Key Highlights
- The cast of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ reunited for a CBS special celebrating 29 years since the show’s premiere.
- The reunion featured personal stories and memories from the actors and creator, touching on both the positive aspects and the fact that three original cast members are no longer with them.
- Ray Romano mentioned there will be no sequels to the popular sitcom, emphasizing respect for the show’s legacy.
- The episode also included outtakes and tributes to late co-stars Peter Boyle, Doris Roberts, and Sawyer Sweeten, as well as a discussion of how the show was created.
A Reunion for the Ages: ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Returns
The reunion special aired on Monday, November 24, 2025, marking an emotional and nostalgic journey back to the Barone household. The cast, including Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Monica Horan, and Madylin and Sullivan Sweeten, gathered with series creator Phil Rosenthal to reminisce about their nine-year run on the Emmy-winning series.
Respecting the Show’s Legacy
In a candid opening, Romano laid down the terms of the reunion. “Let’s get one thing out of the way,” he began, saying it was not a reboot but rather a celebration of what they achieved together. “We’re missing three cast members who are also family members,” he continued, showing photos of Peter Boyle, Doris Roberts, and Sawyer Sweeten. The acknowledgment underscored that without these original cast members, the reunion would be incomplete.
Rosenthal echoed Romano’s sentiments, adding, “We have too much respect for the show itself and for the beautiful audience.” He emphasized that they were not trying to recreate what had already been a success but honoring it in its current state. “Thankfully, the show is still on every day, all over the world,” Rosenthal concluded, highlighting the global impact of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’.
The Origin Story
Romano shared an entertaining anecdote about how they first met. “I was in bed” — watching Romano perform stand-up comedy on The Late Show with David Letterman — he said. After that May 1995 appearance, Worldwide Pants signed Romano to develop a sitcom, and Rosenthal was hired as the writer. They hit it off immediately over coffee at Art’s Deli in San Fernando Valley.
The discussion revealed how their personal stories about their parents influenced the show’s premise. “Ninety percent of everything you saw on the show happened to me, or Ray,” Rosenthal explained.
This led them to a rule of keeping regular hours for writers so they could bring more authentic storytelling into the script.
They discovered that their stories mirrored each other in unexpected ways. For instance, the pilot episode story about giving Fruit of the Month Club gifts was inspired by Romano’s own experience with his parents.
Fans and Future
The reunion also touched on the global impact of ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’. A woman in the audience shared how she learned English from watching the show growing up in the Philippines. This led to a humorous exchange between Rosenthal and Romano, where the latter quipped that her first English words might have been “Ohhh noooo!”
Despite the emotional nature of the reunion, it was clear that there are no plans for future sequels or reboots. Romano stated, “We’re never going to do one.” This decision came after careful consideration and respect for the show’s history.
The special concluded with a series of outtakes, tributes, and a look back at some of the most memorable episodes from seasons six and seven, including “Talk to Your Daughter,” “Baggage,” and “Marie’s Sculpture.” These moments brought together not just the actors but also their families, making it a truly personal and heartfelt reunion.
For those interested in more behind-the-scenes looks at classic TV shows, this special offers a unique glimpse into how beloved sitcoms come to life. ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ remains a cultural touchstone, with its 29-year journey proving the enduring appeal of quality family entertainment.
