No ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Reboot: Exploring the Reasons
In a nostalgic return to television, Ray Romano recently hosted “Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion.” This special celebrates the beloved sitcom that aired from 1996 to 2005. After watching the show during the pandemic, Romano developed a deeper appreciation for the series and its contributions to television comedy.
Reunion Details
Filmed last month at Television City, the 90-minute reunion features several original cast members. Alongside Romano, the special includes Patricia Heaton (Debra), Brad Garrett (Robert), Monica Horan (Amy), Madylin Sweeten (Ally), and Sullivan Sweeten (Michael). The event also honors Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, who played Ray’s parents, Marie and Frank Barone.
Producer and Creative Vision
Phil Rosenthal, the show’s creator, successfully organized this reunion after years of attempts. “Ten years ago, I thought, ‘Hey, it’s 20 years. We should do a reunion,’ but CBS was uninterested,” Rosenthal said. The new regime at CBS, which now supports reunion projects, encouraged the gathering this year.
Reflections on the Series
Romano revealed that during the pandemic, he revisited all 210 episodes and rated them on a scale from 1 to 100. He reflected on his growth as an actor and the impact of the show: “I appreciated everybody’s work more now,” he remarked.
- Romano ranked each episode, noting he never awarded a perfect score, indicating the challenges of producing 210 episodes.
- The cast member’s highest-rated episodes include “Good Girls” and “Not So Fast.”
The Importance of Legacy
The reunion highlights the lasting legacy of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” The show resonated with audiences who often related to the familial dynamics depicted. Romano noted that many fans commented on the character of the mother, suggesting it mirrored their own experiences.
“If you’re truthful, and you write the truth of a situation, it resonates,” said Rosenthal.
No Reboot in Sight
Despite the success of the reunion, Romano and Rosenthal firmly dismissed any plans for a reboot. Rosenthal emphasized, “We never wanted to do a reboot. We can’t because, sadly, we’re missing some people.” Both creators agree that reboots typically lack the charm of the original series.
Upcoming Projects
Besides the reunion, Romano is expanding his career. He recently joined the cast of Netflix’s “Running Point.” Rosenthal praised Romano’s growth as an actor, stating he has developed into an outstanding dramatic performer.
“Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion” airs on Monday, November 24, at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and is available for some Paramount+ subscribers. This special reaffirms the show’s impact and significance in the world of sitcoms.
