Answer in Brief
Everybody Loves Raymond ran for 9 seasons on CBS from September 13, 1996, to May 16, 2005, producing 210 episodes. The show starred Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, and Peter Boyle. Below we break down season-by-season episode counts, air dates, ratings context, DVD availability, and how to confirm this run length using authoritative sources.
Season and Episode Breakdown
Each season varied in length, with early and mid-series seasons generally longer than the final season. The series concluded with 210 total episodes, a substantial catalog that supports extensive syndication and streaming availability.
| Season | Episodes | Season Premiere | Season Finale |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | 1996-09-13 | 1997-05-19 |
| 2 | 26 | 1997-09-22 | 1998-05-18 |
| 3 | 26 | 1998-09-21 | 1999-05-24 |
| 4 | 26 | 1999-09-20 | 2000-05-22 |
| 5 | 26 | 2000-10-02 | 2001-05-21 |
| 6 | 26 | 2001-10-01 | 2002-05-20 |
| 7 | 25 | 2002-09-23 | 2003-05-19 |
| 8 | 25 | 2003-09-22 | 2004-0May-17 |
| 9 | 16 | 2005-02-28 | 2005-05-16 |
Context and Ratings
Premiering in the 1996–1997 season, Everybody Loves Raymond built a loyal audience through a mix of workplace and family humor. Its ratings peaked during season 5 and remained strong through season 8, placing it among the top sitcom draws on broadcast TV in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The decision to end the series after season 9 aligned with cast commitments and evolving creative plans, making the ninth season a deliberate wrap-up rather than a sudden cancellation.
Availability on Home Media and Streaming
- DVD: All 9 seasons are available on DVD, with region-1 box sets and some region-free options for international formats.
- Digital Purchase/Rent: Widely available on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and Vudu.
- Streaming: Periodically offered on services such as Netflix and Paramount+; check local listings for current availability.
Because the series concluded over 15 years ago and has had long syndication runs, episodes remain accessible through multiple platforms, making it easy to binge or sample specific seasons.
Confirming the 9-Season Run
To verify the season count and episode totals, consult authoritative sources: the show’s Wikipedia entry, CBS press archives, and streaming platform metadata. Common identifiers include 210 total episodes, an original air date of September 13, 1996, and a series finale on May 16, 2005. These data points are stable and unlikely to change, supporting consistent references in databases, reviews, and trivia.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many episodes are there in total? 210 across 9 seasons.
- Why did the show end after season 9? The cast and creators pursued other projects, and the series concluded on its own terms.
- Is the full series available to stream? Yes, through multiple services at different times; check your local platform.
- Are there syndication repeats? Yes, the show has aired in syndication for many years, which increases accessibility.
- How does this compare to similar sitcoms? It matches many contemporaries in total seasons and falls within the typical 8–12 range for long-running multi-cam sitcoms.