, Emmy-winning writers crafted Frasier into a complicated and fascinating lead character. Grammer plays Frasier with inimitable flair, and we're equally excited to see "Frasier" return to the small screen soon.