Fans of Kelsey Grammer have made it clear that there shouldn’t be a debate on which show is better between FRIENDS and Frasier because, obviously, the answer is the latter.
These two were the iconic ‘90s sitcom shows that most Gen X and millennials grew up watching, so it’s not a surprise that they have been the subject of comparison. Thankfully, avid Frasier fans have put an end to this battle once and for all:
When someone claims “Friends” was a better show…
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FRIENDS and Frasier aired almost at the same time, with the latter only ahead by one year. When they both ended in 2004, it also marked the end of an era. Their legacies remained alive, though, as evident in their enduring popularity.
FRIENDS’ and Frasier’s Successes Defined ‘90s Sitcom Genre
NBC’s Frasier already had a strong fanbase when it aired in 1993 because of 1982’s Cheers, but instead of leaning on the original series’ popularity, it stood on its own, making the lead character’s high-culture pretension the foundation of the show’s dramatic conflicts.
FRIENDS, on the other hand, was the relatable sort of comedy show that any average viewer could enjoy. It’s understandable why it became a massive success—it was very accessible to everyone.
Both shows significantly influenced the sitcom landscape by combining heartfelt stories with quick-witted humor. Today, many modern comedy shows draw inspiration from FRIENDS’ and Frasier’s format and storytelling techniques.
Why Frasier Was Better Than FRIENDS: Writing, Cast & Cultural Impact
It’s easy to see why Grammer’s Frasier outperformed FRIENDS in many aspects. The writing had a better structured format that allowed for deeper character exploration, all while maintaining highbrow comedy. It’s extremely difficult to make people laugh with very intelligent jokes, but Frasier singlehandedly managed it.
The characters in Frasier were also way more interesting to follow. The series veered away from the usual family-themed story and merely focused on the life of a man swinging through a midlife crisis.
Apart from the well-crafted character arcs, each person also possessed a higher level of wit and humor, making them very appealing to those who seek shows with a more sophisticated tone.
FRIENDS may have a larger audience, but the show wasn’t as critically acclaimed as Frasier. With such a level of recognition, its enduring legacy and replay value, Frasier is undoubtedly the better sitcom— for some, the greatest sitcom of all time!
| Title | Rotten Tomatoes | IMDb |
| FRIENDS | 78% | 8.9/10 |
| Frasier | 95% | 8.2/10 |
Do you agree that Frasier is leagues better than FRIENDS? Let us know in the comments!
FRIENDS and Frasier are currently available to watch on Apple TV.
