Ray Romano’s Favorite ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Episodes Might Surprise You
When you think of Everybody Loves Raymond, what scenes come to mind? Maybe it’s Marie barging in uninvited (again), or Frank shouting from his chair, or Robert’s sad-sack reactions to everything Ray does. But if you ask Ray Romano himself, the episodes that stand out to him aren’t necessarily the ones fans quote the most. And honestly? His choices might surprise you.
Let’s dive into the episodes Ray Romano loves most, and why they hit a little different for the man who played the lovable, sports-obsessed Ray Barone.
Why Ray’s Choices Matter
Ray wasn’t just the star of the show—he was also a co-creator and writer. His emotional investment in the characters went way beyond delivering lines. So, when he talks about episodes that stuck with him, it’s not just about laughs. It’s about what they meant, both on and off-screen.
The Power of the “Quiet” Episodes
Ray has admitted in interviews that some of his favorite episodes weren’t the loudest or funniest, but the most real. He loved the ones that dealt with emotional beats, family tension, and those “this feels too real” moments. That’s where the heart of Everybody Loves Raymond truly lived.
“The Can Opener” — The Episode That Felt Way Too Real
In this fan-favorite (and Ray-favorite) episode, Ray and Debra have a massive argument about a can opener—yes, a can opener. But like most real-life couples, the fight isn’t about the can opener at all. It’s about everything else.
Ray has said this was one of the most relatable stories they ever told. “That one felt real to me because we’ve all had that fight. The one where you’re arguing over something dumb, but really you’re just tired or stressed.”
“Ray’s Journal” — A Moment of Vulnerability
In this episode, Debra finds an old journal Ray wrote when he was a teenager, and the whole family teases him relentlessly. But what Ray loves about this one is the vulnerability and nostalgia it brought out.
“This was about who Ray was before all the sarcasm. It was sweet, but still funny,” he said. It’s a rare episode that gives us a peek at the character’s emotional core—and Romano appreciated that balance.
“Baggage” — A Symbol of Every Relationship
This episode is a masterclass in passive-aggressive behavior, and Ray has called it “one of the most perfect episodes we ever wrote.” The story revolves around a suitcase left on the stairs for weeks because neither Ray nor Debra wants to be the one to carry it upstairs.
Romano said, “It was ridiculous, but also totally true. That’s why it worked. That’s real marriage.” The humor was drawn straight from actual spousal standoffs, and fans (and spouses) everywhere related hard.
“Marie’s Sculpture” — Weird, Hilarious, and Brilliant
This one’s legendary for a reason. Marie makes a sculpture that looks… well, anatomically suggestive. Everyone tries to avoid talking about it until the awkwardness reaches peak levels.
Ray loves this episode for how bold and bizarre it was. “It was uncomfortable in the best way,” he said. “And Doris (Roberts) was incredible. She played it completely straight.” It’s a reminder of how weird Raymond could get—and still make it feel grounded.
“Debra’s Sick” — Parenting Under Pressure
In this one, Debra comes down with the flu, and Ray is left to manage the house and the kids. Spoiler alert: he’s terrible at it. But it also reveals how much Debra usually does, and how clueless Ray can be.
Romano appreciated this one because of its message. “It’s easy to play the dumb husband,” he explained, “but it’s more meaningful when the character grows a little—even if it’s just for one episode.”
Episodes That Hit Close to Home
Romano has often said that some episodes pulled directly from real-life situations—arguments with his own wife, parenting fails, even things his own parents said or did. He especially values those moments where the show dipped into awkward truths and turned them into laugh-out-loud TV gold.
Why the “Awkward” Moments Worked So Well
According to Ray, Everybody Loves Raymond didn’t work because the characters were wacky—it worked because they were real. “We didn’t try to force jokes. We just showed people what life looks like in a family. It’s messy. It’s loud. And it’s really funny.”
The episodes he treasures most reflect that. Not the wildest plots or biggest laughs—but the truthiest truths.
Romano’s Secret Favorite? The Series Finale
Ray has admitted that the series finale, “The Finale,” holds a special place in his heart—not just because it wrapped up the show, but because it brought out real emotions. There’s a scene where the whole family gathers at the hospital, and for a brief moment, they all think they might lose Ray.
“That episode got to me,” he said. “It reminded us that no matter how much we fight or annoy each other, we’re still a family.”
The Episodes He Wishes Got More Love
Romano has said that while big episodes like “Italy” or “Robert’s Wedding” are fan favorites (and yes, he loves them too), he wishes people talked more about the “smaller” ones—like “Wallpaper” or “Ping Pong.” These episodes didn’t always get the spotlight, but they carried core relationship dynamics that were just as meaningful.
Behind the Scenes: How Ray Helped Shape His Favorites
As a writer and executive producer, Ray had a hand in shaping the stories he loved most. He often pushed for episodes that came from everyday life. “If it happened in your house last week,” he said, “it probably happened in a Raymond episode too.”
What These Episodes Reveal About Ray Romano Himself
When you look at the episodes Ray Romano holds closest, one thing becomes clear: he’s a guy who loves emotional honesty. He doesn’t just chase laughs—he wants to connect. That’s why his favorite episodes are often about communication, misunderstanding, and eventually, understanding.
Conclusion: The Heart of Raymond, According to Ray
Ray Romano’s favorite episodes aren’t necessarily the flashiest, but they’re the most human. They show us the heart of the show—and the heart of the man behind it. Whether it’s a passive-aggressive suitcase or a teenage journal, these moments still matter because they’re real. And that’s what made Everybody Loves Raymond so timeless.
FAQs
1. What is Ray Romano’s all-time favorite episode of Everybody Loves Raymond?
He’s mentioned “Baggage” and “Ray’s Journal” as two of his personal favorites due to their real-life relatability and humor.
2. Did Ray Romano help write the episodes he starred in?
Yes, Ray was a co-creator and had writing input on many episodes, especially the ones based on real family experiences.
3. What makes ‘Baggage’ such a beloved episode?
It hilariously captures the silent standoff in marriage over a simple task—something most couples can relate to.
4. Was the series finale emotional for the cast?
Absolutely. Ray and the rest of the cast have said filming the final scenes brought real tears and heartfelt goodbyes.
5. Are any of Ray’s favorite episodes surprising to fans?
Yes! Fans often expect the big “event” episodes to be his favorites, but Ray prefers the smaller, more emotionally honest ones.
