Some sitcoms have a few standout episodes… but Everybody Loves Raymond delivered gold almost every week. Whether it was over-the-top family drama, heartfelt moments, or perfectly timed one-liners, the show mastered the art of blending relatable chaos with emotional depth.
If you’ve ever rewatched the show or need a guide to the must-sees, this is for you. We’ve ranked the 10 best episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond—the ones that made us laugh out loud, tear up unexpectedly, and nod in agreement because “yep, that’s exactly how my family is too.”
1. “The Can Opener” (Season 3, Episode 1)
When Debra and Ray get into a huge fight over something as small as a can opener, it spirals into one of the most memorable cold wars in sitcom history. It’s a brilliant example of how Raymond takes tiny issues and turns them into hilarity. Relatable? Extremely.
2. “Baggage” (Season 7, Episode 22)
This episode is a classic standoff—Ray and Debra leave a suitcase on the stairs after a trip, and neither wants to be the one to carry it upstairs. What follows is a battle of wills that every couple has experienced at some point. The comedic timing here is top-tier.
3. “The Tenth Anniversary” (Season 3, Episode 16)
Debra finds out that Ray recorded over their wedding video with a football game. The fallout is both hilarious and heartbreaking. The episode captures the bittersweet side of marriage—the mix of love and deep frustration—and makes us root for them all the more.
4. “Marie’s Sculpture” (Season 6, Episode 9)
Marie creates a sculpture that looks… let’s just say suggestive. The entire Barone family struggles to find a polite way to tell her the truth. It’s one of the show’s most outrageous—and funniest—moments. A true classic that still gets fans talking.
5. “Robert’s Wedding” (Season 7, Episode 24)
Robert finally marries Amy in a sweet, chaotic, laugh-filled ceremony. Every character gets their moment to shine, and the episode has all the emotional payoffs longtime fans wanted. It also closes the chapter on Robert’s long journey to find happiness.
6. “Debra Makes Something Good” (Season 3, Episode 19)
Debra finally makes a meal that Marie likes… and Ray doesn’t. Cue the confusion, guilt, and laughter. This episode shines because it flips the usual dynamic and shows how tough it is to win with the Barones.
7. “Boob Job” (Season 2, Episode 11)
Debra wants a breast augmentation and Ray is too awkward to discuss it properly. The episode walks the line between cringey and hilarious, with some surprisingly touching moments about body image and marriage.
8. “Ray’s Journal” (Season 2, Episode 14)
Ray finds an old journal from his youth, and the family reads it aloud—much to his horror. It’s awkward, hilarious, and surprisingly emotional. This episode gives us insight into Ray’s inner life and shows a different, more vulnerable side of his character.
9. “The Angry Family” (Season 6, Episode 1)
Michael writes a story about a family who argues all the time… and guess who it’s clearly based on? The entire Barone clan ends up in family therapy, making for one of the most introspective (and still very funny) episodes of the series.
10. “Finale” (Season 9, Episode 16)
The series finale isn’t flashy, but that’s the beauty of it. A near-death experience for Ray brings the family closer—and gives viewers closure without melodrama. It’s touching, understated, and the perfect way to say goodbye to a show that always kept it real.
Honorable Mentions:
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“Frank Paints the House” – A simple task turns into a family-wide disaster.
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“The Sneeze” – Is it just a cold… or something worse? Cue the overreactions.
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“Ally’s Birth” – A sweet flashback episode that gives us insight into Ray and Debra’s early days.
What Made These Episodes Stand Out?
Each of these episodes had something special:
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Relatable conflict
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Sharp, honest writing
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Deep character moments
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Flawless comedic timing
But most of all? They made us feel like we were watching a version of our own family on screen—flaws, love, and all.
Legacy of Great Storytelling
Even today, sitcoms struggle to find the balance between being funny and being meaningful. Everybody Loves Raymond did it episode after episode, without resorting to clichés or gimmicks. Its best moments weren’t about what happened but about how the characters handled everyday life together—often badly, but always with heart.
Conclusion
Whether it’s your first watch or your fifteenth, these episodes prove why Everybody Loves Raymond is still one of the best sitcoms of all time. The show never needed big plots or trendy humor—just a couch, a loud family, and a whole lot of honesty. These episodes stand as a tribute to a show that mastered the art of finding comedy in the chaos of family life.
So the next time you’re browsing for something to binge, cue up one of these gems—you’ll be laughing (and maybe tearing up) in no time.
FAQs
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Which Everybody Loves Raymond episode is considered the funniest?
“Baggage” is often cited as one of the funniest due to its brilliantly simple premise and perfect execution. -
What episode is the most emotional?
The finale and “Robert’s Wedding” both hit emotional highs, balancing heart with humor. -
Are the episodes based on real life?
Yes! Many plots were inspired by Ray Romano’s or the writers’ real-life family experiences. -
Is Everybody Loves Raymond still popular today?
Absolutely. It’s consistently ranked among the top sitcoms and has a strong presence on streaming platforms. -
What’s the best episode to introduce a new viewer to the show?
“The Angry Family” or “The Can Opener” are great intros—they capture the tone, characters, and humor perfectly.
