CBS is set to air a 30th anniversary celebration for the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond on November 24, reuniting creator Phil Rosenthal and stars Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Monica Horan, and the Sweeten siblings. The 90-minute special recreates the original Barone family set and pays tribute to late cast members Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle, and Sawyer Sweeten. Romano and Rosenthal shared emotional reflections on returning to the set after 20 years since the series finale.
Event Overview
The special, titled Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Celebration, airs Monday, November 24 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streams on Paramount+. It marks nearly 30 years since the show's 1996 premiere, though Romano and Rosenthal noted it's technically the 29th anniversary, rounded up for the occasion. The event brings back the core surviving cast to reminisce about the series, which ran for nine seasons and ended in 2005.
Reunion Details
Rosenthal had pitched the idea for over a decade but faced resistance from CBS until new network leadership approved it this year. The group gathered in a meticulously recreated Barone living room, including original props like the couch— which Romano had kept at home—and details such as the fake turkey and ginger ale in the fridge. 'The work they did to rebuild it was amazing,' Romano said. 'It was emotional, I'll say that. A flood of emotions.'
Rosenthal described the experience as surreal, like stepping back in time: 'During and after the taping, you get a little bit used to being back on set... I thought it was 30 years ago.' The special includes a tribute segment honoring Roberts (Marie), Boyle (Frank), and Sweeten (Geoffrey), with a compilation of their moments. 'We knew we had to do something special for them,' Romano explained, emphasizing their irreplaceable roles.
Reflections on the Show
In the interview, Romano shared insights from rewatching all nine seasons, praising the cast's acting nuances and writing. He appreciated the commitment to playing scenes straight for comedic effect, as Rosenthal noted: 'We are freaking out about the Fruit of the Month Club as if it's something terrible.' The duo highlighted the show's focus on universal family dynamics—avoiding topical jokes to ensure timelessness—rooted in real affection rather than contempt.
They recalled favorite episodes, like the suitcase argument in Season 7, which captured husband-wife tensions and family intrusions. Romano and Rosenthal affirmed no revival is planned, preferring reunions to honor the original without the late stars. The special celebrates the comedy's enduring appeal through relatable, character-driven stories.