The drama that automatically comes to mind when you think of 'Seattle' is probably Frasier.

It aired from the 1990s to the early 2000s and was known in America as a "smart comedy" at the time.

The setting is the rainy city of Seattle. The main character is Frasier Crane, a radio advice DJ and a PhD in psychology, who speaks like a complete professor. Each sentence is knowledgeable, and the words are so difficult that at first glance, you might wonder, "Is this really a comedy?"

But the funny thing is, this guy who pretends to be so smart is a complete mess in real life.

He fumbles when meeting women, fights with his father, and engages in pointless competitions with his brother Niles, making everything a disaster. That twist was the real charm of the show.

There are scenes of him holding a wine glass and listening to classical music in a luxury apartment in Seattle, which is Frasier's daily life. He has such a clear taste that even when he goes out to eat with friends, he discusses the restaurant's decor, the aroma of the food, and the vintage of the wine.

So the people around him are always tired of it. But that 'intellectual pretension' is the key point of this drama. The humor comes not just from slapstick but from the relatable human aspect of "Oh, even such a smart person can be like us at times."

Many people in Korea watch Frasier to study English. The dialogue is so sophisticated and the expressions are refined, making it perfect for use as a textbook. It's not just everyday English; it's filled with advanced vocabulary, satire, metaphors, and literary references.

The expressions Frasier uses when responding to listener stories on the radio are even more helpful than a real English grammar book. For example, "That's an interesting projection, but let's examine your underlying fear."

However, without CC captions, it can be completely overwhelming. There is that much advanced English.

Still, the more you listen, the more you get accustomed to the intonation, rhythm, and sense of humor, and many people find their English listening skills improve.

The interesting thing about this drama is how well it fits the atmosphere of the city of Seattle.

The gray skies, rainy weather, the image of a lonely intellectual in the city, and the quietly warm family stories. The relationship between Frasier, his father Martin, and his brother Niles is central, and the three of them are very different.

Frasier's father, Martin Crane, is a former police officer and a veteran of the Korean War. He often shares stories about his romance with a Korean woman during the Korean War. The reason Martin limps is not just a simple setup but an important element symbolizing his life story. In the show, Martin is a former detective with the Seattle Police Department, and he was injured in a shooting incident during his active duty, which caused him to limp due to the aftermath of being shot near his hip.

Frasier and Niles, his two sons, are artistic and sensitive types. The conflicts and reconciliations that arise from them living together truly showcase the essence of 'real family comedy.' Especially, Frasier's pretentiousness while ultimately being swayed by his family. He pretends to be intellectual but is soft-hearted, and his pride is sky-high yet comically collapses; that contradiction captured the hearts of viewers.

Niles' fastidious speech and the quirky actions of their live-in physical therapist, Daphne, also contributed to the show's popularity. Daphne is a British woman from Manchester, and just listening to her scenes with a British accent serves as English listening practice.

Frasier's radio counseling scenes are still healing to watch. While counseling each person's concerns, it ultimately leads to self-reflection, which is not just funny but strangely warm. The line "We're all listening" is symbolic. It shows how important it is to listen to each other's stories.

The humor in this drama is different from the provocative or fast-paced rhythms of today's sitcoms. Older viewers can comfortably watch it, and it's great for background English study. At first, it may feel unfamiliar, but as you watch, you realize, "Oh, jokes like this are possible in English too."

Frasier is a rare masterpiece that captures the smell of Seattle's rain, the loneliness of the city, and the pretentiousness and warmth of humanity all at once. It seems to be true that what starts as English study eventually becomes a study of life, as some say.