The decline of Dr. Frasier Crane

Frasier (1993–2004) remains one of television's most successful and memorable sitcoms. Its protagonist, Dr. Frasier Crane, shares many qualities with other comic protagonists. However, he is in fact unique in the pantheon of comic characters. As the show moves forward, Frasier Crane regresses in several ways, and which is often effected through the show's use of ironic parallels. Furthermore, Frasier Crane's comic arc (or fulfillment of the comic mythos) is in stark contrast to not only traditional comic characters but even more recent post- and post-postmodern ones, all of whom either fulfill the comic arc or, at worst, remain static.