Romano and Rosenthal discuss CBS’s emotional “Everybody Loves Raymond” reunion, behind-the-scenes cuts, and their favorite Thanksgiving episodes.
Ray Romano and Phil Rosenthal are celebrating nearly three decades of Everybody Loves Raymond, and the milestone has brought both nostalgia and unexpected emotion.
CBS aired a 90-minute reunion special this week, reuniting the creator and stars Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Monica Horan, Madylin Sweeten and Sullivan Sweeten.
Rosenthal revealed he had been pitching a reunion for years, but CBS only agreed now — and he credits CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach for finally making it happen. “She was really into it. It just takes one person,” he said.
While the 30-year timing is slightly early — the show premiered in September 1996 — Rosenthal notes that he and Romano first met and wrote the pilot 30 years ago, making the celebration feel fitting.
Romano and Rosenthal say many of the cast and writers remain close. Romano still frequently sees Rosenthal and Garrett, and keeps in touch with Heaton despite her move to Nashville. Rosenthal also meets regularly with the writers, calling the writers’ room “the happiest place on Earth.”
Both admit parts of the live taping had to be cut, including extended compilations, gag reels and interviews. Romano joked that his wife’s half-hour interview was trimmed to just a few seconds. Still, both feel the final edit kept the strongest material.
Some emotional moments caught them off guard. Romano said he didn’t expect to tear up when remembering Peter Boyle and advice the late actor gave him during the filming of the pilot.
Rosenthal, meanwhile, became emotional watching old clips with Romano and Heaton, reflecting on the cast and crew who made the series special.
The re-created set also stirred powerful memories. Rosenthal praised its accuracy, down to the refrigerator magnets, while Romano described the experience as “time travel” — sweet, nostalgic and “a little bittersweet.”
As Thanksgiving approaches, both were asked about their favorite holiday episodes. Rosenthal highlighted the season three tofu turkey storyline and season eight’s memorable bird incident at Amy’s parents’ house.
Romano agreed, calling the tofu turkey episode the standout.
