The Show That Still Makes Us Laugh
Let’s face it—Everybody Loves Raymond was more than just a sitcom. It was comfort TV, a weekly slice of dysfunctional family life that felt all too familiar (and hilariously relatable). With its iconic cast and perfectly timed comedy, the show became one of the most beloved series of the late ’90s and early 2000s.
So naturally, fans have been asking: Can we get a reboot?
According to Ray Romano, the answer is a hard no.
Romano: “It’s Out of the Question”
In recent interviews, Ray Romano has made it crystal clear: Everybody Loves Raymond is not coming back. And he’s not saying it out of bitterness or burnout—he’s saying it out of respect.
“It’s out of the question,” Romano said during an appearance on Real Time with Bill Maher. “We’ve lost too many people.”
He’s referring, of course, to the passing of Peter Boyle (Frank Barone) in 2006 and Doris Roberts (Marie Barone) in 2016—two essential parts of the show’s heart and humor.
Why a Reboot Wouldn’t Feel Right
Sure, the Barones were dysfunctional, but they were our dysfunctional family. The idea of rebooting the show without Marie and Frank isn’t just logistically difficult—it’s emotionally impossible.
“Peter and Doris were a huge part of the soul of the show,” Romano has said. “Without them, it’s not the same.”
A reboot would feel like forcing something that ended naturally and perfectly. And as Romano pointed out, the magic of Raymond came from a very specific time, cast, and chemistry.
Romano and Rosenthal Wanted to End It at Season 8
What many fans don’t know is that Romano and show creator Phil Rosenthal initially planned to end Everybody Loves Raymond after its eighth season. The ninth and final season only came after CBS made a strong push to extend it.
“We felt like we had told the story,” Romano explained. “But we agreed to do one more season because the fans weren’t ready to say goodbye.”
But now? He thinks that final goodbye should stick.
Ray Romano’s Respect for the Original
Ray has always emphasized the importance of integrity in storytelling. For him, bringing back Raymond would feel like undoing something that worked just the way it was.
“We got to go out on top,” he said. “That’s rare. Why mess with that?”
And honestly, he’s got a point. Not all shows get to finish on a high note. Many fizzle out or get rebooted into oblivion. Raymond went out with class—and ratings to match.
The Trap of the Sitcom Reboot
Let’s be real: reboots are everywhere. From Frasier to That ’90s Show to Fuller House, networks are reviving anything with nostalgia potential. But Romano’s not interested in chasing trends.
“People miss the feeling those shows gave them. But when you try to recreate it, it usually doesn’t work.”
He believes fans want to revisit the past—but that doesn’t mean you should try to recreate it in the present.
The Legacy of Everybody Loves Raymond
The show ran for nine seasons, won 15 Emmy Awards, and consistently ranked as one of CBS’s top-rated programs. Its secret? Honest writing, brilliant casting, and a refusal to dumb things down.
Romano, a former stand-up comic, based the show on his real life—and it showed. The awkward dinners, the overbearing parents, the sibling jealousy—it all came from truth.
And maybe that’s why people are still watching reruns to this day.
The Cast Has Moved On—And That’s Okay
Most of the surviving cast members have moved on to new projects:
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Patricia Heaton starred in The Middle and Carol’s Second Act.
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Brad Garrett returned to sitcoms with Not Dead Yet.
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Romano himself has had roles in films like The Big Sick and Somewhere in Queens and continues to do stand-up.
None of them are begging for a reunion—and that’s not a bad thing. It means they’ve all respected the show enough to let it go.
Romano on Nostalgia vs. Creativity
Ray is a storyteller at heart. He’s more focused on creating new, meaningful work than living in the shadow of past success.
“I want to do things that challenge me now. I don’t want to just relive something because it was popular.”
In an industry that often recycles instead of innovates, his stance is refreshingly honest.
What About a One-Off Special?
While Romano hasn’t completely ruled out a retrospective or documentary-style special, he’s firm that it wouldn’t be scripted or a “Where Are They Now?” sequel.
“It would have to be done in a way that respects the original,” he said. “Not something that tries to restart it.”
So no sitcom reunion dinner. No rebooted Barones. Just memories—and maybe a behind-the-scenes look at how the show came together.
Conclusion: Letting a Classic Stay a Classic
Ray Romano’s decision to keep Everybody Loves Raymond in the past isn’t about closing the door. It’s about preserving something special. The show ended on a high note, with its dignity intact—and that’s rare in Hollywood.
Romano knows fans still love the show, and he’s grateful for that. But he’s not trying to recreate the past. He’s just trying to honor it.
And honestly? That’s something worth respecting.
FAQs
1. Will there ever be a reboot of Everybody Loves Raymond?
No, Ray Romano has publicly said it’s “out of the question” due to the passing of key cast members and his respect for the original show’s legacy.
2. Why is Ray Romano against a reboot?
He believes the magic of the show can’t be replicated and that it ended on the right note. The loss of Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts also makes a reunion feel incomplete.
3. Are any other cast members interested in a reboot?
Patricia Heaton and Brad Garrett have also voiced similar opinions, suggesting the show should be left as it is.
4. What is Ray Romano doing now?
He continues acting in film and TV, does stand-up comedy, and recently starred in and directed Somewhere in Queens.
5. Where can I watch Everybody Loves Raymond today?
The show is available on streaming platforms like Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, and Pluto TV.
