
In addition to Friends, NBC may soon say goodbye to yet another one of its long-running comedy staples–Frasier.
According to Variety, network insiders are saying the 2003-04 season may be the last for the Kelsey Grammer sitcom. Although no official announcements have been made, NBC’s three-year license for the show is ending in May 2004 and it looks like no one is talking about extending the show’s life after that.
Ratings have been down considerably this season, but NBC programming chief Jeff Zucker admitted to Variety the network hasn’t done Frasier “any favors” by giving it weak lead-ins at Tuesday’s 8:30 p.m. slot.
If Frasier were to wrap in 2004, it will match the 11-season run of its predecessor Cheers. Variety says Grammer has publicly stated he wanted his show to last at least as long as Cheers.
But fans, don’t fret yet. Insiders at NBC and Paramount both stress that a final decision on the matter doesn’t need to be made for another year, Variety reports. There could still be a way to hammer out a deal to expand Frasier‘s lifespan for a few more seasons.