Ray Romano, Phil Rosenthal Discuss Long-Awaited “Everybody Loves Raymond” Reunion Reasons
Can you believe it’s been nearly 30 years since “Everybody Loves Raymond” first graced our screens? It feels like just yesterday we were all honorary members of the Barone family, watching Ray navigate the chaos of life with his hilariously overbearing parents and perpetually jealous brother. And now, after years of fans practically begging for it, a reunion is finally here. But let’s be real, what took so long? And more importantly, does this mean a reboot is on the horizon? Well, grab your cannoli, because we’ve got the inside scoop from Ray Romano and the show’s creator, Phil Rosenthal.
For years, the idea of getting the cast back together felt like a distant dream. Phil Rosenthal, the genius behind the show, had been pitching a reunion for what seems like an eternity. He tried for the 20th anniversary, then the 25th, but CBS denied every time. It’s almost like they didn’t realize how much money would have been made from the ’90s nostalgia. But, as luck would have it, a new team at the network finally saw the light. Turns out, all it took was a fresh set of eyes, and maybe a fan or two in the executive suites, to make the “Everybody Loves Raymond”: 30th Anniversary Reunion a reality.
Why a Full-Blown Reboot Is a Hard Pass
Now, before you get your hopes up for a new season of “Everybody Loves Raymond” on CBS, let’s pump the brakes. Both Ray Romano and Phil Rosenthal have been crystal clear: a reboot is a hard pass. And honestly, their reasons make a lot of sense. “First of all, we can’t because, sadly, we’re missing some people,” Rosenthal said to Variety. We’ve lost the iconic Doris Roberts (Marie) and Peter Boyle (Frank), who were the heart and soul of so much of the show’s comedy. Trying to recreate that magic without them would feel unsettling.
They argue that even if the entire original cast were still with us, reboots rarely capture the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of the original. Think about it, how many reboots have actually lived up to the hype? They often feel like a cheap imitation, a shadow of their former glory. Romano and Rosenthal are fiercely protective of the legacy of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and would rather leave it as the perfect, well-loved series it was. They ended the show on their own terms after nine seasons, ensuring the quality never dipped. Why risk tarnishing that legacy? It’s a sentiment we can all appreciate, even if a small part of us still wishes we could see a modern-day “Everybody Loves Raymond”.
A Reunion Worth the Wait
So, what can we expect from the “Everybody Loves Raymond” reunion special? Rosenthal told TV Insider, “It’s just what we wanted, the idea of hanging out with your friends.” They even recreated the iconic Barone living room and kitchen sets, a sight that apparently got both of them a little emotional. The special is a chance for the cast, including Patricia Heaton (Debra), Brad Garrett (Robert), and Monica Horan (Amy), to reminisce, share behind-the-scenes stories, and honor the memories of their departed co-stars.
During the pandemic, Ray Romano, like many of us, went on a binge-watching spree. His show of choice? You guessed it: “Everybody Loves Raymond”. He was asked by Variety if he ever goes back and watches the show and responded with, “I started watching every episode in order and rating them”. It gave him a new appreciation for the show and the cast and writers’ incredible talent. This trip down memory lane seems to have been the perfect warm-up for a reunion that promises to be full of laughter, nostalgia, and a whole lot of heart. While a reboot of “Everybody Loves Raymond” may never happen, this reunion may be like the next best thing.
