Ray Romano, the beloved star and creator of the hit sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond,” recently reflected on the early days of the show during a reunion at the 2026 ATX TV Festival in Austin, Texas. The event saw Romano reconnecting with Phil Rosenthal, the show’s creator, and several of the original writers, including Tom Caltabiano, Tucker Cawley, Mike Royce, Lew Schneider, Steve Skrovan, and Aaron Shure. The panel discussion was moderated by journalist Damian Holbrook, who guided the conversation through fond memories and behind-the-scenes stories.
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Romano, now 68, admitted to feeling a considerable amount of anxiety on his first day of filming, especially given his lack of experience in front of the camera. Before “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Romano had a brief stint in acting after being cast in an NBC sitcom called “NewsRadio.” However, that role was short-lived; he was let go after just two days when producers felt his comic delivery did not align with the pacing of the show.
“The situation was quite daunting for me,” Romano recounted during the reunion. “I had just lost a job, and now I was stepping into a show that had my name in the title. It was a bit terrifying.” He recalled feeling exceptionally ‘green’ throughout the first season, noting that he could see his performance improve as the episodes progressed.
The successful sitcom, which aired from 1996 to 2005, was based on Romano’s own life as a sportswriter for Long Island’s Newsday. The show featured Patricia Heaton as his on-screen wife, Debra, and included a talented ensemble cast that featured Brad Garrett as Robert, Ray’s brother, and the late Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle as his eccentric parents, Marie and Frank Barone. Throughout its nine-season run, “Everybody Loves Raymond” garnered critical acclaim, securing a total of 69 Emmy nominations and winning 15 of these prestigious awards.
In reminiscing about the series, Romano also shared his nostalgia over a particular item he took from the set: the iconic floral couch. He stated, “That was the first thing I wanted to take when the show ended. It’s the only thing I really cared about.” Now, the couch can be found in his home theatre, a piece of television history that holds sentimental value for the comedian.
Interestingly, during the recent reunion, he revealed that producers had temporarily retrieved the couch for the filming of their special. “When it came to filming the reunion, they came and got the couch and brought it back,” Romano noted, emphasising the chair’s significance on both a personal and professional level.
The reunion at the ATX Festival not only provided a platform for nostalgia but also showcased the enduring legacy of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” The show continues to resonate with audiences, reflecting the universal themes of family dynamics and the everyday trials of relationships.
With a blend of humour and heartfelt anecdotes, Romano, Rosenthal, and the writers made clear why the sitcom remains a classic. As fans continue to celebrate the show’s success, it serves as a reminder of the hard work and creativity that went into crafting a series that has left a lasting impact on television history.
As the discussion drew to a close, it was evident that the camaraderie among the cast and crew remains as strong as ever, highlighting not just the success of “Everybody Loves Raymond” but also the friendships that blossomed amidst the laughter. For Romano and his colleagues, the bond fostered during the making of the series is a cherished experience, one that continues to bring joy to both themselves and their devoted audience.