For a decade, Phil Rosenthal, the creator of the beloved sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, sought to initiate a reunion but struggled to secure interest from potential buyers. This year, however, his persistence has paid off with the upcoming release of Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion, set to air on November 24 on CBS, the original network of the series.
Rosenthal explained his motivation for the reunion, stating, “I wanted to see my friends and celebrate our nice show,” which is particularly poignant considering that the series premiered nearly three decades ago. Both Rosenthal and series star Ray Romano have expressed enthusiasm for the reunion concept but remain firm in their opposition to reboots.
“Many shows do reboots, and we’ve never wanted to do that,” Rosenthal remarked, noting the absence of essential cast members who have passed away. He emphasized that such a reboot would not honor the original series’ legacy. This sentiment was echoed by Romano, who highlighted that the absence of key characters, including Ray’s parents played by Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, would make a reboot feel disrespectful. Romano added, “We would be doing a disservice to the show.”
The iconic family comedy ran for nine successful seasons, concluding in 2005, but its impact endures, previously noted as a staple in syndication worldwide. Rosenthal remarked that their preference for quality storytelling was evident when they decided to end the show on their terms rather than prolonging it unnecessarily, which could have harmed its legacy.
While Rosenthal had considered the idea of a spinoff focusing on Ray’s brother Robert and his wife Amy—featuring beloved characters portrayed by actors like Fred Willard and Georgia Engel—CBS ultimately declined the proposal, reinforcing the notion that Rosenthal and Romano are more interested in honoring their past than trying to recapture it.
Both men have since ventured into different artistic territories, with Romano exploring dramas such as Men of a Certain Age and currently starring in Netflix’s Running Point. He stated his reluctance to return to traditional multi-camera sitcoms, expressing contentment with his past work on Everybody Loves Raymond, while missing the energy and immediacy of a live audience.
Rosenthal, meanwhile, has transitioned to hosting the food-themed Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil, although he remains open to the possibility of returning to sitcoms. He expressed that the love for the genre has never left him and mentioned the changing landscape of television that has made executing multi-camera comedies more difficult.
Looking to the future, Rosenthal hinted at the possibility of further reunions, suggesting, “In 5-10 years, if we’re all still around, sure, why not revisit some of the things.” The anticipation surrounding the 30th Anniversary Reunion has already sparked interest, and with such enthusiasm from the cast and creators, it may pave the way for more opportunities to celebrate this iconic show.
Mark your calendars for the special airing on November 24 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on CBS, where fans can look forward to lively discussions, memorable clips, and heartfelt tributes to the late cast members who contributed to the magic of Everybody Loves Raymond.