Frasier’s Kelsey Grammer Reveals Why Diane Is the One Cheers Character He Wants to Return in Potential Season 2
Frasier and Diane’s relationship on Cheers may not have ended happily ever after, but Kelsey Grammer isn’t ready to close the book on it.
The Frasier star revealed in an interview on Tuesday’s The Kelly Clarkson Show — which you can watch above — that he wants Shelley Long to reprise her role as Diane Chambers on the Paramount+ revival: “I would like to see Diane come back… for Frasier to be able to put something to bed, to end up with a nice thing between them.”
Grammer added that Frasier had a special connection with Diane: “When I first got the role, the key to Frasier for me was that he loved her with his whole heart… That actually defined who he is. He’s been that way ever since. He just goes in wholeheartedly with everything, and that’s what makes him funny.”
Frasier and Diane didn’t exactly end on great terms: Grammer joined the Cheers cast in the Season 3 premiere as Frasier Crane, who was introduced as Diane’s therapist-turned-boyfriend. They got engaged, but Diane left him at the altar, later reconciling with her ex Sam Malone. Long did return as Diane, however, in several episodes of Frasier’s original run.
We should note that Frasier hasn’t officially been renewed yet for Season 2. The revival’s 10-episode freshman season wrapped up in December on Paramount+. (Check out our interview with Grammer about the Season 1 finale here.)
Do you want to see Shelley Long as Diane on the new Frasier? Or would you prefer another Cheers cast member? Hit the comments to share your thoughts.
“Frasier and Diane didn’t exactly end on great terms”
Except they did. The last time her character appeared as a real person (rather than a figment of his imagination) they seemingly finally found peace, respect and an understanding of each other.
Would be a shame to see that undone for a few quick gags about the old days.
Was just going to say the same thing! Loved that episode. Her face twitch at dinner was gold!
I wasn’t a big fan of Cheers. I found Diane to be annoying, so I don’t mind if they keep those characters visiting at a minimum. Lilith is different since she’s Freddy’s mom and Frasier’s ex.
And played by Bebe Neuwirth, who can do no wrong.
I thought that Frasier and Diane did “end up with a nice thing between them” in Frasier S03E14, “The Show Where Diane Comes Back,” when they finally make peace with each other at the end of the episode? Certainly not against Long reprising the character, but I’m not sure how much more they need to make up. (Unless he’s suggesting Diane returns as a love interest, which…I don’t know. Could be fun if written well?)
How often do people rehash the past in real life? “The love of my life from THIRTY-FIVE YEARS AGO!!!” And why would anyone want to see Frasier do that?
Reboots/revivals HAVE to me more than just a VIP lounge for actors from the previous show(s).
Why is paramount+ dragging their feet on a renewal – financial situation aside, they have ample numbers for the 10 episodes to know if they should keep it or not.
The show was in the top 3 on the Paramount app for its entire run, so the viewers were there. Feels like maybe they’re negotiating a multiseason renewal and that’s what’s taking so long.
Would love to see Shelly long in an episode during season 2. Although I hope they continue to build storylines for the new characters that are now so close to frasier.
I was shocked how good the revival was! I think Grammer’s comedic timing has only gotten better over the years. Fingers crossed for a second season!
I think that would be awesome! We are enjoying the new Frasier and pray that it comes back with Season 2
Sadly, Kirstie Alley is no longer with us, but it will be fun to see Shelley Long reprise her role as Diana and exchange a few quips with ‘Sam Malone’ before they ultimately part as friends.
Kirstie Alley would never appear on the original “Frasier” because Scientologists don’t believe in psychotherapy. She probably wouldn’t have come on the revival either.
Funny that the one person that needed psychotherapy the most was against it.
I hope they bring back his new show maybe Norm would make a appearance
Would Love to see SHELLY LONG!
She kept the laughs going .
I pray she is feeling better.
I’d love to see Shelly Long/Diane guest star, but they don’t need a nice thing between them or closure. They already had that when she guest starred on Frasier. They had a very sweet, touching farewell and left each other on nice terms.
Diane was one of the most obnoxious, self-absorbed, beyond arrogant, characters on Cheers and the original Frasier. Yes, she was on at least one episode of the original Frasier.
After all of these years, if she hasn’t evolved, and developed some self-awareness, that would be truly sad, but not surprising.
If you saw the show, there is no reason for a season 2.
Just give us Niles and Daphne.
It would be fantastic for Long to return as Diane. She is an underrated, brilliant comic actor, who dramatically improves any show she guests on. Yes, plesae!
I would love to see Diane return. They had a great comedic
relationship.
DIFFENTLY! SHES AN AMAZING ACTRESS, WOULD LOVE TO SEE HER ON THE SHOW PERMANENTLY! GOOD LUCK KELSEY , I MEAN FRAISER, ALL THE SUCCESS ON FRASIER .
Long and Grammer had a great chemistry on Cheers and it would be wonderful if they can reunite on the new Frasier show. I would love to see if they can have some kind of closure on a happy reconciliatory note.
Yes, I hope Shelly Long will return. She is a class act😍
I feel that sounds great, truly! We are partaking in the new Frasier and implore that it returns with Season 2
Would DEFINITELY like to see Shelly Long appear on the new Frasier ! She is still a great talent and a gorgeous star.
In a whirlwind of drama and romance, the Turkish series unfolds, weaving tales of love, betrayal, and redemption amidst the backdrop of stunning landscapes and intricate plots.