From Robert’s most relatable antics to the secret of Marie’s meatballs, here are the 10 funniest episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond.
everybody loves raymond Robert’s Date Suit
There are few sitcoms that have managed to be funny with its wacky premises while also hitting close to home in terms of family relationships and personalities. Regardless of whether or not you happen to be an Italian-American family from Long Island, most of us can relate or draw some similarities with this eccentric, somewhat dysfunctional family of characters that color Everybody Loves Raymond.
During the show’s 9-season run, there have been a plethora of laugh-out-loud episodes rife with shenanigans and humorous banter among this endearing family. Still, there are a number of stand-out episodes which really contain some memorably wacky premises, while showcasing the comedic talents of Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, and the rest of the star cast.
The Model (Season 8, Episode 21)
Ray’s often glum and quirky brother Robert, played by the talented Brad Garrett, stands tall (in more ways than one) as a key component to Everybody Love’s Raymond’s charming sense of humor. Thus, episodes that hone in on this wacky character tend to be some of the funniest and most memorable. Such is the case with “The Model,” an episode that tosses an amusing curveball only minutes into it.
Robert thinks he’s been hired to become a model, but it turns out he’s been scammed out of hundreds of dollars he threw down as a “fee” to develop his photos. As he’s embarrassed to reveal to the family that he’s been had, he gets Ray to do a makeshift photoshoot, but the photos end up, shall we say, “amateurish.” The episode ends with one of Raymond’s more hilarious rants when the pictures are criticized.
Annoying Kid (Season 7, Episode 8)
No matter what age we are, most of us know a kid or two who can tend to get on our nerves. This episode taps right into this commonality, introducing us to a particularly animated, spoiled, and rather obnoxious child of a couple befriended by Ray and Debra. Ray isn’t too fond of this kid when he smarmily corrects him, eats his cannoli, and writes “Ray stinks” on his refrigerator with letter magnets.
The premise of a schoolyard-style grudge match between a man and someone old enough to be his son is funny enough, but the authentic performance by the child, played by Brett Buford, adds a little extra something.
Marie’s Meatballs (Season 2, Episode 15)
Marie holding bottle of wine in everybody loves raymond Maries Meatballs
The dynamic between Ray’s wife and his often snobby mother is one that invites quite a few amusing plots in which the two clash. There’s perhaps no greater example of this than “Marie’s Meatballs,” an episode where the ongoing subtle feud between Debra and Marie reaches a boiling point.
In a desperate move to remain the sort of “primary chef” in the family, Marie sabotages Debra’s effort to recreate her famed meatball recipe by swapping out one of the ingredients with tarragon. Doris Roberts nails it in this one, as Marie’s pretentious levels are at an all-time high. Yet the iconic moment has to be Debra engaging in an epic, satisfying rant about Marie to her husband once the mystery to Debra’s funky-tasting meatballs is uncovered.
Robert’s Date (Season 3, Episode 15)
everybody loves raymond Robert’s Date Suit
In another classic Robert-centered episode, Ray’s cop brother and his partner Judy begin hanging out more off the job, at which point the typical stiff begins to act more “ethnic,” as Ray says, and sporting clothing quite out of character.
This episode is rife with plenty of hilariously awkward moments featuring Robert at his comedic best, and some humorous back-and-forth between Ray and his brother as he tries to subtly pass along Judy’s message to “cool it” with the act. Even if it hasn’t aged all too well, this is one of those all-time classics that fans tend to return to.
Frank Paints The House (Season 5, Episode 24)
One of the show’s funniest characters has to come in the form of the simultaneously charming and grouchy father of Ray and Robert, Frank. Thus, it’s no surprise that “Frank Paints the House” is one of the strongest and most chuckle-worthy episodes, as it focuses on his character for the duration. This is a goofy romp as much as it’s a more serious character study of Barone Sr.
Though it certainly ends on an amusing and lighthearted note, as Marie gets unexpectedly blasted with paint from a power-brush, adding a touch of physical comedy to balance out the more nuanced writing and serious moments.
The Lucky Suit (Season 6, Episode 16)
In terms of memorable, quotable moments from Raymond, “Lucky Suit” is certainly a contender for one of the best episodes, wrought with tons of chuckle-worthy zingers, goofy situations, and a healthy dose of silly faces by Brad Garrett.
Robert gets a job interview with the FBI – a career he covets greatly – but unfortunately, his “lucky suit” gets ruined by Marie. After an amusingly uncomfortable and awkward interview, it comes to light that Robert’s mother had purposely sabotaged his efforts to keep him safe from the perils such a job would invite. This is really Marie at her intrusive, overprotective best.
Cousin Gerard (Season 4, Episode 7)
Perhaps the funniest aspect of this episode is the introduction of Ray’s cousin Gerard, who manages to nail the mannerisms, appearance, and voice of the occasionally whiny protagonist. You’d really think they were actually related! The episode begins with Gerard dropping by to get Ray’s help in writing a book.
The latter half consists of possibly some of the most humorous dialogue exchanges and acting in the show’s history, as Ray tries to get Gerard to behave less like him. This ironically leads to Ray sounding just as whiny and nasally as his cousin, as he shouts the proper way annunciate say the word “NOW.”
Italy: Part 1 & 2 (Season 5, Episode 1 & 2)
Raymond Goes to Italy
This two-part sitcom epic, in which the Barone family takes an event-filled trip to Italy, is just as scenic as it is hilarious. Ray’s feeling down in the dumps, thanks to a cold, and well, Barone’s typical attitude, really… But he brightens up after eating what’s apparently a life-changing slice of local pizza, before promptly beefing it on a bicycle with his wife and causing her to break her arm.
Meanwhile, we see the introduction of the charming Stefania, and her super stoic and borderline creepy father, as Robert embarks on a whirlwind relationship with her in Italy. This episode really has it all – fun settings, funny quips, and wacky scenarios – including Ray getting bathed by an older Italian woman. It also has characters like Robert, Marie, Frank, and Stefania’s dad Marco (David Proval), all at the top of their comedic game.
Frank’s Tribute (Season 3, Episode 16)
Everybody Loves Raymond Frank and Marie sitting on the couch
In another great episode that blends comedy with a more serious look into the life of Ray’s typically wacky father, this laugher involves Frank being nominated “Man of the Year” by his lodge buddies. The typically hilarious performances by both Frank and his on-screen sons are prominent, as are the colorful characters that are Mr. Barone’s lodge pals.
The highlight, though, has to be a tribute video, which is supposed to feature lodge members waxing poetic about Frank, but ends up being a hysterical, cobbled-together mess with little actually being said. The reason? Ray and Robert couldn’t get anyone to offer kind words about their father, forcing their hand to “get creative” in the editing, as they ask some of them what they like about chocolate.
Hackidu (Season 4, Episode 17)
everybody loves raymond Hackidu Comic Shop Paul Reubens
Amy’s eccentric brother, Russell (Paul Reubens), would eventually be reworked and recast as Peter, played by the similarly hilarious Chris Elliott. In this debut episode of Robert’s eventual brother-in-law, though, Reubens is the star of the show with some truly funny one-liners and goofy mannerisms.
A new craze of kids’ entertainment called “Hackidu,” a cheeky knockoff of Pokémon, has led the Barones’ daughter Ally to get swept up into the hype. At the request of her and Debra, Ray ventures several miles in the rain to nab a coveted (and absurdly priced) Hackidu trading card, after Ally traded hers. Ray’s arrival at Russell’s comic shop begets quite a bit of hilarious banter between these two, putting the exclamation point on an already endearing episode.
