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'Everybody Loves Raymond' stars talk show's appeal (and why there won't be a reboot)

A reboot doesn't seem likely, but the cast says they're delighted at how the episodes have stood the test of time.
/ Source: TODAY

It's been 15 years since "Everybody Loves Raymond" finished its official broadcast run, but it's still the kind of show that can get you through a pandemic.

"I've basically spent the pandemic sitting in front of the TV watching reruns of 'Raymond,' and I laugh every time," star Patricia Heaton told TODAY.

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Everybody Loves Raymond Patricia Heaton, Ray Romano, Doris Roberts, Brad Garrett, Peter Boyle
Cast of "Everybody Loves Raymond" (from l.): Patricia Heaton, Ray Romano, Doris Roberts, Brad Garrett, Peter BoyleEverett Collection

Heaton announced on Oct. 12 that she would be participating with some of her fellow cast members — including Ray Romano and Brad Garrett — in a special reunion table read of six scenes this Friday, to raise money for charity (the International Myeloma Foundation). That brought them back together to revisit episodes and scripts, and for a segment that aired Tuesday, the gang gathered virtually to talk to TODAY about the show's almost "Seinfeld"-ian enduring appeal.

"It's hard to just watch it from a neutral standpoint," said Romano, who starred as Ray Barone, husband to Debra (Heaton). He was also an executive producer on the series, which won 15 Emmy Awards, including at least one for most of the major cast. "It was great to experience it now. I recommend (re-watching) it to anybody who's had a show that's been off the air for 15 years."

Everybody Loves Raymond
It took over 200 auditions before Patricia Heaton (as Debra with Romano as Ray) was hired. CBS via Getty Images

He noted that the casting was critical to the series. The show auditioned over 200 women before finding Heaton, who Garrett said was "the anchor" of the show. "She played this strong woman who wouldn't take anyone's crap."

"Raymond's" nine-season run has become a big hit in syndication, with reruns introducing the classic show to a whole new generation of fans. But when the idea of a full-scale reunion or reboot comes up, the cast indicates it seems unlikely, largely because stars Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts have passed on (in 2006 and 2016, respectively).

On The Set of 'Everybody Loves Raymond'
Doris Roberts (c. as Marie) and Peter Boyle (l., as Frank) are no longer around to participate in any kind of reunions. Spike Nannarello / Getty Images

"We've kind of agreed that that probably will never, not probably, it won't happen with us," said Romano. "We're missing Peter, we're missing Doris, we're missing the crux of the show. This is kind of as close as it'll get to us performing again, the show."

The good news is that all the "Raymond" you could want is currently streaming on Peacock.

Everybody Loves Raymond Ray Romano, Brad Garrett
Brad Garrett loomed large as Robert, Ray's (Romano) older brother. Alamy

"We were very lucky to get a cast like this," said Garrett. "We had a chemistry early on you can't predict and can't plan."

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