LOS ANGELES − Fans of “Frasier” were treated to a fantastic surprise in last December’s Season 1 finale when Peri Gilpin reprised her role as Roz Doyle, the cherished KACL radio producer from the original NBC series, appearing at Frasier Crane’s door in the Paramount+ reboot.

This year, fans can look forward to more of Roz, as Gilpin, 63, is set to return for a recurring role in Season 2 alongside Kelsey Grammer in Episode 3, which is currently available for streaming (new episodes are released on Thursdays). Considering that “Frasier” concluded two decades ago and had a lengthy revival in the planning stages, Roz’s comeback is truly a remarkable treat.

“The reboot process took six years, so this moment has been a long time in the making,” shares Grammer, 69, who is sitting next to his co-star.

“It felt like a show in its own right,” adds Gilpin. “But when it finally happened—the moment (Grammer) opened that door—it was surreal! It felt like he was handing me a present.”

‘Cheers’ Beginnings: Peri Gilpin and Kelsey Grammer’s Journey to ‘Frasier’

Their professional journey began over thirty years ago when Gilpin guest-starred as a journalist on “Cheers” in 1993, where she met Grammer, who was portraying his iconic character, Dr. Frasier Crane.

“I was struck by how different Kelsey was from (Frasier Crane),” recalls Gilpin, who went on to join NBC’s “Frasier” as Roz, the witty and liberated character who effectively challenged the pretentiousness of Frasier and his brother Niles (played by David Hyde Pierce). “I adored that contrast.”

During Season 5 of “Frasier,” Gilpin expressed concern over a major story twist where Roz unexpectedly became pregnant from a casual relationship and ultimately became a single mother to her daughter, Alice, by the end of the season.

“I was hesitant because I felt like I was losing the fun aspect of Roz,” admits Gilpin, a mother of 19-year-old twin daughters, Ava and Stella. “But I also gained something meaningful, a relatable experience for women. I felt like I experienced that character’s journey through pregnancy. She changed significantly.”

This storyline led to some hilarious moments in front of a live studio audience, especially when Roz and Niles encountered Alice’s future grandparents, who had a notable fondness for Schnauzers. The famous scene had the cast laughing during filming.

“That may have been one of the best or worst moments in our entire time on the original ‘Frasier,'” Grammer recalls, “We felt awkward about it, but it was so funny. It was unusual for the entire cast to break character and laugh out loud on camera; it was embarrassingly unprofessional but also hilarious.”

“It added so much to our experience,” Gilpin reflects.

Roz’s Comeback Drives ‘Frasier’ Back to Seattle: What’s Next?

Even after the original “Frasier” wrapped its 11-season run and won 37 Emmy Awards in 2004, Gilpin remained in contact with Grammer. Talk about reuniting for “Frasier” began during Grammer’s New Year’s Eve party in 2019, where he shared with Gilpin that a reboot was in the works. She was enthusiastic to join.

“It was as simple as that,” Grammer explains. “We share an extraordinary, dynamic relationship that continues to thrive.”

Roz’s return to “Frasier,” where her former talk-show host Frasier is now a Harvard professor, will prompt a trip back to Seattle and the still-operating station KACL 780 AM. This much-anticipated homecoming will include appearances from Dan Butler as Bob “Bulldog” Briscoe and Edward Hibbert as Gil Chesterton, who host shows on the station.

After 20 years, stepping back onto the revamped radio station set filled Gilpin with a mix of surreal feelings and emotion. Grammer, who was at the helm of directing the episode, felt okay until he repeated Frasier’s iconic line.

“When I settled into the chair before the audience and said, ‘Hello, Seattle, I’m listening,’ ” Grammer reflects, pausing as emotion takes over. “It was a beautiful moment.”

“It truly tugs at your heart,” Gilpin adds. “It’s bittersweet. There are tears of both sorrow and happiness. Yet it feels like a moment that cannot be relived, even if you recreate it.”

Roz’s time in Seattle isn’t permanent as she seeks a fresh start on the opposite coast.

“I can’t divulge too much, but we both realize that Roz is ready for a new chapter in Boston,” Grammer explains, responding to critiques regarding the show’s return. “As long as this show continues, I hope Roz will be a part of it.”

Roz and Frasier’s bond will endure, come what may

In this season, viewers will also see Roz’s daughter Alice, portrayed by Grammer’s actual daughter, Greer Grammer. Without Niles, Roz turns much of her sharp humor towards Frasier. “Expect frequent playful jabs and verbal sparring,” Grammer assures.

The affection between Roz and Frasier remains strong, even as they search for different kinds of relationships. In the original series, they ended up in bed together in Season 9, following a breakup of Roz’s, which led to some awkward morning-after moments.

Grammer, however, does not entirely rule out the possibility that these two mismatched individuals could eventually end up together or find closure.

“One of my favorite exchanges between Roz and Frasier was always this moment. They stood at the door of Frasier’s apartment saying farewell, and Frasier remarked, ‘You know, in the years to come, if things unfold in a certain wa ” Grammer reminisces. “And then I add, ‘Get married.’ And Roz replies, ‘Kill each other.’ “