Why Ray Romano Was ‘Tortured’ By 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Title
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on June 22, 2025 at 7:30 PM EDT
"Everybody Loves Raymond" may have become one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history, but according to series writer and producer Tom Caltabiano, star Ray Romano wasn’t exactly in love with the show’s title when it first came across his desk.
It’s been nearly three decades since "Everybody Loves Raymond" first debuted on CBS, yet its influence on television and pop culture remains as strong as ever.
With a modest premise and a cast of relatable characters, "Everybody Loves Raymond" quietly grew into one of the most celebrated sitcoms of its time, earning Emmy Awards, worldwide adaptations, and a place in the hearts of millions.
Ray Romano Feared 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Title Would Backfire
Premiering on September 13, 1996, "Everybody Loves Raymond" followed the life of Ray Barone, a sportswriter living in Long Island with his wife Debra and their three kids. Ray’s life is further complicated by his meddling parents and insecure older brother, who live right across the street.
Inspired by star Ray Romano’s real-life experiences, the show took a grounded, often hilarious approach to marriage, family dysfunction, and the small absurdities of everyday life.
Speaking to the New York Post at the Paley Center’s “30 Years of Everybody Loves Raymond” tribute event on June 16, series writer and producer Tom Caltabiano revealed that Romano was “tortured” by the name of the now-iconic CBS sitcom.
“Because Ray in real life is a modest guy, and he’s like, ‘Everybody loves Ray… what if the show stinks?’” Caltabiano explained, noting that Romano feared the bold title could make the show an easy target for critics.
“Thank God it was a hit,” he added. “He had to make it a hit just to overcome that title!”
Romano Fought To Rename The Iconic Sitcom
Romano, now 67, was so uncomfortable with the name that he reportedly made multiple calls before the show’s 1996 premiere, including to David Letterman and the president of CBS, begging them to reconsider the title.
“He said, ‘Please, can we change the show name?’” Caltabiano recalled. “So the president said, ‘Look, if it’s a hit, we’ll change it.’ And then it became a hit, and the president says, ‘Well, we can’t change it now!’”
Fans attending the Paley Center’s tribute exhibit, which runs through September 7, can view a display case featuring alternate titles that Romano had scribbled down during development. Among the options? “Guy Named Ray,” “Regarding Raymond,” and simply “Ray.”
How 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Became A Sitcom Powerhouse
Over its nine-season run, "Everybody Loves Raymond" grew into a ratings juggernaut, often ranking in the top 10 most-watched shows in the U.S., with peak episodes drawing over 22 million viewers. But it wasn’t just a fan favorite, it was a hit with critics too.
The series garnered 69 Emmy nominations, winning 15, including Outstanding Comedy Series (2003, 2005), Lead Actor in a Comedy for Ray Romano, Lead Actress in a Comedy for Patricia Heaton (2000, 2001), Supporting Actor for Brad Garrett, and Supporting Actress for Doris Roberts (four-time winner).
Its tight-knit ensemble cast received multiple Screen Actors Guild nominations, and the show also earned a Humanitas Prize for promoting human dignity and freedom through storytelling.
The Sitcom Lives On Across Generations
The series ended on May 16, 2005, with over 32 million viewers tuning in for the finale, cementing its place in TV history.
In the years since, the show has enjoyed a second life in syndication and streaming, continuing to resonate with new audiences.
Internationally, it found success in countries like Russia, where a local adaptation titled "Voroniny" became one of the longest-running sitcoms in the world.
Ray Romano Looks Back On The Stand-Up Set That Launched 'Everybody Loves Raymond'
Romano himself spoke to PEOPLE at the event, reflecting on the journey that brought him from stand-up stages to sitcom stardom.
“I was a working stand-up comic before the show… and I was making a living doing stand-up. I love doing stand-up. I still am passionate about it,” he said. “There was a time where I thought if there’s another level, maybe it’ll happen now. And if not, I’m okay with that.”
After more than a decade in stand-up, Romano landed a spot on "The Late Show with David Letterman." That appearance changed everything. “When I did my stand-up on Letterman, they signed me to a deal to develop a show,” he recalled. “And here we are. It changed my life. It changed my family’s life. I’ve made such great friends. It changed my career.”
As "Everybody Loves Raymond" marks three decades of impact, it’s a reminder that sometimes even the biggest names start with a leap of faith, and a title they didn’t choose.
