Everybody Loves Raymond: Did Ray Romano want to rename the CBS sitcom? Here’s what the EP revealed 

Watch Everybody Loves Raymond on CBS | Image via Prime Video
Watch Everybody Loves Raymond on CBS | Image via Prime Video

Everybody Loves Raymond became one of the greatest hits of CBS, running for almost nine seasons from 1996 to 2005. However, the star of the show was not a fan of the title. Ray Romano worked hard to get the title of the sitcom changed before it became a huge success. Tom Caltabiano revealed interesting facts about why Romano wanted a different name for the beloved sitcom.

Ray Romano’s real-life story inspired the title of the sitcom. Romano had a brother who was a police officer. The brother would joke that he risked his life every day, but everyone loved Raymond because he was just a comedian who made people laugh.

More details are explored below.


Did Ray Romano want to rename the CBS sitcom?

When creator Phil Rosenthal wrote this funny line into the script for Everybody Loves Raymond, Monica Horan suggested using it as the show's title. Monica Horan was Phil Rosenthal's wife and an actor in the show. Ray Romano absolutely hated this idea. According to executive producer Tom Caltabiano, as reported by The New York Post,

"Ray was tortured by the name,"

Caltabiano explained why Romano felt this way. He said,

"Because Ray in real life is a modest guy, and he's like,.......to be like, Oh, really, everyone loves Ray?"

Romano was so determined to change the name that he contacted David Letterman, a popular talk show personality & executive producer of Everybody Loves Raymond. He struggled to modify the title, illustrating that often the most creative ideas come from defying initial inclinations. The very name that tortured him became synonymous with excellence and longevity in television history. His reluctance ultimately strengthened the show's legacy. He also called the president of CBS to ask for a different title. The president of CBS told Romano something important. The president said,

"Look, if it's a hit, we'll change it."

Then the unexpected happened. The show became a massive hit, and the CBS president refused to change the name. Caltabiano finished the story by saying,

"And then it became a hit, and the president says, 'Well, we can't change it now!' Thank God it was a hit. He had to make it a hit just to overcome that title!"

Suggested names by Ray Romano

As of recently, Everybody Loves Raymond got an exhibit at the Paley Museum in Manhattan, New York City. Along with costumes, props, and around 300 photographs, they also displayed Romano's handwritten list of titles he wanted for the sitcom. Some of his suggestions included "Related to Ray," "Guy Named Raymond", "That Raymond Guy," and "Um, Raymond."


Ray Romano's attempt to rename Everybody Loves Raymond shows how sometimes famous things happen by accident. The sitcom became unforgettable despite the star's original doubts about its name.

Romano's strong personality made him uneasy with a name that seemed to place him at the center of universal affection. His concern was valid from a practical standpoint. If the show had failed, the title would have become a cruel joke for critics to use against him. However, when Everybody Loves Raymond became a massive success, the name transformed into the perfect reflection of the show's quality and warmth.


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Edited by IRMA