‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ Reunion Celebrates 29th Anniversary: Ray Romano’s Emmy Story Revealed
On November 24, a special event will celebrate the 29th anniversary of the beloved sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond. CBS is set to air the “Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion,” which will run for 90 minutes and feature the surviving cast members for the first time.
The Show’s Origins and Evolution
Everybody Loves Raymond premiered on September 13, 1996. The series was inspired by the life and humor of Ray Romano, its star. According to Romano and series creator Phil Rosenthal, the timing of the reunion coincides with the demand for such a celebration in recent years.
A Long-Awaited Reunion
- Attempts to organize a reunion special have been ongoing for about ten years.
- Romano expressed that the network lacked interest in previous milestones, such as the 20th and 25th anniversaries.
- A change in CBS leadership brought new enthusiasm for the reunion special.
Amy Reisenbach, CBS’s new president, played a key role in bringing this special to life. Romano stated he was simply excited to reconnect with his co-stars and reflect on their shared memories.
Connections to Earlier Celebrations
Earlier this year, the Paley Center in New York featured an exhibit titled “30 Years of Everybody Loves Raymond: A Behind-the-Scenes Tribute,” which spurred interest in the reunion. This exhibit ran from June to September.
Romano indicated that technical challenges prevented the reunion from aligning with the Paley celebration. However, CBS found an ideal slot during Thanksgiving week for the special.
The David Letterman Connection
Romano’s career was greatly influenced by his appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1995. This appearance led to a production deal for Everybody Loves Raymond. Rosenthal, who was one of the writers for the show, discovered Romano through this performance.
Recent Highlights and Timing
In October, CBS announced the reunion two weeks after a mini-reunion during the Emmy Awards between Romano and co-star Brad Garrett. Their comedic exchange went viral, highlighting the enduring popularity of the series.
Romano reflected that the discussions for the reunion had already begun prior to their Emmy appearance, suggesting that while the event may have been influenced by their viral moment, it played a role in solidifying their plans.
Details of the Reunion Special
- Air date: November 24 from 8:00 to 9:30 PM ET on CBS.
- Streaming available on Paramount+.
- Hosted by Ray Romano and Phil Rosenthal.
The reunion will feature familiar faces, including Patricia Heaton, Monica Horan, Madylin Sweeten, and Sullivan Sweeten. Additionally, the special will pay tribute to late cast members such as Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle.
This highly anticipated reunion not only celebrates the show’s legacy but also underscores the affection fans hold for the characters and the talented cast behind them. Tune in to relive the laughter and memories of Everybody Loves Raymond.
