
Let me tell you, this special was a real treat for ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ fans. They painstakingly rebuilt the Barone family living room and got almost everyone back together – Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Monica Horan, and even the kids, Madylin and Sullivan! Ray Romano was very clear, though: a reboot just isn’t possible, and rightfully so. Losing Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, who played his parents, and Sawyer, is too big a loss. He said they’d never do the show without those three family members, and I completely agree. Phil Rosenthal pointed out that with the show still airing in syndication, we can all enjoy it exactly as it was meant to be, and they both feel a deep respect for the show and its wonderful audience. It was a lovely tribute, and a smart decision to leave ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ as a perfect memory.