Star Ted Danson reveals the real reason for not returning to The Frasier reboot 

When The Frasier reboot hit Paramount+, a lot of fans immediately had one big question: would we get to see any familiar faces from Cheers again? Right at the top of that list was Sam Malone, the smooth-talking bartender played by Ted Danson. Well, Danson finally explained why he decided not to return, and honestly, it makes a lot of sense.

Sure, bringing back beloved characters is a huge nostalgia play. But sometimes, as Danson points out, it’s just better to leave the magic where it belongs: in the past.

The Frasier: picking up where life left off

The 2023 reboot of Frasier sees Kelsey Grammer slipping back into character like no time has passed. This time, Frasier moves back to Boston to rebuild his relationship with his son, Freddy, and take on a few new life adventures. The vibe still leans into that thoughtful, often hilarious exploration of relationships and identity that made the original such a hit, just with a little more age and wisdom in the mix.

Ted Danson: from Cheers to The Good Place and beyond

Ted Danson has been a TV mainstay for decades. Everyone remembers him as Sam Malone, but his career didn’t stop there. He nailed it in Becker, showed a whole new side in The Good Place, and brought serious chops to CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Whether he’s making you laugh or pulling you into a mystery, Danson's always brought a genuine, relatable energy to the screen.

How Cheers led to Frasier’s own world

Back in 1982, Cheers introduced viewers to a cozy Boston bar where everybody knows your name. Somewhere between all the laughs and the barstool philosophy sessions, a quirky psychiatrist named Frasier Crane showed up. He wasn’t supposed to stay long, but audiences loved him.

Fast forward to 1993, and Frasier packed his bags for Seattle in his very own spinoff. Frasier dove deep into family, career struggles, and the highs and lows of adulthood, winning critical acclaim and a truckload of Emmys along the way.

Cheers vs. Frasier: same heart, different beats

Cheers was the place for casual jokes, heartfelt friendships, and everyday life. Frasier cranked up the sophistication, leaning into witty banter, intellectual sparring, and emotional growth. Different styles, sure, but both shows had one thing in common: they knew how to tap into real human experiences.

Ted Danson gets real about why he passed

Talking on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast, Ted Danson didn’t sugarcoat it.

"It’s fun to be a teenager in your 30s or 40s. In your 70s, it’s just sad."

He said, giving everyone a chuckle but also making a solid point.

Turns out, for Danson, it wasn’t just about age. He also made it clear he wouldn’t feel right playing Sam without the original Cheers writers onboard. Those were the people who knew Sam best. Without them, bringing him back didn’t feel authentic, and Danson’s respect for that legacy runs deep.

How the reboot landed with audiences

The reboot kicked off strong; lots of people tuned in, fueled by curiosity and affection for the original. But as the episodes rolled out, numbers started to dip. Critics said Grammer still had the magic, but the show itself felt like it was missing the old spark.

By the end of season two, Paramount+ pulled the plug. Between dropping viewership, expensive production costs, and struggles to connect with younger audiences, it just didn’t make sense to keep going. Even diehard fans admitted: without that original ensemble magic, something was missing.

Knowing when to walk away

Ted Danson's choice to sit this one out speaks volumes. It's not about bitterness or regret; it's about knowing when a character's story has been told perfectly. By stepping aside, he protected the memory of Sam Malone for everyone who loved him.

In a world where every classic show seems to be getting a reboot, Danson's decision is a reminder: sometimes, the best way to honor the past is to leave it shining just the way it was. Cheers and Frasier aren’t just old shows; they're timeless pieces of TV history that knew exactly when to say goodbye.