Studio: Hbo Home Video Release Date: 09/02/2008 Run time: 503 minutes Rating: Nr

"Hi, I'm Ray and I live here in Long Island with my wife, Debra." Thus Ray (Ray Romano) introduces himself in the opening to each episode of his Emmy-winning comedy series. He proceeds to mention their children (Ally, Michael, and Geoffrey), then notes as an aside, "It's not really about the kids." He's right--it isn't. They don't even appear in each episode. Everybody Loves Raymond looks like any other family sitcom, but isn't. Everything is just a little bit better. Sure, it isn't as clever as Seinfeld (on which Romano and Brad Garrett appeared in their early days) or as sophisticated as Frasier; nor is it trying to be. The real subject of the show is Ray's relationship with Debra (Patricia Heaton), parents Frank and Marie (Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle), and brother Robert (Garrett).

Everybody Loves Raymond trains a microscope on the day-to-day ephemera of Ray's life. And since he's a sportswriter, a number of sports stars made guest appearances during the first season, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ("Frank, the Writer") and Terry Bradshaw ("Debra's Sick"), but this will happen less often in the years to come.

On the surface, Ray has an ideal life, but he's always trying to please everyone; and someone inevitably feels left out. Sometimes it's Debra, sometimes Frank and Marie, sometimes Robert, and sometimes his buddies (including King of Queens star Kevin James). Then there are his in-laws (Katherine Helmond and Robert Culp). If this were a different kind of show, Ray would have a breakdown at the end of each episode, but instead he finds a solution to each problem--and it usually comes from Debra. In short order, Everybody Loves Raymond became a top-rated program, with several cast members winning Emmys--numerous times in the case of small-screen scene-stealer Doris Roberts. -- Kathleen C. Fennessy

I love the series Everybody Loves Raymond. The show is very comical and gives a realistic view of everyday family life.

This product came in perfect condition. Although, the shipping in consideration with others that I have ordered, took longer than I would have liked. Almost 2 weeks.

Just like my title saies, How could anyone NOT love ray- This has to be one of the BEST shows written. It's so real to life. As a matter of fact my husband and I just can't believe how factual the show and the situations are. We have had many similar situations in our house-hold. We really enjoy watching the show as we do every night. When it's not on, all we do is pop a dvd in and enjoy!!

A great first season for Raymond. I don't know about EVERYONE else but I know I love Raymond. This is season was a great foundation for the others to come.

Good show , perhaps lacking a bit somewhere.
It was the first season though; I guess as the show moved on things started to improve.
I'll give a try to some of the other seasons.
Still it was a good buy!