An original Kesley Grammer's titular psychiatrist as he returns to his hometown of Seattle, where he reconnects with his father, Martin (John Mahoney). The Paramount+ revival, which premiered in 2023, brings Frasier back to Boston and while it follows a mostly new cast of characters, does feature the return of some original stars, such as Peri Gilpin as Roz Doyle.

Now, another original Frasier star has addressed a potential return in the Paramount+ revival. Talking to TV Insider promoting Apple TV's Shrinking season 2, Wendie Malick said it wouldn't "feel right" to return for the Paramount+ revival without John Mahoney, who ed away in 2018. Read her full comments below:

It’s sort of like when people ask me about Just Shoot Me. Without George Segal, I just don’t think it would feel right. I had such a connection to John Mahoney playing his love interest and finally marrying him that I’m not sure that I want to revisit that. That was something that was such a lovely ride, and that season was so much fun and I was honored to be part of it. And sometimes I think you feel like you took your character as far as you could, and then maybe you just leave it and savor those memories. Never say never, but that’s my gut feeling.

What Wendie Malick's Comments Mean For The Frasier Revival

She Likely Won't Be Returning

Wendie Malick starred in the original Frasier, appearing in 10 episodes in season 11 as Ronee Lawrence, Niles and Frasier's childhood babysitter who, following a chance encounter, begins a romantic relationship with Martin. After dating for several episodes, Martin and Ronee get married during the Frasier series finale. Years later, Mahoney and Malick actually reunited on another sitcom, Hot in Cleveland, which also featured Frasier star Jane Leeves.

Malick's comments mean that she is hesitant about returning for the Frasier revival, comparing it to her reluctance to revisit Just Shoot Me without her late co-star, George Segal. Though she feels deeply connected to her Frasier character, Ronee, especially through her on-screen relationship with John Mahoney's Martin, which culminated in their characters' marriage. Malick treasures those memories, feeling she's taken Ronee's story as far as it can go. Although she won't completely rule out a return, she's inclined to let it rest for now.

Our Take On Wendie Malick Not Returning For The Frasier Revival

She Has A Good Reason

Wendie Malick has a good reason why she isn't keen on returning to Frasier. The Paramount+ revival has already put an end to Martin's story, who ed away in the show, and the revival's series premiere episode was dedicated to the memory of Mahoney and also paid tribute to him by naming the show's bar after him. Malick is right to let Ronee's story rest, as her character was intrinsically tied to John Mahoney's Martin, and without him, a return could risk feeling forced.

Original Frasier Stars Who Have Returned For The Revival

Bebe Neuwirth, Peri Gilpin, & More

Though Wendie Malick likely won't be returning as Ronee, several original Frasier stars have returned for the revival series. First and foremost, this includes Kelsey Grammer, who reprises his iconic role as Frasier Crane, a character he originated on Cheers and later expanded on in the spinoff. His performance remains the core of the show, bridging the 20-year gap between the original series and its revival, which is intended to tell the third act of Frasier's life as he returns to Boston to better his relationship with his son, Freddy.

Other than the titular character, one of the first original stars to return for the revival was Bebe Neuwirth as Lilith Sternin, Frasier's ex-wife, Freddy's mother, and fellow psychiatrist who also originated on Cheers and originally returned for 12 episodes of the spinoff. In the revival, Lilith returned for season 1, episode 7, "Freddy's Birthday." Known for her sardonic wit and complex relationship with Frasier, the two agree to attend Freddy's birthday party and keep things cordial, though they quickly fall into a familiar argument over who knows Freddy best, and agree to see their son separately in the future.

Peri Gilpin, who played Frasier's confidante and radio producer Roz Doyle, returned for the revival's season 1 finale to cheer Frasier up on Christmas as he continues to cope with his father's death. Roz also returned for season 2, episode 3, "All About Eve" and episode 6, "Cape Cod." Roz will also likely return for the episode 8 as Frasier returns to Seattle for a KACL anniversary special, and the door remains open for future appearances during the remainder of the season.

Frasier season 2 has also seen the return of Harriet Sansom Harris as Bebe Glazer, Frasier's manipulative agent.

As Frasier returns to Seattle for a KACL anniversary special in episode 8, some of the radio station's stalwarts will also be seen again, including Dan Butler as Bulldog, host of KACL's Gonzo Sports Show, and Edward Hibbert as Gil Chesterton, host of KACL's Restaurant Beat. While characters like Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) are notably absent, they are occasionally acknowledged within the storyline, keeping their presence alive and keeping the door open for a possible future appearance in the Frasier revival.

Frasier season 2, episode 8 airs on October 31.

Source: TV Insider