Ted Danson opens up about why he didn't reprise his iconic role as Sam Malone for the Frasier reboot. Even though Kelsey Grammer returned as Dr. Frasier Crane for the short-lived Frasier revival on Paramount+, the series was often dinged for one glaring omission. Despite how Dr. Crane returns to Boston, he never visits the unforgettable bar from Cheers. He also isn't visited by any of his old Bostonian friends when he returns to the city to reconnect with his son.

During an appearance on the Howie Mandel Does Stuff podcast (via PEOPLE), Danson gets candid about why he never cameoed as Sam Malone in the Frasier reboot and said that he wouldn't know how to portray a version of Malone that was in his 70s, and explained why the portrayal would have felt different. In the quote below, the two-time Emmy winner also makes clear that his absence from the reboot is not a reflection of his relationship with Grammer. He also noted that he later revised his view:

“Not because I was angry at Kelsey or anything, mostly because I didn't know how to ... how the f--k do you play Sam Malone in his 60s or now 70s? It's amusing to be an aging adolescent when you're in your 30s, 40s, but not when you're in your 70s. So I thought, I don't know how to do that.”

“I would have felt at sea. I wouldn't know how to do it. That's why I said no. Last year, I did say, ‘Absolutely.’ Ask me and I will come do it because I felt like I not only owed it to him, but I wanted to.”

What Sam Malone's Return Would Have Meant For The Frasier Reboot

It Might Have Helped The Paramount+ Show

It is easy to understand Danson's reluctance to the Frasier reboot cast, if only for a cameo. His recent roles offer insight into how he approaches projects. The Good Place saw the veteran actor veer into the realm of supernatural comedy, but the NBC hit also allowed the acclaimed performer to tackle weighty subjects for several seasons. A Man on the Inside, his recent Netflix series, is an even more stark example, as it prioritizes the kind of older characters rarely spotlighted on television.

Both shows made a huge impact with critics and viewers, with A Man on the Inside confirmed to return for season 2. It's a different ask for Danson than coming back for a guest role and having to figure out all the ways that Sam has or hasn't changed in the years that viewers, and Dr. Crane himself, last saw him. But still, it does sound like Danson would have been open to trying if Frasier had been renewed for season 3.

Our Take On Danson's Comments

It Would Have Been Nice To See In One Respect

The reboot had the same issues that plagued a lot of revivals. It wouldn't have been in a solid position to succeed, even if Danson came through with a cameo. But it would have been fun to see, especially since both Grammer and Danson have been open about their reconciliation. It would have been nice to see how that might have been reflected on-screen. At this point, months after its cancellation, there is no news about whether the Frasier reboot will be picked up by another platform.

Source: Howie Mandel Does Stuff (via PEOPLE)