Comedy under ratings pressure

Frasier producers have been put under pressure to make the comedy more like a soap opera.

And American network bosses also want to see more big-name stars make cameo appearances to boost its ratings.

But its creator David Lee says he's been ignoring the demands of NBC executives.

He said: "We have been under increasing pressure by the newer PTB [powers that be] at the network to turn the show, for want of a better word, into a soap opera: 'We need big events. Weddings, deaths and babies', they say.

"The cry is also deafening for bigger stars. Our response has been to listen, smile and ignore them so far."

According to Teletex, Lee has e-mailed fans telling them: "It's okay to tease or to follow up on something set up in the beginning. But to have Roz and Frasier end up together would be, to me, anathema.

"And while I'm ranting I hope you never see another baby on this show."

Frasier is scheduled to end in 2004, after 11 series.

Published: 4 Feb 2003