Kelsey Grammer Gets New ABC Pilot

By Tom Rose
Fancast.com

According to Variety, Kelsey Grammer is returning to TV on ABC with a new 30-minute pilot, playing a Ted Turner type who gets downsized from his corporate job and is forced to spend “quality” time with the family.

The former “Frasier” star has been hit and miss for awhile, leading off with the FOX news anchor spoof “Back To You” which tanked last year, and most recently being red-lighted on the Britcom adaptation of the UK series “Roman’s Empire.”

Grammer has also been enjoying some unusual (for him) success on the big screen with features “An American Carol” and “Swing Vote” fueling speculation that he may finally break through with audiences ready to believe he can make the transition from little to big screen. A turn as a hapless orchestra conductor in the remake of “Fame” hits theaters later this year.

But this pilot commitment proves that Grammer knows where his bread is buttered (remember Down Periscope?) And, let’s face it, any character that comes close to suggesting the ego-centric, culturally refined and erudite Dr. Frasier Crane should be a big hit with viewers. Oh, wait a minute… wasn’t that the idea behind Chuck Darling? Maybe third time’s the charm.

No word yet on a premiere date, but with ABC’s recent track record for topsy-turvy scheduling, look for a debut well before the Fall season.

In the meantime you can catch up on Kelsey Grammer clips and free full length episodes right here on Fancast.