The 30th-anniversary reunion of “Everybody Loves Raymond” was a huge success, attracting 6.32 million viewers on Nov. 24, making it the most-watched primetime entertainment special of the TV season so far. Due to the overwhelming interest in the reunion, CBS has decided to air an encore of the special on Nov. 28.
Nielsen ratings revealed that the reunion special was the most-watched program on CBS since the 77th Emmy Awards in September, with a viewership of 7.59 million. The live+same day ratings for the special surpassed all primetime non-sports programs this season, except for a few top shows like “60 Minutes,” “Tracker,” “Dancing With the Stars,” and “Matlock.”
Compared to other tribute specials on CBS in recent years, the “Everybody Loves Raymond” reunion saw a significant increase in viewership, up 56% from “Newhart: Legacy of Laughter” and 108% from “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic.”
The 90-minute special, hosted by Ray Romano and Phil Rosenthal, provided a nostalgic look back at the production of “Everybody Loves Raymond.” The special featured cast members like Brad Garrett, Patricia Heaton, Madylin Sweeten, and Monica Horan, who shared exclusive behind-the-scenes stories and fun facts in celebration of the series’ 30-year legacy.
“Everybody Loves Raymond” originally premiered on CBS in 1996 and ran for nine successful seasons until 2005.
In other entertainment news, HBO will debut the documentary “Music Box: Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” on Dec. 11, showcasing the journey of Nigerian superstar Wizkid as he prepares for a groundbreaking performance in London. The documentary explores how art and music can transcend borders and challenge stereotypes in Western media.
Additionally, +Life’s “HIV Unwrapped World AIDS Day” special, hosted by journalist Karl Schmid, will premiere on Hulu on Nov. 30. The special highlights the initiative to blend science, fashion, and storytelling to raise HIV awareness, featuring notable figures like Javier Muñoz and Demetre Daskalakis.
On the programming front, “Def Comedy Jam” has found a new home on Revolt, airing its archive of iconic performances from comedians like Bernie Mac and Dave Chappelle weeknights at 11 p.m. ET. The show’s return to Revolt signifies the enduring impact it has had on Black comedians and the genre as a whole.
These updates offer a glimpse into the diverse and exciting world of entertainment, showcasing a mix of nostalgia, cultural exploration, and groundbreaking storytelling that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
