It wasn’t a groundbreaking storyline: an average Italian-American family living in the suburbs of New York as their sometimes tense but loving relationships formed everyday, true-to-life plots. The simplicity of Everybody Loves Raymond could have set it up to fail. But with an unparalleled ensemble cast and brilliant writing, it did the exact opposite. After nine highly successful seasons and decades since the show wrapped, ELR is still regarded as one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history.
Everybody Loves Raymond premiered in 1996 to an impressive 22 million viewers, helping CBS revive its struggling status of that time. Creator Phil Rosenthal approached the show with a traditional and timeless style that balanced its boldness in addressing real-life family subjects like love, parenting, and communication. This winning combination of humor and sincerity gave the show its universal, multi-generational appeal. The series received an unprecedented 69 Emmy nominations and 15 wins. Throughout its run, it ranked in the top 10 shows on the air in America and led to seven international adaptions. Its success led to Ray Romano setting the record as the highest paid TV actor of the time. Everybody indeed loved Raymond.
But perhaps most importantly, everybody still does. Everybody Loves Raymond not only still has an ardent original fan base, but it remains on the list of the top ten highest earning sitcoms in syndication — up there with Friends, The Simpsons, and all the other hit shows you’re sure to find on any given channel-surfing day. Syndication and streaming have enabled Everybody Loves Raymond to live on for new generations of families, including my own son, who finds the hilarious family antics and relatable character quirks laugh-out-loud funny. I’m not sure what I love more — watching reruns of this show or my 10-year-old yell “and then she aaaaaate it” while pretending to eat a fly.
As Everybody Loves Raymond approaches its 30th anniversary, its creators teamed up with The Paley Center for Media in New York to host an immersive behind-the-scenes exhibit. 30 Years of Everybody Loves Raymond: A Behind the Scenes Tribute runs Wednesdays to Sundays until September 7, 2025 at The Paley Museum, which was formerly the Museum of Television & Radio. Tickets to enter the museum and see the exhibit can be purchased online.
My fellow ELR-fanatic son and I were lucky enough to visit the exhibit, where we delighted in the chance to feel like we were one with the Barones. As soon as we entered the museum, the inviting sounds of the theme song and the sight of the familiar family couch brought instant smiles to our faces.
What fan wouldn’t love to roam the Barone homes for a day? At The Paley Center, you can pose for a photo with the family while sitting on an exact replica of the Barone couch and Frank’s favorite recliner. If you’ve ever dreamed of jumping into your TV screen, now’s your chance to put your “A.I.S.!”
The entire exhibit is beautifully created with exceptional attention to detail, from the piped-in music to the lettering that matches the sitcom’s original font. The walls are lined with classic quotes and exquisite never-before-seen photographs from behind the scenes, shot by the show’s writer and co-executive producer Tom Caltabiano.
Thanks to Tom’s impressive 30,000+ photo collection, Everybody Loves Raymond holds the distinction as one of the most photographed series in TV history.
A highlight of the exhibit is the rare memorabilia on display from the personal collections of people who worked on the show. Fun behind-the-scenes information accompany each item, like the story of Ray Romano’s alternative titles for the show. Would you believe he was pushing for the series to be called That Raymond Guy instead?
Iconic original props are on display that are sure to make any ELR fan say “Holy Crap!”
Items like the canister, the engraved toaster, and even “the big fork and spoon” can finally be seen by fans in person! (“You’d have to be a cook to understand.”)
You can also see the pilot script and the final Emmy award the show received for its last season.
Fans of Robert will love seeing Traffic Cop Timmy and even the botched MacDougall wedding invitation. “Saboteur!”
Hank ‘n’ Pat request that attire is not optional at this exhibit, so they’d be happy to see all the memorable original costumes on display. Be sure to pose with your favorites and read the informative cards explaining fun facts about the wardrobe department’s choices.
I took one in-person look at the classic cardigans worn by Frank (Peter Boyle) and realized he dressed just like my own Italian Grandpa!
And who can forget those quintessentially-Marie print blouses Doris Roberts always wore? The reason Marie’s clothes all had a similar look is because the wardrobe department primarily dressed her in clothing by designer Vikki Vi.
If you want to see just how tall Robert really is, pose for a picture next to the NYPD cop costume or mustard yellow suit worn by Brad Garrett.
Everybody loves Robert and Amy — so don’t miss the sweet sweater that Monica Horan Rosenthal wore in the show’s finale. The wardrobe department made a point of selecting modest clothing for Amy that aligned with the character’s conservative family background.
Ray was of course known for his classic jeans and flannel outfits, and the original costume Ray Romano wore in the series finale is on display here.
While Debra was usually seen in argyle pullovers and corduroys, the exhibit displays the daring number Patricia Heaton wore in the episode “P.T.& A.”
Fans will also love testing their ELR knowledge at the touchscreen trivia game. Questions are based on classic episodes, but be careful because the multiple choice model is aimed to stump super-fans!
This special, limited-time exhibit is full of treasures and details that Everybody Loves Raymond fans will love studying. From wall-to-wall photos to props that evoke the happiest TV memories, seeing these iconic mementos in person will make you feel like you’re right on the set. The exhibit celebrates more than just one show, but the old days of television that many of us miss. It’s a joy-inducing experience that turns off the outside world and immerses you in the lives of one of TV’s favorite families.
Thank you, Barones… I love you. There, I said it!
What Lara Wrote 