Ray Romano candidly addresses the possibility of reviving Everybody Loves Raymond. Debuting in September 1996, the CBS sitcom centered around sportswriter Ray Barone (Romano) and his dysfunctional family. The series ran for nine seasons, airing its finale in May 2005, and featured an impressive cohort of actors that included Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, and Peter Boyle.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter to promote his directorial debut Somewhere in Queens, Romano was asked about the possibility of rebooting or returning to Everybody Loves Raymond in some form. Romano is direct in his response, explaining that both he and series creator Phil Rosenthal haven’t been keen on doing a revival project. Romano adds that he’d be open to a reunion special with the cast, like what HBO Max did with Friends, if there was an interest:
We lost Peter pretty quickly after the show ended. But before we lost Doris, when that topic came up, Phil and I weren’t keen on doing a reboot — even a one-and-done. I think Phil has tried to get a reunion together, something like what they did with Friends . That would be great, if there’s demand for it. But I don’t think I’d ever want to act as that character again. I don’t want us to have to follow ourselves. And are there any good reboots? There are probably some — but without Peter and Doris, it would be a shame to even try. Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond Already Had A Perfect Ending
A lot of shows, even generally lighthearted sitcoms, feel the need to go big for a series finale. That’s particularly true if a show has been on the air for some time. But despite its lengthy run, Romano’s series bucked the trend. There was no rush to neatly fix up lingering stories or have an unexpected twist that ties the whole show together. If anything, the farewell played refreshingly like a typical day for the Everybody Loves Raymond characters. Everybody Loves Raymond
In the Everybody Loves Raymond finale, Ray goes into surgery while his family waits to hear that his operation went well. Although it is a significant event, the sitcom plays it casually. The last scene of the comedy is even more so, showing the ensemble gathered around a table and conversing as usual. Ray is fine, and he’s with his loved ones. It’s not a splashy send-off, Everybody Loves Raymond but it remains true to the spirit of the sitcom.
Everybody Loves Raymond: There’s no need to bring back Romano for a reboot where he’s a grandfather, for example, because the charm of the original Everybody Loves Raymond was in the performances of talents like Roberts and Boyle. Romano is correct that it wouldn’t be the same without them, but it might be nice to see the actors for a reunion special the next time an anniversary rolls around.
