‘Everybody Loves Raymond‘ Cast Reflects on Show’s Enduring Legacy in New Reunion Special
A recent reunion special offered a nostalgic look back at the beloved sitcom Everybody loves Raymond, revealing insights into the show’s progress and favorite moments from the cast and creators. The series, which premiered in 1996 and ran for nine seasons, remains a staple of television syndication.
The story of the show’s genesis began with Ray Romano’s May 1995 appearance on Late Show with David Letterman. Impressed by Romano’s stand-up, Letterman’s production company, Worldwide Pants, signed him to a development deal. Phil Rosenthal was brought on as writer, and the pair first met at Art’s Deli in the San Fernando Valley to discuss potential ideas.
During that initial meeting, they discovered a shared experiance – chaotic family dynamics. This common ground ultimately formed the basis of the show, mirroring Romano’s own life. Rosenthal adopted a writing philosophy prioritizing his writers’ personal lives, believing experiences outside the writers’ room would enrich the show’s authenticity. “Ninety percent of everything you saw on the show happened to me, or to Ray, or to one of the other writers,” Rosenthal stated, citing the pilot episode’s Fruit of the Month Club storyline as originating from his own family. He added, “What I didn’t realize…was ‘Oh, wait – your parents are all crazy too.'”
the special also highlighted individual cast members’ favorite episodes.Romano singled out “Talk to Your Daughter” (season six) – a storyline where he awkwardly attempts to discuss sensitive topics with his daughter, Ally (Madylin Sweeten), only to be met with existential questions. Patricia Heaton favored season seven’s “Baggage,” a physical comedy-driven episode centered on a dispute over carrying a suitcase. Brad garrett chose “Lucky Suit” (season six), in which Robert Barone’s FBI interview is derailed by a fax from his mother, Marie (Roberts), detailing a wardrobe mishap. doris Roberts’ co-star, Peter Horan, highlighted “Pat’s secret” – the penultimate episode revealing Amy’s mother, Pat (Georgia Engel), is a smoker. Madylin Sweeten selected “Marie’s Sculpture” (season six), featuring a sculpture created by Marie that unintentionally resembles a vagina, while Sullivan Sweeten favored the series finale and its poignant final scene of the family gathered around Ray and Debra’s kitchen table.
The special also included a lighthearted segment showcasing impressions of Romano by his children, Ally, Matthew, Gregory, and Joseph.