Everyone Loves Raymond is arguably probably the greatest sitcoms of all time, and it’s nonetheless a favourite amongst followers, due to streaming. The present ran for 9 seasons and over 200 episodes from 1996 to 2005. Whereas it stays a cultural phenomenon, King of Queens star Kevin James didn’t assume the present would do all that properly. With that, the fan-favorite actor revealed why he did not assume it might really turn into successful.
Earlier than James starred on The King of Queens, he appeared on Everyone Loves Raymond (not as Doug Heffernan, although). James was additionally a author on the present early into its run. The actor recalled on Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson’s podcast, Sibling Rivalry, how he would comply with Ray Romano round when he landed King. James’ objective was to be taught every part from Romano about find out how to lead a sitcom. That they had additionally been associates for some time on account of their stand-up work. Given his information of Romano’s method, James was puzzled as to how Everyone Loves Raymond got here to be:
The truth that he bought a present, I used to be like, to start with, I could not consider it, as a result of he is such a low-energy man. Sitcom guys had been, to me, like the large, wacky [characters]. I am like this, that is demise. It is not gonna occur.
So, all in all, Kevin James did not appear too positive how the present would work out as a result of he knew what sort of characters and storylines had been sometimes concerned in sitcoms. Romano’s comedic type did not fairly match that mildew. Regardless of the comedian’s low-energy vibe, although, Everyone Loves Raymond clearly ended up doing rather a lot higher than James predicted. A lot in order that the Grown Ups star ended up going to Romano for recommendation after he landed his personal present:
After which it did. And he was so good on his sitcom. And the best way he threw issues away, I used to be like, ‘Wow, I’ve to observe him and be taught from him, as a result of I’m going to be too massive on digital camera.’ And I’m, by the best way, nonetheless even in The King of Queens, after I see episodes now, I’m like ‘Gee, throw it away, child.’ I’m like ‘Gee-wiz, I want I might return and do it.’
The truth that Kevin James didn’t know the way Everyone Loves Raymond would do and mainly referred to as it a demise sentence may be very humorous in hindsight. Not solely that, however the present arguably might have have aired longer if creator Philip Rosenthal didn’t select to finish it when he did. As for The King of Queens, the recommendation that James bought from Romano did not appear to harm, for the reason that CBS sitcom additionally ran for 9 seasons from 1998 to 2007, ending its run with 207 episodes, simply three shy of Raymond’s complete. King can also be nonetheless fairly beloved and continues to be the topic of a viral meme.
In the meantime, Everyone Loves Raymond was so profitable that the present almost acquired a derivative. Provided that we’re presently within the age of revivals and spinoffs, it is not stunning that Romano is requested a few reboot fairly often. Romano admitted in 2024 that he’s protecting of the collection because it’s very private to him, which is smart. If he had been to have a good suggestion for a revival and Rosenthal had been to get on board, I would be down for it. In fact, for now, followers must accept streaming the ’90s present.
On the very least, each Everyone Loves Raymond and The King of Queens proved to achieve success and closely contributed to their lead stars’ careers. I do not learn about you, however I am glad Kevin James’ preliminary ideas on Raymond had been improper. At current, seize a Peacock subscription and stream each reveals.