Ray Romano, Phil Rosenthal Reunite for ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Event

Phil Rosenthal has been advocating for a reunion of “Everybody Loves Raymond” for several years. But it was only this year that CBS decided to air a special commemorating the show’s nearly three-decade legacy. The 90-minute event featured Rosenthal alongside star Ray Romano and cast members Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Monica Horan, Madylin Sweeten, and Sullivan Sweeten. This special celebrated nearly 30 years since the series debuted in September 1996.

Key Contributors Behind the Reunion

Rosenthal attributes the success of the reunion special to CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach. He emphasized her enthusiasm and support as essential in bringing the event to life. “It just takes one person to make a difference,” Rosenthal noted.

Nostalgia and Emotional Moments

During separate interviews, Rosenthal and Romano shared insights about the reunion and its impact. They talked about various unexpected emotional moments that surfaced during filming, illustrating the strong bonds formed over the years.

Maintaining Connections

Romano revealed that he frequently sees Rosenthal and other cast members. Their families are close, sharing movie nights and vacations. Despite living in different locations, they strive to keep their friendships alive. Rosenthal remarked on the happiness experienced in the writers’ room, describing it as “the happiest place on Earth.”

What Didn’t Make the Final Cut

Both Rosenthal and Romano reflected on what was left on the cutting room floor. They expressed satisfaction with the final edit but admitted that some favorite moments had to go. Romano mentioned wanting to include more of an interview with his wife and some memorable guest appearances.

Re-Creating the Set

The reunion featured a meticulously re-created set that transported everyone back in time. Rosenthal described the surreal experience of stepping back onto a familiar space filled with nostalgia. Romano echoed these sentiments, recounting how it evoked cherished memories from their time together.

Favorite Thanksgiving Episodes

With the holiday season approaching, Rosenthal and Romano reminisced about their favorite Thanksgiving episodes. They highlighted several memorable ones:

• “No Fat” (Season 3) – Featuring a tofu turkey.
• “The Bird” (Season 8) – Where a bird accidentally flies into a window.
• “Fish or Turkey” (Season 1) – Focusing on an unforgettable family dinner mishap.

Overall, the reunion event served as a heartwarming reminder of the show’s legacy and the enduring relationships behind the scenes.