Kevin James ‘Couldn’t Believe’ Everybody Loves Raymond Ended Up Being A Hit, And He Explained Why He Thought It Was ‘Death’ At First

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In simple terms, “Everybody Loves Raymond” is widely recognized as one of the greatest sitcoms ever made, and it continues to be cherished by viewers thanks to streaming platforms. The show was on air for nine seasons and produced more than 200 episodes from 1996 to 2005. Despite its enduring cultural impact, the star of another popular sitcom, “King of Queens,” Kevin James, initially didn’t believe the show would achieve such success. He recently shared his reasons for doubting that it would become a hit.

Prior to playing the main role in “The King of Queens”, James had already made appearances on “Everybody Loves Raymond” (not as Doug Heffernan). Interestingly, he also served as a writer for the show during its early stages. In an episode of Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson’s podcast, “Sibling Rivalry”, James shared that he used to trail Ray Romano when he got the role in “King”. His aim was to learn from Romano about leading a sitcom. They had been friends for some time due to their shared background in stand-up comedy. However, given his understanding of Romano’s methods, James found it intriguing as to how “Everybody Loves Raymond” came into being.

Upon hearing that he landed a show, I was initially taken aback since he’s quite subdued in nature. To be honest, I’ve always associated sitcom characters with larger-than-life, eccentric individuals. I thought such a role wouldn’t suit him because it seemed more fitting for the dramatic or comical personas that I’m not. It just didn’t seem likely to me.

Essentially, Kevin James initially had doubts about the success of the show due to his familiarity with conventional sitcom characters and plots. However, Ronnie Romano’s unique comedic style didn’t align with this stereotype. Surprisingly, Everybody Loves Raymond surpassed James’ expectations significantly. In fact, after securing his own show, James sought advice from Romano.

Later on, that’s what happened. He was truly impressive in his sitcom role. The way he casually discarded things left me awestruck, thinking, ‘I need to watch him and learn, as I too will shine on camera.’ And yes, I am still part of The King of Queens, and when I rewatch episodes, I find myself saying, ‘Wow, toss it aside, kid,’ or ‘Gosh, if only I could go back and do it differently.’

It’s amusing now to remember that Kevin James doubted the success of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” even going so far as to call it a death sentence. What makes this interesting is that the show might have run for longer if its creator, Philip Rosenthal, hadn’t decided to end it when he did. On the other hand, the advice James received from Ray Romano seemed beneficial, as “The King of Queens” also had a long run on CBS, spanning nine seasons from 1998 to 2007 and producing 204 episodes. Remarkably, this number is only three less than that of “Raymond.” Even today, “The King of Queens” remains popular and frequently appears in viral memes.

Enjoy streaming classic sitcoms like Everybody Loves Raymond and The King of Queens on Peacock TV. Subscription plans start at just $7.99 per month, while opting for Peacock Premium offers ad-free viewing and the ability to download shows for offline watching – all for a yearly fee of $79.99. Take advantage of these deals now!

During its run, the popular sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond” almost spawned a spinoff. Considering today’s trend of revivals and spinoffs, it’s no wonder that Romano is often asked about a reboot. In 2024, Romano confessed that he feels protective towards the show as it holds a special place in his heart. If Romano were to come up with a great idea for a revival and Rosenthal were to agree, I’d be open to it. For now, fans can only enjoy streaming the ’90s show.

As a film enthusiast, let me express that undeniably, “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The King of Queens” have proven to be remarkable hits in the world of television, significantly boosting the careers of their leading actors. Frankly, I’m grateful that Kevin James initially underestimated his role on “Raymond.” Currently, I strongly recommend subscribing to Peacock and immersing yourself in the laughter and joy these two shows offer by streaming them.

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2025-08-06 02:42