Everybody Loves Raymond Reunion Honors Late Child Star Sawyer Sweeten

by

Content warning: This story discusses assisted suicide.

It was a bittersweet Everybody Loves Raymond reunion.

As a huge fan, watching the 30th anniversary special on CBS was really special. It was so heartwarming to see the cast together again, sharing fun stories about making the show. But it was also incredibly sad remembering those we’ve lost, like Sawyer Sweeten, who played Geoffrey, one of Ray’s twins. It’s just heartbreaking that he passed away so young, at only 19, and remembering that he took his own life makes it even more painful.

Oh my gosh, Ray Romano said it best! He was talking about Sawyer, and it just killed me to hear him say we don’t have Sawyer with us anymore. He described Sawyer as this incredible, bright energy, just like… well, just like Sawyer always was! It’s like Ray understood exactly what we all felt – that amazing light he brought to everything. It’s just… heartbreaking, but so true.

The main actor addressed Madylin Sweeten, who played Ally, Geoffrey’s sister on the show, and Sullivan Sweeten, who played his twin brother, Michael. He spoke to them directly.

None of us anticipated how things would turn out,” said Sawyer’s twin brother, who is also 30 years old. “I focus on the happy memories, and a lot of those happened while we were filming.

Content warning: This story discusses suicide.

It was a bittersweet Everybody Loves Raymond reunion.

To celebrate the show’s 30th anniversary, original cast members Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, and Brad Garrett reunited with former child stars Madylin Sweeten and Sullivan Sweeten to share memories of the series and its impact. They also took time to honor their colleagues, including Sawyer Sweeten—Madylin and Sullivan’s brother both on and off screen—who tragically passed away in 2015 at the age of 19.

Ray shared during the November 24th CBS reunion that they deeply miss Sawyer. He described Sawyer, and now his siblings, as having a vibrant and positive energy.

Sawyer’s siblings, who played the roles of Ally and Michael – the children of Ray and Debra, alongside his character Geoffrey – later shared their memories of the challenging period following his passing.

“Honestly, none of us saw that coming,” said Sullivan, 30. “But I focus on the positive experiences, and a lot of those happen right here on set.”

Sullivan fondly remembers fun times like playing in the bleachers and the prop room. He especially loves the show’s happy endings, with the final scene of everyone around the table being his most cherished memory.

Madylin, age 34, wanted to emphasize the importance of suicide prevention while sharing Sawyer’s story and remembering his life.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for young adults between 18 and 25, but the good news is that treatment is effective for 90% of people who seek help. We often hear from people saying that learning about someone else’s story – like my brother’s – helped them through a difficult time and even saved their life.

The cast of Everybody Loves Raymond not only remembered Sawyer, but also honored the late Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, who were beloved as Ray’s parents, Marie and Frank Barone.

Oh my gosh, Patricia Heaton, the amazing Debra Barone, once talked about how Doris Roberts, who played Ray’s mom, was such a hard worker! She really admired Doris’ dedication – it was seriously inspiring to see how much effort she put into everything. It always showed on screen, you know? I always thought they had such great chemistry because of that respect!

“Never stopped working,” she noted, “on hiatuses, always working.”

Ray mentioned that Doris, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 90, also enjoyed taking acting classes. Patricia chimed in, adding that Doris also directed plays.

Ray, who played Peter’s father on screen, described him as very different from the public image, calling him more of a well-rounded and versatile person. Peter’s father passed away in 2006 at the age of 71.

One detail they can all agree on? There won’t be a reboot of Everybody Loves Raymond.

Ray explained that a reunion is impossible because three key cast members, as well as three family members, are unable to participate. He emphasized they would never move forward with the show without them.

Honestly, when I heard about the possibility of bringing ‘Everybody Loves Raymond’ back, I was so excited… but Phil Rosenthal, the genius behind it all, totally gets it. He said it wouldn’t be the same, and he’s right! You just can’t recapture that magic. But he also reminded me that it’s still on – I can watch it whenever I want! It lives on in those reruns, and that’s what really matters. It’s like having my family right there in the living room with me, all over again.

He explained that they couldn’t continue with the show as it was, out of respect for both the program and its viewers.

After all, the original Everybody Loves Raymond also serves as a tribute to the entire cast.

Phil explained that about 90% of what viewers saw on the show was based on real events – things that happened to him, Ray, or one of the other writers. He added that creating the show helped him realize something surprising: everyone’s family is a little bit crazy.

While Everybody Loves Raymond is not getting a reboot, these TV shows did…

Status: Pilot order

Kathy Bates will star in a new version of the classic show Matlock. According to CBS, the series will follow Madeline Matlock, a remarkably intelligent woman in her seventies, as she returns to work at a high-powered law firm. She uses her cleverness and unassuming personality to win cases and uncover wrongdoing.

Status: Series order

I’m so excited to share some fantastic news for animation fans! Hulu just announced that King of the Hill is coming back for a 14th season! What makes this even better is that so many of the original cast members are returning, including Kathy Najimy, Pamela Adlon, Stephen Root, Johnny Hardwick, and Lauren Tom. It’s going to feel like no time has passed at all!

Status: In production

Jamie Lynn Spears is teaming up with some of her former Zoey 101 co-stars for a new TV movie that continues the story of their popular Nickelodeon show from the 2000s.

Britney Spears expressed her excitement about returning to work with the cast and crew of Zoey 102 and continuing the story of Zoey and her friends. The new season is scheduled to premiere on Paramount+ later this year.

Status: In pre-production

Kelsey Grammer is bringing back his iconic character, Frasier Crane, in a new series. The show originally aired on NBC from 1993 to 2004. While details are still limited, Grammer has acknowledged the long-standing fan demand for a revival, stating that “the call is now answered.”

Kelsey Grammer has shared updates about the upcoming Frasier revival. He revealed in July 2021 that his character is now living in a new location and is very wealthy. A year later, in July 2022, he confirmed the scripts were nearly finished, and filming could start as early as this fall.

Status: Canceled

Peacock has canceled its series based on the 1989 film of the same name, according to TopMob News. However, Universal Television is currently seeking other networks or platforms to potentially pick up the show.

Status: Script submitted

Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano are returning to their famous roles as Tony and Samantha Micelli in a new series based on ‘Who’s The Boss?’. The show will stream on Amazon Freevee and follows Tony, now retired, and Samantha, a single mom, as they live together again in the original TV home. ‘Who’s The Boss?’ originally aired on ABC for eight seasons between 1984 and 1992.

Status: Series order

Oh my GOD, they’re doing it! They’re bringing back Jersey Shore! I seriously can’t even breathe! It’s called Jersey Shore 2.0, and it’s going to follow a whole NEW group of people living their best lives at the Jersey Shore. Like, the SAME beaches and boardwalks where Snooki and The Situation became LEGENDS! They’re going to be making all new memories, and honestly, I’m already counting down the days. I NEED this in my life!

Status: Series order

As a lifestyle expert, I’m excited to share that MTV is bringing back the drama and glamour of The Hills! While we’ll miss Lauren, Whitney, and Heidi, the network is giving a fresh face to the series with The Hills: Next Gen. This time around, the show will follow an entirely new cast, and I’m happy to hear they’re aiming for a more diverse group of personalities – all set against the beautiful backdrop of Malibu. It’s a modern update to a classic, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds!

Status: Series premiered Sept. 19

“Oh boy” is right! NBC has placed a series order for a rebooted version of Quantum Leap. Check out the logline below:

Thirty years ago, Dr. Sam Beckett disappeared while using the Quantum Leap machine. Now, a new team is working to reactivate the project, hoping to unlock the secrets of both the technology and its inventor.

Status: Season two premiered in April 2022

The original stars – Miranda Cosgrove, Nathan Kress, and Jerry Trainor – are back for a new season of the Nickelodeon show about teenagers who become famous online. They shared a photo from the set on January 27, 2021. However, Jennette McCurdy, who played Sam, decided not to participate in the revival as she has stopped acting.

Status: Premiered Dec. 9 on HBO Max and renewed for a second season

In early 2021, Sarah Jessica Parker revealed a new chapter for Sex and the City, titled And Just Like That. However, the news that Kim Cattrall wouldn’t be returning as Samantha caused some disappointment among fans. On the bright side, Chris Noth will reprise his role as Big, and other beloved characters are also expected to return. The show will focus on the women navigating life in New York City in their 50s, and HBO Max is committed to increasing diversity both on and off screen.

The show will feature returning cast members like Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, and the late Willie Garson. Joining them are new additions Sara Ramirez, Nicole Ari Parker, Sarita Choudhury, and others.

Status: Premiered Jan. 18 on Hulu and renewed for a second season

Hilary Duff stars in How I Met Your Father, a fresh take on the popular show How I Met Your Mother. She plays Sophie, who is telling her son the story of how she met his father. The show begins in 2021 and follows Sophie and her friends as they navigate life and love with the help of dating apps.

Status: In production

The beloved comedy series is making a comeback as a six-episode limited series on Starz. Originally airing for two seasons from 2009 to 2010, the show featured a talented cast including Adam Scott, Ken Marino, Lizzy Caplan, and Jane Lynch. Most of the original actors are reprising their roles for the new season, with the exception of Lizzy Caplan.

Status: Premiered Nov. 24

Only a year after the original series ended, Paramount+ announced it’s reviving Criminal Minds with some of the familiar faces from the past. This new version will focus on the team solving a single, complex case throughout the entire season.

Status: Pilot Order

NBC is developing a sequel to Life Goes On, with Kellie Martin reprising her role. The new series will follow Becca Thatcher, now a successful doctor, as she returns to her hometown and reconnects with her family.

Status: Premiered Feb. 13 on Peacock

Will Smith is bringing back The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but with a dramatic new take. The show, now called Bel-Air, follows a teenager who leaves Philadelphia to live with wealthy family in Bel-Air. It’s based on a popular trailer made by fan and director Morgan Cooper. Peacock has already ordered two seasons of the one-hour drama.

Status: Renewed for a second season

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the creator of Riverdale, is producing a new Pretty Little Liars series for HBO Max titled PLL: Original Sin. While set in the same world as the original Freeform show, it will follow a different group of characters, including actresses Bailee Madison, Chandler Kinney, and Maia Reficco.

Here’s the series description: 

Twenty years ago, a devastating series of events shook the working-class town of Millwood. Now, a new group of teenage girls—the latest “Little Liars”—are being terrorized by someone who is making them suffer for the mistakes of their parents, as well as their own. Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin is a dark and frightening drama that takes place far from the town of Rosewood, but still within the Pretty Little Liars world, focusing on a new town and a new generation of girls.

Status: Premiered Nov. 7 on Showtime

Michael C. Hall and the original showrunner, Clyde Phillips, are back for a ninth and final season. Fans are hoping this will give the iconic serial killer, Dexter, a more satisfying conclusion than the widely criticized ending where he became a lumberjack.

Status: Season two premiered Sept. 29

William Petersen and Jorja Fox came back to reprise their roles as Gil Grissom and Sara Sidle in the first season of the show’s revival. Although William and Jorja have since left the series, Marg Helgenberger joined the cast for season two as Catherine Willows.

Status: Premiered Sept. 22 on ABC

The new take on The Wonder Years centers on a Black family living in 1960s Alabama, and the actors are excellent. Don Cheadle narrates and plays the adult Dean Williams, while 12-year-old Elisha “EJ” Williams plays young Dean. Dulé Hill stars as Dean’s father, a passionate musician, and Saycon Sengbloh plays his mother, who works as an accountant. Lee Daniels and Fred Savage, a star from the original Wonder Years, are producing the show.

Status: Season two will premiere Jan. 2, 2023

Joselyn Sanchez stars as Elena Roarke, the granddaughter of the original Fantasy Island‘s host, Mr. Roarke (played by Ricardo Montalban). The show is a series of standalone stories about guests who come to a luxurious resort where their deepest desires can come true—but there’s always a catch. Kiara Barnes and John Gabriel Rodriguez also appear in the series.

Status: In development 

Elizabeth Banks is producing and starring in a new animated series called Bedrock, a modern take on The Flintstones. She’ll voice Pebbles Flintstone as an adult, pursuing her career while her father prepares to retire.

Status: Early development

According to TVLine, a revival of the popular ’90s legal comedy Ally McBeal is being considered. Calista Flockhart might reprise her role as Ally, but likely in a smaller capacity.

According to Deadline, the upcoming show will center around a recent law school graduate – a young Black woman – who starts working at the same law firm featured in the original series (or its current version). She’s also said to be the daughter of Renée Raddick (played by Lisa Nicole Carson), a character known from the original show as D.A. and a roommate of the main character.

Status: Premiered Sept. 8 on Disney+ and renewed for a second season

The popular 90s show Doogie Howser, M.D. is getting a reboot! This time, it’s called Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. and features a teenage girl as the brilliant doctor, played by Peyton Elizabeth Lee. The show is set in Hawaii and follows her as she balances being a doctor with the challenges of being a teenager. Kathleen Rose Perkins stars as Doogie’s mother, who also works as a doctor at the same hospital.

Status: Premiered Sept. 11

Jon Bernthal and Gretchen Mol lead the cast of Showtime’s new series, which is based on the 1980 film starring Richard Gere and Lauren Hutton. Bernthal plays Julian, a man recently freed from prison after serving 18 years for a murder conviction. He’s trying to rebuild his life in Los Angeles, navigating the city’s adult entertainment world while also seeking answers about who framed him years ago.

Status: A new season will premiere Dec. 15

Wendy Raquel Robinson and Hosea Chanchez are returning to their roles, and several other actors from the original series will also make appearances. According to Paramount+, the show is back with both familiar faces and new cast members to explore Black culture through the world of professional football. The series will address issues like racism, sexism, and classism as the players pursue success, respect, and love, all while trying to stay true to themselves as they navigate life – playing The Game.

Status: Premiered January 14, 2022

Originally canceled abruptly in February 2020, Ray Donovan will now have a chance to finish its story. The series will conclude with a full-length movie on Showtime.

Status: Premiered in February 2022

The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder brings back the beloved Disney animated series, with Kyla Pratt reprising her role as Penny Proud. Many of the original voice actors returned, and Keke Palmer joins the cast as a new character named Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins.

Status: Canceled after one season

Soleil Moon Frye is reprising her role as Punky Brewster, the popular character from the 1980s TV show. This time, Punky is a mom raising her own foster child, and Freddie Prinze Jr. plays her ex-husband.

Status: In early development

Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the showrunner for Riverdale, is developing a reboot of HBO’s vampire series, True Blood. The original series’ executive producer, Alan Ball, is back in that role for the reboot, but it’s unlikely any of the previous actors will be involved.

Read More

2025-11-25 22:19