The beloved Barone family is back—at least for one night. Nearly two decades after Everybody Loves Raymond wrapped its nine-season run, the original cast and creators are reuniting for a highly anticipated 30th anniversary special, airing Monday, November 24 on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
A Night of Nostalgia and Heartfelt Tributes
Fans can expect a
star-studded reunion featuring Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Monica Horan, Madylin Sweeten, and Sullivan Sweeten, along with other familiar faces from the show’s storied past. The special, hosted by Romano and series creator Phil Rosenthal, promises a mix of laughter, behind-the-scenes stories, and emotional moments as the cast revisits the iconic set and relives their favorite memories.
But this isn’t just a walk down memory lane. The reunion will also pay tribute to the late Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, who played Raymond’s parents, Marie and Frank Barone. Both Romano and Rosenthal have spoken about the emotional weight of returning to the set without their beloved co-stars, describing the experience as “choked up” and “bittersweet”.
Why Now? The Story Behind the Special
So why bring the Barones back together now? According to Romano, “We’re not getting any younger!” Rosenthal adds that he’s been pushing for a reunion for years, but CBS finally gave the green light for the 30th anniversary. The timing feels right, with the show’s legacy stronger than ever and a new generation discovering it on streaming platforms.
Everybody Loves Raymond remains a cultural touchstone, having earned 69 Emmy nominations and 15 wins during its original run. Its enduring popularity is evident: the show recently climbed to the number four spot on Paramount+’s Top 10 in the U.S., outpacing other classic sitcoms like
Frasier.
No Reboot—And Here’s Why
While the reunion special is sure to spark nostalgia, fans hoping for a full-fledged reboot will be disappointed. Romano, Heaton, and Garrett have all firmly ruled out the possibility, citing the loss of key cast members as the main reason. “No, there won’t be a reboot,” Romano stated at a recent celebration. “The obvious [reason] is Peter [Boyle] and Doris [Roberts] and one of the kids [Sawyer Sweeten]. They’re no longer with us”.
The cast agrees that trying to revive the show without these beloved actors would be a “disservice” to their memory and the original series. Instead, the reunion aims to honor what made
Everybody Loves Raymond special—a relatable, well-crafted family sitcom that resonated with millions.
What to Expect: Laughter, Memories, and a Bit of Tears
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Recreated sets and iconic scenes from the original series
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Candid conversations between cast and crew about the show’s impact
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Tributes to Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle, and Sawyer Sweeten
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Behind-the-scenes stories and never-before-seen photos
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A celebration of the show’s legacy and its place in TV history
As Romano puts it, “You never live up to what you were. We wanted to have that memory of us.” For fans, this special is a chance to relive the magic—and maybe shed a tear or two for the Barones who are no longer with us.
The Legacy Lives On
With no reboot on the horizon, this reunion is likely the last time fans will see the original cast together on screen. But the show’s legacy endures, both in syndication and in the hearts of viewers who still find comfort in the Barone family’s hilarious dysfunction.
So set your DVRs and get ready for a night of laughter, love, and a few heartfelt goodbyes. The Barones are back—if only for a little while.
Sources
1. Everybody Loves Raymond Reunion Special First Look Revealed
2. Brad Garrett - News - IMDb
3. 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Reunion: Ray Romano, Phil Rosenthal ...
4. Radio Times | TV, film and entertainment news | Radio Times
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