How many times has someone said to you, “You’ll appreciate this when you’re older?” Plenty of experiences might have seemed awkward or annoying at the time, only for you to look back on them with a fonder memory. Sometimes, these memories mean more because we spent them with people we have since lost. Though you may regret not appreciating things in the moment, to remember these memories is to celebrate them.

While Phil Rosenthal was plenty proud of the success Everybody Loves Raymond had enjoyed during its original run, he ensured that the series would live on long after the final episode had aired.

During an interview with the Associated Press, Rosenthal explained that when creating the series, he was incredibly concerned with the show’s lasting impact. As a show about a family, Everybody Loves Raymond was meant to be watched with loved ones.

Watch Everybody Loves Raymond on MeTV!

ONE FULL HOUR

Weeknights at 9 PM & Sundays at 10 PM

*available in most MeTV markets

“We have something far more valuable, something of lasting value, something you might watch with your grandkids,” said Rosenthal.

Series star Ray Romano agreed with the sentiment and was even proud of the outcome of his hard work. “This is my legacy,” said the actor. This is what I’ll be remembered for.”

Romano said that in comedy, he valued “stories I can relate to and identify with.” While the Barone family may have been overly eccentric at times, audiences never doubted that they loved one another.

“That’s what we brought to this show,” said Romano. “It’s what I think is the one thing that appeals to the audience: They see themselves.”