A Friendship Built on Comedy and Honesty
Kevin James and Ray Romano are two sitcom heavyweights who have been making audiences laugh for decades. Between Everybody Loves Raymond and The King of Queens, their collective impact on television comedy is undeniable. But before both became household names, James had a brutally honest first impression about Romano’s chances as a sitcom star — and it wasn’t flattering.
The First Time Kevin Saw Ray Perform
Kevin James met Ray Romano in the stand-up comedy circuit of the ’90s. At the time, James was still hustling for gigs, and Romano was starting to gain some attention. But when James saw Romano’s slow-paced, laid-back delivery, his gut reaction wasn’t, “This guy’s gonna be huge.”
Instead, Kevin admitted his first thought was, “This is death.”
Why Kevin Thought the Show Would Fail
James wasn’t trying to be mean — he was being realistic based on what he knew about TV at the time. Sitcoms in the ’90s were often built on high energy, loud characters, and rapid-fire punchlines. Romano’s quiet, understated style felt like the opposite of what network executives usually wanted.
Kevin remembered thinking: “He’s so low-energy… I don’t know how this is gonna work.”
Everybody Loves Raymond — The Underdog Sitcom
When CBS picked up Everybody Loves Raymond in 1996, there wasn’t much fanfare. It was a family sitcom about a sportswriter, his wife, and their overbearing relatives — not exactly groundbreaking material on paper. Even Romano himself wasn’t sure if the show would last beyond the first season.
But something magical happened.
Ray’s Low Energy Became His Superpower
Instead of trying to match the loud, fast-paced style of other sitcoms, Everybody Loves Raymond leaned into Romano’s natural delivery. His calm, almost reluctant demeanor made him relatable. He wasn’t a hyperactive sitcom dad — he was a believable one. That subtle, deadpan humor turned out to be the secret sauce.
Kevin’s “Oh Wow” Moment
James has said that once the show found its rhythm, he quickly realized how wrong he had been. Romano’s style wasn’t a weakness — it was a strength. It allowed the supporting cast, including Doris Roberts, Brad Garrett, and Peter Boyle, to shine while making Ray the relatable center of the chaos.
From Doubter to Believer
By the end of Everybody Loves Raymond’s run, the show had earned dozens of Emmy Awards, critical acclaim, and a devoted fanbase. Kevin went from being skeptical to being one of Ray’s biggest supporters. In fact, their friendship deepened to the point where they frequently appeared on each other’s shows and did stand-up together.
Kevin James and Ray Romano’s Off-Screen Bond
Both comedians share a love of understated humor and a “regular guy” persona. They often poke fun at each other in interviews, which is exactly what makes their friendship so entertaining. Romano has joked about Kevin’s “big personality,” while James has never let Ray forget his first impression.
Why Kevin Wasn’t Entirely Wrong
While Kevin admits he misjudged Ray’s style, his skepticism wasn’t completely out of left field. Many shows have failed because they lacked energy or failed to engage audiences quickly. Romano’s success proved that sometimes the rules of TV comedy can be broken — and broken brilliantly.
Romano’s Relatable Everyman Appeal
Part of what made Everybody Loves Raymond work was that Romano’s character wasn’t perfect. He was awkward, sometimes lazy, and occasionally clueless — just like real people. That grounded quality was something audiences didn’t even know they needed until they saw it.
Lessons Kevin Learned from Ray’s Success
Kevin has said that watching Ray’s rise taught him a valuable lesson: you don’t have to change who you are to succeed. Sometimes your quirks, your “flaws,” or your unique pace are exactly what set you apart in a crowded industry.
The King of Queens Connection
Not long after Everybody Loves Raymond became a hit, Kevin James got his own sitcom, The King of Queens. The two shows even had crossover episodes where their characters interacted, solidifying their shared sitcom universe and delighting fans.
Mutual Respect Between the Two Stars
Despite the rocky first impression, Kevin has nothing but admiration for Ray’s career. Romano, in turn, has praised Kevin’s comedic instincts and physical comedy skills. It’s a friendship built on good-natured teasing and mutual respect.
Why This Story Still Resonates with Fans
Fans love this anecdote because it’s a reminder that even successful people can be underestimated — and that sometimes, being underestimated is the best thing that can happen to you. Romano turned doubt into fuel, and Kevin was more than happy to admit he was wrong.
The Takeaway for Aspiring Creatives
Kevin’s initial reaction shows that first impressions aren’t always accurate, especially in creative work. If you believe in your style and stay authentic, you might just surprise everyone — even your closest friends.
Conclusion
Kevin James’ candid confession about thinking Everybody Loves Raymond would fail is more than just a funny story. It’s a lesson in humility, friendship, and the unpredictable nature of entertainment. Romano’s low-energy delivery didn’t just survive network television — it thrived, making the show one of the most beloved sitcoms in history. And in the end, Kevin wasn’t embarrassed to be wrong — he was proud to watch his friend succeed.
FAQs
1. Did Kevin James and Ray Romano know each other before their sitcoms?
Yes, they met on the stand-up comedy circuit before either became a TV star.
2. Why did Kevin think Ray’s sitcom wouldn’t work?
He thought Ray’s calm, slow-paced delivery was the opposite of what TV audiences wanted in the ’90s.
3. Did Ray Romano’s style change for the show?
No, he stayed true to his natural delivery, and that authenticity became a strength.
4. How did Everybody Loves Raymond perform in the ratings?
It became a massive hit, running for nine seasons and winning numerous awards.
5. Are Kevin James and Ray Romano still friends?
Yes, they maintain a close friendship and often support each other’s projects.
