Who directed the pilot episode of Frasier?

James Burrows directed the pilot episode of Frasier, titled "The Good Son."

The episode aired on September 16, 1993, introducing Frasier Crane's return to Seattle after Cheers. Its story establishes the show's central setup: Frasier moves in with his injured father, Martin, and hires Daphne Moon as a live-in caregiver. The episode also introduces the Seattle radio station KACL and Frasier's relationship with producer Roz Doyle.

Burrows was already closely associated with the series' creative history. He had directed numerous episodes of Cheers, the sitcom from which Frasier spun off, and his work helped establish the original show's ensemble-comedy style. His direction gave the pilot a familiar rhythm while allowing Frasier to develop its own setting and family dynamic.

The episode was especially successful during awards season. Burrows won both the Directors Guild of America Award and the Primetime Emmy Award for directing it. The pilot's credited writers were David Angell, Peter Casey, and David Lee; David Lee was a writer, not the director. Gary Halvorson and Andy Ackerman directed later Frasier episodes.