Most people know Ray Romano as the lovable, awkward, sarcastic everyman from the hit sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. The show ran for nine successful seasons, won 15 Emmys, and became one of the most iconic family comedies of all time.
But what if I told you that Ray Romano might be even better when he isn’t trying to make you laugh?
Yep—there’s a drama series he starred in that scored 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, and if you haven’t watched it yet, you’re seriously missing out.
Meet the Show: Men of a Certain Age
A Quiet, Honest, Brilliantly Written Series
Men of a Certain Age isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have explosions, scandal, or over-the-top drama. What it does have is heart, honesty, and three middle-aged friends trying to navigate the second act of their lives. Think The Big Chill meets Mad Men—without the alcohol and infidelity overload.
The Cast: A Powerhouse Trio
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Ray Romano as Joe, a divorced father and former college baseball star now running a party supply store.
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Andre Braugher (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) as Owen, a car salesman under the pressure of living in his dad’s shadow.
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Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap) as Terry, an aging actor still trying to make it big.
Together, these three bring a chemistry that feels lived-in and incredibly real.
Ray Romano Like You’ve Never Seen Him
Not Just a Comedian—A Full-Fledged Dramatic Actor
Romano’s performance in Men of a Certain Age is subtle, restrained, and powerful. He plays Joe with quiet desperation, self-deprecating humor, and emotional weight. Gone is the punchline timing. What’s left is a raw, vulnerable man just trying to figure life out.
A Role That Hit Close to Home
Romano co-created the show, drawing on his own mid-life experiences. It’s personal. You can feel it. Joe isn’t a caricature—he’s real, and that authenticity makes the series hit harder than most dramas on TV.
Critics Loved It—But Nobody Was Watching
88% on Rotten Tomatoes Isn’t an Accident
Critics raved about the show. The New York Times called it “quietly groundbreaking.” Variety praised Romano for “a nuanced and mature performance.”
Yet, despite critical acclaim and two full seasons on TNT, the show was canceled in 2011. Why? Low ratings. It was a victim of bad timing, poor promotion, and maybe an audience not quite ready to see Romano in a serious light.
Why Men of a Certain Age Deserves a Comeback
It Tackled Topics Most Shows Avoid
This wasn’t just about aging—it was about male friendship, fear, purpose, and vulnerability. The show took on issues like:
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Divorce and dating again in your 40s
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Health scares and anxiety
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Career dead-ends and financial stress
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Parenting teens while still figuring yourself out
It Treated Middle-Aged Men as Complex Humans
TV rarely gives emotional depth to men in their 40s and 50s. Men of a Certain Age made them the heart of the story. They weren’t superheroes, CEOs, or crime lords—they were just real guys.
The Legacy of the Show Lives On
Romano Would Return to Drama—and Thrive
Ray Romano took the lessons and skills from Men of a Certain Age and ran with them. You can see shades of Joe in his standout performances in:
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The Big Sick (2017)
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Paddleton (2019, Netflix)
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Somewhere in Queens (2022), which he also directed
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Made for Love (HBO Max)
Each of these roles shows a deeper, more introspective Romano. And it all started with Men of a Certain Age.
So, Is It Really Better Than Everybody Loves Raymond?
In Some Ways, Absolutely
Let’s be clear: Everybody Loves Raymond is one of the best sitcoms of its era. It made Romano a household name and changed TV comedy.
But Men of a Certain Age showed he wasn’t just a sitcom guy. It revealed the actor, the writer, the storyteller. In terms of emotional depth, writing, and realism—it’s arguably better.
It’s not funnier. But it’s richer.
How to Watch It Today
The series isn’t widely available on major streaming platforms, but it occasionally pops up on services like Amazon Prime Video or iTunes for digital purchase. Trust us—it’s worth the hunt.
Conclusion
Ray Romano will always be remembered as the guy behind Everybody Loves Raymond. But if you’re ready to see him at his most honest, vulnerable, and human, do yourself a favor and watch Men of a Certain Age.
It’s the show that proved Romano could do more than make you laugh—he could make you feel.
FAQs
1. What is Men of a Certain Age about?
It’s a drama series about three longtime friends navigating middle age, dealing with careers, relationships, family, and aging.
2. How many seasons does Men of a Certain Age have?
The show has 2 seasons, totaling 22 episodes.
3. Why was the show canceled?
Despite strong critical reviews and fan praise, low ratings led TNT to cancel the series in 2011.
4. Is Ray Romano good in a dramatic role?
Absolutely. His performance in Men of a Certain Age is proof that he has serious dramatic range.
5. Where can I watch Men of a Certain Age now?
It’s occasionally available on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video or iTunes. DVD versions are also available online.
