10 Shows and Movies Like Everybody Loves Raymond (1996)

Description: Though more observational than family-focused, both shows share a similar New York sensibility and brilliant writing that finds humor in everyday situations. The character-driven comedy and focus on relationships (though more friendships than family) make them kindred spirits.

Fact: The show was originally called 'The Seinfeld Chronicles' and almost wasn't picked up. The 'Soup Nazi' was based on a real New York soup vendor. Jerry Seinfeld turned down $5 million per episode to continue the show for a tenth season.

Description: While more sophisticated than 'Everybody Loves Raymond', both shows share a focus on family relationships and feature brilliant comedic writing. The sibling rivalry between Frasier and Niles mirrors the Ray-Robert dynamic, with both shows finding humor in family dysfunction.

Fact: Kelsey Grammer played Frasier Crane for 20 consecutive years across two shows, a record for a live-action character. The show won a record 37 Emmy Awards during its run. The 'Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs' theme song was almost replaced after the first season.

Description: Shares with 'Everybody Loves Raymond' a focus on relationships and brilliant comedic timing, though 'Friends' centers on friendships rather than family. Both shows feature relatable characters navigating life's challenges with humor and heart.

Fact: The cast negotiated together to become the highest-paid TV actors of their time. The iconic orange couch in Central Perk was found in the Warner Bros. basement. Bruce Willis guest-starred for free after losing a bet with Matthew Perry.

Description: Similar to 'Everybody Loves Raymond' in its focus on a blue-collar family dealing with everyday life and marital humor. Both shows feature a lovable but flawed husband, a strong-willed wife, and meddling in-laws. The humor is grounded in relatable family dynamics.

Fact: The show was created by Michael J. Weithorn and David Litt, who also worked on 'Family Ties'. Kevin James and Leah Remini had such great chemistry that they were often mistaken for a real couple. The show originally had a different theme song before switching to the familiar 'Baby All My Life I Will Be Driving Home to You'.

Description: Features a similar dynamic to 'Everybody Loves Raymond' with a somewhat clueless but lovable husband and a more competent wife who tolerates his antics. Both shows revolve around marriage and family life with a mix of physical comedy and witty banter.

Fact: Jim Belushi based his character on his own personality and family life. The show was originally developed as a vehicle for John Goodman before Belushi was cast. It was one of the last successful traditional multi-camera sitcoms before the single-camera revolution.

Description: While more niche in its humor, both shows share a traditional multi-camera format and focus on relationships. The Leonard-Penny dynamic has echoes of Ray-Debra, with a more competent woman dealing with a lovable but flawed man.

Fact: The show's science consultant was a real UCLA physics professor. Jim Parsons (Sheldon) was the only actor who understood the science jargon well enough to ad-lib it. The theme song by Barenaked Ladies was written in just 10 minutes.

Description: Shares the mockumentary style and family-centric humor with 'Everybody Loves Raymond', though with a more diverse family structure. Both shows excel at finding humor in generational differences and parenting challenges, with a mix of physical comedy and witty dialogue.

Fact: The show was inspired by creator Christopher Lloyd's own large, blended family. It was the first comedy series to win the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series four years in a row. The actors who play the Dunphy children actually grew up on the show, with Ariel Winter needing legal emancipation from her mother during production.

Description: Like 'Everybody Loves Raymond', this show portrays a middle-class family dealing with everyday struggles, but with more focus on the children's perspectives. Both shows find humor in financial struggles, parenting challenges, and the chaos of family life.

Fact: The Heck family's last name was originally going to be 'Hughes' but was changed to avoid confusion with the Hughes family in 'Malcolm in the Middle'. Patricia Heaton starred in both this and 'Everybody Loves Raymond', making her one of the few actors to headline two successful long-running sitcoms. The show was filmed in front of a live studio audience like classic sitcoms, despite the single-camera trend at the time.

Description: Shares the family sitcom format and generational humor of 'Everybody Loves Raymond', but with a more conservative perspective. Both shows feature a strong father figure navigating modern family life and the challenges of raising daughters.

Fact: Tim Allen's character was originally written as a sports writer before being changed to align with Allen's tool-loving persona. The show was canceled by ABC but revived by Fox due to strong syndication ratings. It features one of the rare instances where a sitcom character (Kristin) was recast without explanation between seasons.

Description: Like 'Everybody Loves Raymond', this show centers on a husband-wife dynamic where the husband's antics drive much of the humor. Both feature strong female characters who keep their goofy husbands in check, with family and neighbor relationships playing key roles.

Fact: The Tool Time segments were inspired by Tim Allen's stand-up comedy about tools. Pamela Anderson got her start as one of the Tool Time girls before 'Baywatch'. The Wilson character's face was always partially hidden as an inside joke that lasted the entire series.