With nine unforgettable seasons and over 200 episodes, Everybody Loves Raymond gave us some of the funniest and most relatable moments in sitcom history. But not all episodes are created equal.
Whether you’re rewatching for nostalgia or introducing someone new to the Barone family, this list of the 15 best episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond is your go-to guide for the show’s most iconic, hilarious, and heartwarming moments.
Let’s jump into the highlights — and yes, we’ve ranked them!
15. “Frank Paints the House” (Season 5, Episode 20)
Frank decides to repaint the house… badly. This episode is a masterclass in passive-aggressive parenting and “do-it-yourself” disasters. The ending? Hysterical.
14. “The Angry Family” (Season 6, Episode 1)
Ray and Debra are shocked when their son Michael reads a story at school titled “The Angry Family.” Naturally, everyone in the Barone clan believes it’s about them — and they’re not wrong.
This episode dives deep into family dysfunction, all with that classic Raymond humor.
13. “Robert’s Date” (Season 1, Episode 14)
Robert finally scores a date… with a woman who may or may not be into some odd hobbies. The scene in the kitchen? Pure gold. It’s awkward comedy at its finest.
12. “The Can Opener” (Season 3, Episode 4)
Ray and Debra argue over something simple — a broken can opener. But of course, it unearths years of tension. The way this petty argument spirals is both hilarious and painfully relatable.
11. “Debra Makes Something Good” (Season 3, Episode 21)
When Debra finally cooks a meal that Ray loves, Marie gets suspicious — and extremely competitive. You can feel the steam rising from Marie’s ears in every scene.
10. “The Tofu Turkey” (Season 3, Episode 10)
Debra tries to introduce a healthy Thanksgiving by cooking tofu instead of turkey. Chaos ensues. This episode is iconic for its commentary on tradition, family expectations, and food fights (literally).
9. “Ray Home Alone” (Season 4, Episode 14)
Ray gets the house to himself for the weekend and has grand plans for relaxation — but slowly starts to unravel in solitude. It’s both funny and surprisingly philosophical.
8. “Bad Moon Rising” (Season 4, Episode 22)
Debra’s mood swings due to PMS lead to one of the most controversial — and hilarious — episodes of the series. Ray’s cluelessness hits peak levels here, and Patricia Heaton absolutely shines.
7. “The Skit” (Season 4, Episode 23)
At a family function, Ray and Debra perform a skit making fun of Frank and Marie. What starts as a joke quickly turns into World War III. It’s funny, tense, and painfully familiar for anyone who’s crossed a family line.
6. “Baggage” (Season 7, Episode 22)
One of the show’s most genius episodes. Ray and Debra both refuse to move a suitcase sitting on the stairs — for weeks. The standoff becomes a metaphor for deeper relationship issues… and it’s laugh-out-loud funny.
5. “Italy” (Season 5, Episodes 1 & 2)
A two-parter that breaks the show’s usual format. The Barones travel to Italy, and Ray’s culture shock is comedy gold. Beautiful scenery, great character moments, and pure Raymond awkwardness.
4. “Marie’s Sculpture” (Season 6, Episode 9)
Marie takes an art class and creates a very… suggestive sculpture. When the family realizes what it might actually be, chaos breaks out. The reactions in this episode are priceless.
3. “Marie’s Vision” (Season 7, Episode 3)
Marie gets new glasses and starts seeing things she never noticed before. Including Debra’s… private moment. The awkwardness levels are off the charts in this one.
2. “The Power of No” (Season 8, Episode 3)
Debra starts saying “no” in the bedroom — and it sparks a power struggle that turns into one of the smartest and funniest episodes about marriage in sitcom history.
1. “The Finale” (Season 9, Episode 16)
Simple. Subtle. Perfect. No dramatic cliffhangers, just one last classic Barone family moment — complete with food, yelling, and love. A beautiful goodbye that brought many fans to tears.
Why These Episodes Stand Out
What makes these episodes special isn’t just the laughs — it’s the emotional truth beneath the humor. Everybody Loves Raymond managed to turn mundane, everyday situations into unforgettable sitcom gold.
It wasn’t about crazy antics or slapstick — it was about real people, real problems, and the funny stuff that happens along the way.
Conclusion: A Sitcom That Stands the Test of Time
The fact that we’re still talking about Everybody Loves Raymond nearly 20 years later is a testament to its brilliance. These episodes are more than just great television — they’re a reflection of life, love, and laughter in all its messy glory.
Whether you’re watching for the first time or reliving old favorites, these 15 episodes remind us why everybody really does love Raymond.
FAQs
1. What episode should I start with if I’m new to the show?
Start with “The Angry Family” or “The Can Opener” — they’re hilarious and give you a quick taste of the show’s vibe.
2. Are there any serious or emotional episodes?
Yes! While it’s a comedy, episodes like “The Finale” and “Marie’s Sculpture” offer heartfelt moments too.
3. How many total episodes are there?
There are 210 episodes across 9 seasons.
4. Is there a best season of the show?
Season 4 and Season 6 are widely considered the strongest by fans and critics alike.
5. Can I watch episodes out of order?
Absolutely. While there are some running jokes, each episode stands alone, making it easy to jump in anywhere.
