Fran Drescher Doubtful About Future Sitcom Roles After 'The Nanny'

The iconic TV star expresses hesitation about returning to the multi-camera sitcom format that made her famous.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

In a new interview, Fran Drescher, star of the beloved 1990s sitcom 'The Nanny', revealed that she is unlikely to take on another traditional sitcom role in the future. Drescher cited the long hours and grueling production schedule as factors that have dampened her enthusiasm for the format, despite her fondness for the people she has worked with. However, the actress left open the possibility of returning to television in a creative capacity, such as writing, directing, or executive producing her own projects.

Why it matters

Drescher's comments provide insight into the challenges and demands of the multi-camera sitcom production model, which has been a staple of television comedy for decades. Her hesitation to return to this format reflects the evolving landscape of the industry and the changing preferences of veteran performers who have experienced the rigors of this production style firsthand.

The details

In the interview with fellow TV icon Ted Danson, Drescher explained that the long hours and dark working conditions on her most recent sitcom role, playing a mother on the short-lived NBC comedy 'Indebted', left her feeling unfulfilled. She questioned whether the experience was 'worth it' and whether it was how she would have wanted to spend her day if it turned out to be her last. Drescher suggested that she may be more open to returning to television in a creative capacity, such as writing, directing, or executive producing her own projects, where she would have more control over the creative process.

  • Drescher starred on the hit CBS sitcom 'The Nanny' from 1993 to 1999.
  • Drescher's most recent sitcom role was on the 2020 NBC comedy 'Indebted', which was canceled after one season.

The players

Fran Drescher

A veteran television actress best known for her starring role on the 1990s sitcom 'The Nanny'.

Ted Danson

An acclaimed actor known for his starring roles on the sitcoms 'Cheers' and 'The Good Place'.

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What they’re saying

“Well, I don't see myself doing another sitcom.”

— Fran Drescher (Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast)

“Nor I — at least the three-camera live. That takes a lot.”

— Ted Danson (Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast)

“The last one that I did wasn't my show. I played the mom in it, and I really didn't... I loved the people, but I didn't enjoy the experience that much because we were shooting it over the winter months.”

— Fran Drescher (Where Everybody Knows Your Name podcast)

The takeaway

Fran Drescher's reluctance to return to the traditional sitcom format, despite her iconic status in the genre, highlights the evolving demands and challenges of television production. Her comments suggest that veteran performers may be seeking more creative control and fulfillment in their work, rather than simply reprising familiar roles in long-running multi-camera shows.