When the Star Picks His Favorite Moments
Ever wonder which Everybody Loves Raymond episodes stand out most to Ray Romano himself? After all, the guy didn’t just play Ray Barone—he was the heart and soul of the show. You’d think his favorite episodes would be the most hilarious, the ones where he nailed the punchlines. But nope—some of his top picks might actually catch you off guard.
In interviews over the years, Ray has opened up about which episodes still stick with him emotionally, creatively, and personally. So let’s dive into the episodes that he loves the most—and why they may surprise even die-hard fans.
Why Ray’s Favorite Episodes Matter
This isn’t just about trivia. Ray’s choices give us a deeper look into the themes, stories, and characters that made the show so special. They reflect not only what worked on camera, but what hit home behind the scenes too.
Plus, these episodes often blend comedy with depth—the very balance that made the show timeless.
1. “The Can Opener” — Season 3, Episode 1
Let’s start with a shocker. Ray has often mentioned “The Can Opener” as one of his all-time favorites. Why? It’s a classic example of the show blending real-life relationship struggles with humor.
What Happens in the Episode?
Ray and Debra get into a major fight over… a can opener. But the argument uncovers deeper frustrations in their marriage.
Why Ray Loves It
Ray said this episode hit close to home because it came from a real fight he had with his wife. He appreciated how the writers turned something small into something relatable and meaningful.
2. “Italy” — Season 5, Episodes 1 & 2
This two-part episode is another favorite for Ray. It’s not just because the cast got to film in beautiful Italy—though that helped.
Plot Summary
Marie surprises the family with a vacation to Italy, but Ray struggles to enjoy it. He’s cranky, homesick, and generally miserable—until he has a heart-to-heart with an Italian stranger.
Ray’s Take
In interviews, Ray has said this episode felt personal. It was about growth, stepping outside your comfort zone, and reconnecting with joy. It also marked a shift in his character from passive to reflective.
3. “The Power of No” — Season 8, Episode 21
This one isn’t often mentioned by fans, but Ray counts it as one of the funniest and most vulnerable episodes.
What’s It About?
Debra starts saying “no” to Ray’s constant romantic advances—and it throws him off. What starts as a joke turns into an honest look at rejection and insecurity.
Why It Stands Out to Ray
He appreciated the honesty of the script, especially in how it portrayed male vulnerability with humor. It pushed boundaries while still staying true to the show’s tone.
4. “Baggage” — Season 7, Episode 22
One of the smartest and most beloved episodes by critics is also on Ray’s list.
What Happens Here?
Ray and Debra get locked in a passive-aggressive standoff over a suitcase left on the staircase. Weeks go by. Neither will move it.
Ray’s Reflection
Ray called it “genius in simplicity.” It showed how petty marital power struggles can spiral out of control—but also how funny they are when you look from the outside. Plus, it’s totally relatable to anyone in a relationship.
5. “Marie’s Sculpture” — Season 6, Episode 3
Yes, this is the episode with that horrifying abstract sculpture Marie makes for Ray and Debra.
Quick Recap
Marie creates a sculpture meant to symbolize family and love… but it looks wildly inappropriate. The family struggles with how to react without hurting her feelings.
Why Ray Picked It
According to Ray, this episode was a perfect example of how the show could get weird and push the envelope while keeping it grounded in family dynamics. He loved how bold it was.
6. “The Finale” — Season 9, Episode 16
Ray has said he was especially proud of the series finale. And no, it’s not because of the emotional goodbyes—it’s because of the near-death moment that made everyone hold their breath.
The Plot
Ray goes into surgery for minor adenoid removal… but he doesn’t wake up right away. The moment is subtle, but the family’s reaction is raw and terrifying—then suddenly, Ray wakes up, completely fine.
What It Meant to Ray
He appreciated that the show ended the way it lived: with heart, humor, and just enough drama to make it real. It wasn’t overly sentimental, but it left fans with a lump in their throat.
What These Episodes Reveal About Ray Romano
Here’s what’s interesting: Ray’s favorite episodes aren’t always the most laugh-out-loud moments. They’re episodes where characters grew, relationships deepened, or subtle truths came out. It shows how much he valued the emotional core of the show.
As both a performer and a co-creator, Ray looked beyond the jokes. He saw Everybody Loves Raymond as a mirror to real life—with all its awkward, funny, and heartfelt moments.
The Role Ray Played Off-Screen
Remember—Ray wasn’t just the star. He helped shape the voice of the show behind the scenes too. He co-wrote several episodes and was deeply involved in the creative process.
That’s why his opinion on the best episodes holds serious weight. His fingerprints are on more than just the lines he delivered—they’re in the stories the show told.
The Balance of Comedy and Heart
What made the show great? The balance between light laughs and serious truths. Ray’s favorite episodes reflect that blend beautifully.
They’re not just jokes—they’re stories about marriage, pride, ego, family tension, and trying to do better. Sometimes failing. Sometimes succeeding.
The Episodes Fans and Ray Agree On
Interestingly, many of Ray’s favorites—like “Baggage” and “Marie’s Sculpture”—are also top-rated episodes among fans and critics. That crossover shows how the best comedy resonates with everyone, including the people who made it.
What Fans Can Learn From Ray’s Picks
Ray’s episode choices remind us to look for the deeper layers in comedy. Behind every funny moment, there’s usually something real. Whether it’s a communication breakdown, a power struggle, or an emotional moment—those things make sitcoms like Raymond timeless.
Still Curious? Rewatch These Episodes With Fresh Eyes
Now that you know Ray Romano’s favorites, go rewatch them. But this time, look closer. Watch how he reacts, how the story flows, and how humor dances with tension. You’ll see the genius in every moment.
Conclusion: When the Star’s Favorites Change Your Perspective
Ray Romano’s favorite Everybody Loves Raymond episodes aren’t always the flashiest. They’re the most honest. They’re moments where the sitcom world met real-world emotion, and characters grew—even just a little.
So whether you’re a new fan or a longtime binge-watcher, take another look at these episodes. You’ll laugh, sure—but you might just see the heart that made Everybody Loves Raymond something truly special.
FAQs
1. Why are Ray Romano’s favorite episodes surprising?
Because he often favors emotional or subtly written episodes over the most laugh-out-loud ones.
2. Did Ray Romano write any episodes himself?
Yes, he was involved in writing and shaping many storylines throughout the series.
3. Is “Baggage” a fan favorite too?
Absolutely—it’s consistently ranked among the top episodes by both fans and critics.
4. Are there any behind-the-scenes stories connected to these episodes?
Yes—many of the stories, like “The Can Opener,” came from real-life experiences Ray had with his wife.
5. Where can I watch Ray’s favorite episodes now?
You can stream Everybody Loves Raymond on Peacock, Paramount+, or buy episodes on Amazon Prime.
