It’s not every day that a sitcom legend takes a deep dive into their own legacy, but that’s exactly what Ray Romano recently did—and fans of Everybody Loves Raymond are eating it up. In a delightful, candid move, Romano revealed that he has gone back and rated every single episode of the show that made him a household name. His reason? “I got on a little kick there,” he admitted, casually—but the results are anything but casual for longtime fans.
Romano’s Surprise Confession Delights Fans
The Nostalgic Deep Dive We Didn’t Know We Needed
Romano, who’s famously humble and rarely indulges in self-praise, recently shared that he rewatched Everybody Loves Raymond—all 210 episodes—and gave each one a personal rating. It wasn’t for a book or a podcast. It was just something he did “for fun.”
Why Now?
Romano explained it was just a random urge: “I got on a little kick there, just started watching a few and then couldn’t stop.” Hey, who among us hasn’t binge-watched something we helped create?
How Did He Rate the Episodes?
A Simple But Honest Rating System
No fancy scale—just Ray’s gut feeling. Some episodes got a mental gold star, while others made him cringe a little. He admitted, “There were a few where I said, ‘Yikes.’ But others, I was like, ‘Damn, that holds up.’”
What Did He Look For?
Romano focused on the writing, performances, and how the jokes aged. He also reflected on how the cast was feeling behind the scenes, which added a layer of emotion to his evaluations.
The Episodes That Got Ray’s Highest Praise
Fan Favorites That Still Shine
Not surprisingly, episodes like:
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“The Angry Family”
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“Debra’s Sick”
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“She’s the One”
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“Italy” (Parts 1 & 2)
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“Marie’s Sculpture”
…earned high marks from Ray.
These episodes are often cited by fans for their perfect mix of humor, heart, and family chaos. Romano said some of these made him laugh out loud again, even decades later.
Ray’s Unexpected Top Pick?
One surprising standout: “The Can Opener”—an episode that delves into a bizarre argument between Ray and Debra over a broken kitchen tool. “That one’s just pure marriage,” Ray joked. “It’s ridiculous but real.”
The Episodes That Didn’t Age Well (Even for Ray)
“Yeah… I Cringed a Bit”
Romano admitted there were a handful of episodes he’d rather forget. While he didn’t shame any writers or cast, he said a few plots now feel dated or overly slapstick.
One episode he wasn’t too thrilled about? “The Gift”, where Ray gives his parents a toaster with a recording. “I just didn’t buy my own performance in that one,” he laughed.
A Personal Journey Through the Show That Changed His Life
Revisiting His Younger Self
Romano said watching the episodes felt like looking into a time capsule—especially seeing himself, Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton, Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle, and the twins during those early days.
“It was weird watching myself grow older every season,” he said. “And watching Peter and Doris—man, that hit me hard.”
Brad Garrett and Other Cast Members React
Support and Surprise
Brad Garrett responded with his classic dry humor: “Of course he watched every episode. He finally realized I was the funny one.”
Patricia Heaton commented that she “loved” the idea and might do it herself.
Why This Matters to Fans
It Validates What We’ve Always Felt
Hearing the creator and star himself revisit and rate the episodes offers a behind-the-scenes connection few fans ever get. It makes those iconic moments even more personal.
A Reminder of Why Raymond Worked
Romano’s self-reflection just highlights what made Everybody Loves Raymond a classic: heart, honesty, and humor that never felt forced.
Could This Lead to a Podcast or Book?
Romano Says… Maybe?
Fans have already started asking: Where’s the official episode commentary? Romano joked that his ratings were more “scribbles in a notebook” than a structured project—but he’s not ruling anything out.
And let’s be honest, we’d all binge the heck out of a Raymond Rewatch Podcast hosted by Ray and Brad Garrett.
A Love Letter to the Show and Its Fans
More Than Just a Sitcom
Romano’s rating binge isn’t just a quirky confession—it’s a love letter to the cast, crew, and fans who’ve kept the show alive for over two decades.
From Stand-Up to Sitcom Icon
Everybody Loves Raymond started as an idea based on Ray’s stand-up—and turned into one of the most beloved sitcoms in TV history. Romano revisiting it all just shows how deep the impact still is.
Conclusion: Ray Romano’s Episode Ratings Give Fans a Fresh Lens
Ray Romano didn’t just rate his episodes for fun—he gave us a rare, personal peek into the mind of the man who helped create one of TV’s most timeless comedies. His reflections are funny, honest, and surprisingly touching.
Whether you’re rewatching Raymond for the tenth time or just diving in, knowing what Ray thinks adds a whole new layer to the experience. And who knows—this “little kick” of his might just inspire something bigger.
FAQs
Q1: Did Ray Romano really rate every episode of Everybody Loves Raymond?
Yes! He revealed that he went on a binge and rated all 210 episodes just for fun.
Q2: What episode is Ray’s favorite?
While he didn’t rank them officially, he gave special praise to episodes like “The Angry Family” and “The Can Opener.”
Q3: Did Ray dislike any episodes?
He admitted a few made him cringe, such as “The Gift”, but didn’t single them out harshly.
Q4: Will these ratings ever be published?
Not officially—at least for now. But fans are hopeful for a book or podcast based on his insights.
Q5: Why is this so important to fans?
Romano’s reflections offer rare behind-the-scenes insight into one of the most beloved shows of all time—and remind us why we fell in love with the Barone family in the first place.
