Everybody Loves Raymond

• I understand why some people may not like it, especially today, but I love it. I'm from an Irish-Italian Catholic family in New Jersey (not too far from Long Island) so I grew up in a similar background. To quote Fat Tony from "The Simpsons" it's funny because it's true (for me at least). 🙂

• It’s crafted right in that all the characters are well enough defined from an early stage so that you know exactly which way they’ll jump in any given situation. You don’t have to like the characters to appreciate the skill.

• This show has an optimistic yet cynical feel all it's own. It's a comedy about a family not necessarily a family comedy. The relationships between the parents and the adult children are strained at times but in the end the reality is they all love each other. I would recommend this for families with older children. It's a great way to open up discussion.

• The premise is essentially: you can't please everybody. The fairly placid Ray constantly manages to upset someone in the family, simply by being a normal husband and father. A show about arguing, often involving the whole family bitching to each other for a whole episode. Tirades of heartless and tactless comments, which generate as many gasps and they do laughs. Marie's withering stare deserves an award in itself.

• In my top 3 favorite comedies of all time! Excellent performances across the entire cast. It manages to remain original and funny throughout all 9 seasons. Divine!

1 / 5