Best Cheers Episodes for Frasier Fans

The show Frasier is remarkable in that it is one of few spin-offs that managed to achieve equal or greater success as it’s origin show. Before Frasier Crane was a bachelor radio psychiatrist in Seattle, he was a regular at the Boston bar Cheers and a family man. Despite sharing some similar characters, the two shows feature widely different writing and overall feel causing fans of one to not necessarily like the other. Although I enjoy both shows, admittedly I far prefer the witty, wry humor of Frasier to the more formulaic situational comedy of Cheers. For those similar fans like me who want to see more of Dr. Crane without wading through eleven seasons of a show they don’t like, I have highlighted below the essential Cheers episodes that outline the doc’s life before he became a radio star in the Pacific Northwest.

Rebound (Season 3, Episode 1)

The first appearance of Dr. Frasier Crane; he shows up at the bar with Diane as her psychiatrist and new boyfriend. He develops a rivalry and friendship with Sam Malone as he helps him through his alcoholism. The Frasier we see here is far removed from when we see him in Seattle, being mostly a pompous caricature, lacking his trademark humor.

The Heart is a Lonely Snipehunter (Season 3, Episode 14)

With a familiar setting to several great Frasier episodes, the doc is the subject of a practical joke by the gang, but he is just happy to be included. The episode marks the start of developing Frasier into a comic role

Birth, Death, Love and Rice (Season 4, Episode 1)

Frasier returns to Boston after being dumped at the altar by Diane in Europe. He picks up the pieces of his life and settles into a new role as a regular at Cheers.

Second Time Around (Season 4, Episode 17)

The first appearance of Lilith, who Frasier has a bad date with. Sam then sets up Frasier with one of his girlfriends, sending Frasier down a wild path.

Abnormal Psychlogy (Season 5, Episode 4)

Featuring one of the funniest Frasier moments in all of Cheers, this episodes centers around a talk show where Frasier and Lilith are guest speakers, only to rekindle their romance on air.

Dinner at Eight-ish (Season 5, Episode 20)

Frasier and Lilith invite Sam and Diane over for a dinner party. Predictably, it goes poorly, starting Frasier’s memorable history with hosting disasters.

The Crane Mutiny (Season 6, Episode 5)

Committing romantic blunders is a defining characteristic of Frasier Crane. In Cheers, Frasier is in a happy relationship for most of the series, but this episode is an exception that allows for him to make a large fool of himself, with the guys encouraging him to pursue Rebecca.

Bidding on the Boys (Season 6, Episode 8)

Lilith bids on Sam in a charity bachelor’s auction to spite Frasier for making a pre-nup. This sends him into a panic, laying the groundwork for their strange relationship.

Send in the Crane (Season 7, Episode 9)

Frasier replaces Woody as a clown for a children’s party but is not familiar with the gags. Some great fish-out-of-water and physical comedy in this episode.

The Storks Bring a Crane (Season 8, Episode 6)

Frasier becomes a father after an eventful delivery while the bar celebrates it’s 100th anniversary.

Breaking in is Hard to Do (Season 9, Episode 7)

Lilith thinks they need to spend more time with Frederick so he can develop better intellectually; Frasier starts taking Frederick with him to Cheers.

The Days of Wine and Neuroses (Season 9, Episode 15)

Cheers gets a karaoke machine to replace the broken jukebox and Frasier becomes addicted, hogging the machine.

It’s a Wonderful Wife (Season 9, Episode 20)

The gang throws a birthday party for Frasier, Lilith tries to take seductive pictures as a gift, and Norm’s unseen wife Vera (on whom the character Maris is modeled) has an extended role.

One Hugs, the Other Doesn’t (Season 10, Episode 16)

Frasier’s first wife, children’s entertainer Nanny G, comes back into his life much to Lilith’s dismay.

Smotherly Love (Season 10, Episode 20)

Lilith’s domineering mother visits and intimidates everyone, finally causing Lilith to stand up to her.

An Old Fashioned Wedding (Season 10, Episode 24)

Woody and Kelly get married and the event unravels into a slapstick disaster. In my opinion, the funniest Cheers episode ever.

Teaching with the Enemy/The Girl in the Plastic Bubble (Season 11, Episode 6/7)

Lilith cheats on Frasier with a colleague and leaves him to go live in a scientific research lab underground. Frasier goes out on a ledge to try and win her back.

Is There a Doctor in the Howe?/The Bar Manager, The Shrink, His Wife, Her Lover (Season 11, Episode 16/17)

Frasier gets a letter from Lilith saying she wants a divorce, and he tries getting over her with Rebecca. This makes her unexpected return all the more disruptive.

For The 25 Best Frasier Episodes click here

For Best Frasier Guest Stars… and the Worst click here

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