A Farewell to Family, Fame, and Fun
When Everybody Loves Raymond wrapped up in 2005 after nine successful seasons, it didn’t just end a sitcom—it closed a chapter of television history. And few felt that more deeply than Brad Garrett, who brought the lovable yet sarcastic Robert Barone to life.
In interviews and retrospectives over the years, Garrett has opened up about what it really felt like to say goodbye. Was the final season emotional? Tense? A relief? According to him—it was a mix of all three.
Let’s take a closer look at what Brad Garrett has revealed about the final season of Everybody Loves Raymond—from cast chemistry to behind-the-scenes stories you probably haven’t heard.
The Final Season: Bittersweet from the Start
1. They Knew It Was the End
Unlike many shows that get the axe suddenly, the cast and crew of Everybody Loves Raymond knew the ninth season would be the last. That gave them time to prepare emotionally—but didn’t make it any easier.
“We saw it coming. And we were all okay with it… but man, it hit hard when we shot that final episode,” Garrett has said in interviews.
The Show’s Chemistry Was the Real Magic
2. The Cast Was a Real Family
It wasn’t just acting. Brad, along with Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Doris Roberts, and Peter Boyle, developed a bond that showed up on screen and made the show special. Garrett credits that chemistry for the show’s success—and the difficulty in letting go.
Why Nine Seasons Was Enough
3. Ending on a High Note
In Hollywood, it’s rare to walk away while you’re still on top. But Everybody Loves Raymond chose to go out before the magic wore off. Garrett has said in multiple interviews:
“We didn’t want to be one of those shows that stayed too long. We wanted to leave while people still missed us.”
And clearly—they still do.
The Final Table Read: An Emotional Rollercoaster
4. Tears, Laughter, and Long Pauses
The last table read of the series wasn’t just business as usual. According to Garrett, emotions ran high.
Some lines took minutes to deliver because the cast kept choking up. There was laughter, of course—but also a heavy sense that this was it.
Behind the Scenes of the Final Episode
5. The Vibe on Set Was Different
Normally upbeat and filled with jokes, the set during the final taping had an undertone of nostalgia. Brad described it as “a quiet sadness beneath all the laughs.”
Even the live studio audience sensed it—they weren’t just watching another episode; they were witnessing the end of something beloved.
The Legacy of Robert Barone
6. Playing the Underdog Brother Was Personal
Brad Garrett has often said that Robert Barone wasn’t just a character—it was a role that allowed him to explore insecurities, sibling rivalry, and the need to be loved. Sound familiar?
That’s because Robert was relatable. And that’s what made him one of the standout characters of the show.
Brad Garrett’s Career After Raymond
7. Life Beyond Robert
After Everybody Loves Raymond, Garrett took on voice work (Finding Nemo, Ratatouille), starred in other sitcoms, and even headlined in Las Vegas. But he’s always said that nothing quite compares to the experience of Raymond.
“It was lightning in a bottle. We all knew it,” he once said.
The Cast’s Bond Didn’t End There
8. Staying in Touch After the Final Curtain
Even after the show ended, Garrett kept in contact with several castmates, especially Ray Romano. The love and respect never faded—even if the show did.
They’ve supported each other’s projects, kept in touch during tough times, and even considered working together again.
The Loss of Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts
9. Saying Goodbye Again—This Time, for Real
The passing of Peter Boyle (Frank Barone) in 2006 and Doris Roberts (Marie Barone) in 2016 was deeply personal for Garrett. These were not just co-stars—they were like second parents to him.
Garrett has said their deaths made the end of the show feel even more final.
Fans Still Ask for More—But Garrett Says It’s Done
10. A Reunion? Not Likely
Many fans still hold out hope for a reunion episode or reboot. But Brad Garrett has gently shut down that idea.
“You don’t mess with something that worked that well. Let it live in people’s memories.”
Fair point.
Why the Final Season Still Holds Up
11. The Writing Was Still Sharp
Many shows lose steam by their final season. Not Everybody Loves Raymond. The final episodes were some of the series’ most heartfelt, clever, and well-written.
Brad Garrett has credited the writers—especially showrunner Phil Rosenthal—for knowing how to wrap things up perfectly.
Comedy with Heart: The Secret Ingredient
12. It Wasn’t Just About Jokes
What made Raymond stand out—especially in its last season—was how it mixed humor with heart. Garrett says that’s what viewers miss most.
The show didn’t rely on slapstick. It focused on real families, real frustrations, and real love.
Brad Garrett Today: Reflecting and Grateful
13. No Regrets, Just Gratitude
Looking back, Garrett seems more grateful than anything. He knows how rare it is to be part of something so universally loved.
“It was the role of a lifetime. I got lucky,” he’s admitted.
What Younger Actors Can Learn from Raymond
14. Build Relationships, Not Just Ratings
Garrett often says the secret to the show’s success wasn’t just the writing—it was the relationships. He encourages up-and-coming actors to focus on trust, communication, and mutual respect.
That, he says, is what makes the difference between a good show and a classic.
The Fans Made It All Worthwhile
15. Garrett’s Final Thanks to the Viewers
Over the years, Brad Garrett has made it clear—Everybody Loves Raymond wouldn’t have lasted without its fans. They kept watching, quoting, laughing, and loving it. Even today.
“The fans are the reason that show became what it was. I’m grateful every day.”
Conclusion: A Final Season That Still Resonates
Brad Garrett’s reflections on the final season of Everybody Loves Raymond reveal a deep appreciation for the show, the people behind it, and the fans who kept it alive for nearly a decade.
While he may have moved on professionally, emotionally, a piece of Robert Barone still lives with him. And let’s be honest—he lives with us, too. Through reruns, quotes, and warm family-room laughter, the spirit of Raymond still feels like home.
FAQs
1. Did Brad Garrett want the show to end after Season 9?
Yes, he supported the decision, believing it was better to end strong than fade out.
2. Has Brad Garrett talked about a reunion?
He has, but doesn’t think it would work without the full original cast.
3. What is Brad Garrett doing now?
He’s working in voice acting, stand-up comedy, and continues to appear in TV and film.
4. What episode was the last to feature Brad Garrett?
Brad appeared in the final episode, “The Finale,” which aired on May 16, 2005.
5. Does Brad Garrett still talk to Ray Romano?
Yes. They remain close friends and have supported each other’s careers post-Raymond.
