DVD Review: Cheers VS. Frasier

Created by Charles, Burrows and Charles, Cheers was thee US ensemble comedy. Never has a comedy produced such consistent laughs with great reality based characters. I think the comedy sitcom is without comparison, every episode was consistent yet unpredictable and provided such great quotes with unparalleled comedic quality. The story followed the comings and goings of the core characters at a Boston bar (Cheers).

Core Characters

Sam Malone

The main character was of course Sam Malone, the owner of the aforementioned bar. Sam Malone, a shameless womanizer whose legacy as a former semi-famous relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox baseball team. Sam was an alcoholic, now tee-total, it is quite ironic how he is now owner of a bar.

Ernie Pantusso

Sam's ex-sporting-coach followed him to Cheers and enjoys tending bar. Who still provides guidance, he means well but often states misguided, baffling and totally off the charts advise.

Carla

Tough, hard and exceptionally mean a no-nonsense barmaid who you would be sure to tip out of sheer fear. Her character's bad attitude and savage tongue kept everyone in their place.

Diane Chambers

Diane Chambers was another of my favorite characters who seemed to born to play her role. Academic, bookworm and neurotic. Rebuked every other character who was prepared to listen.

The Regulars

The constantly unemployed omnipresent beer-swilling Norm Peterson who had his own stool. Was hailed every time entering the bar with much exaltation "Norm". His best friend Mr Cliff Claven, allowed everyone to endure endless conspiracy theories, trivia and urban myths and did much to antagonize the customers at the bar. Psychiatrist Dr Frasier Crane he considered the bar scene as full of beings with lesser intelligence and lower class, but bizarrely seemed determined to be accepted as one of the boys.

The banter and interaction provided by these main characters along with guest appearances entertained millions. Cheers was a masterpiece of comedy which various TV Stations tried to emulate.

Frasier Main Characters

Dr Frasier Crane
Character created for Cheers, Frasier sees the psychiatrist, leave Boston and settle in Seattle. Hoping to start a new life and leave the bad memories of the failed relationship to Diane and also more recently to get over his separation with his wife Dr Lilith Sternin.

Dr Niles Crane

Frasier's younger brother, also a psychiatrist, who is perhaps an even more snobbish than his elder brother. Envious of his brother's success on his radio show, and subsequently dismisses it as 'pop' psychology. Martin Crane

The father of the the two psychiatrist's who moved in with Frasier after being shot in the hip whilst on duty. Spends most of his time in front of the TV in his worn out armchair, which impedes the rest of the flat's decor. Frasier naturally detests the chair along with the Eddie the dog.

Daphne Moon

Employed as Martin's health care and general helper, Daphne quickly became an integral part of the Crane family. Originally from England, Daphne has a six sense about almost all things. Unfortunately, she can seem never to realize Niles' non to subtle sledgehammer pursuit of her.

Roz Doyle

The producer and sidekick for Frasier, at KACL whose almost constant change in partners are often comic fodder for the two brothers.

In Summary

Following the recent remastered release on DVD of both Cheers and Frasier seasons both are great comedy's in their own right. Its a great time to revisit one of the best sitcoms every produced. I have to confess I personally find Cheers to be much more to my liking. Frasier was one of the best characters on the original Cheers, but i feel Cheers had 6 great characters, whilst with Frasier we are really only stuck with well... Frasier.