I watch Netflix daily. I’ve been alternating between Mission Impossible (TOS) and Frasier. From about season one, I’ve noticed a common thread throughout the Frasier series: Star Trek.

I already commented about Rat Patrol, Star Trek (TOS) and Mission Impossible (TOS) using the same sets and the same actors. The Frasier/Star Trek thing isn’t as bad as that; in fact, it’s far more subtle.

Kelsey Grammer appeared in a Star Trek (TNG) episode as a starship captain. I’m not going to take the time to do an IMDB comparison, but the number of actors appearing on both shows has to be high. Every once in a while they throw in a Star Trek reference, but the episode I just saw was the clincher.

Patrick Stewart appeared in the episode as a well-placed high-society man who happened to be gay. He mistook Frasier as a gay man and hilarity ensued. For me, that pretty much confirmed the link. Nothing earth-shattering, but it will inspire me at some point to do the IMDB  check.

It was also funny to see Wendy Malick and Jane Leeves on the same show before Hot in Cleveland. Again, nothing to phone home about; just an observation.