Everybody Loves Raymond (1999) - Television Sitcom

Everybody Loves Raymond is an American television sitcom directed by Will Mackenzie and started in 1996 to 2005, which stars Patricia Heaton, Ray Romano, Brad Garrett, Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts. Many situations from the show are based on the real-life experiences of the creator & producer Phil Rosenthal, Romano and the writing crew. The main characters on the show are based on Romano's and Rosenthal's real-life family members.

The show is about the life of the Italian-American Raymond Barone, who is a sportswriter for the Newsday and lives with his family in Lynbrook, New York. Raymond doesn’t take many things seriously, just making jokes in every situation no matter how problematic or series it is and avoids responsibilities around the house, which leaves everything to his wife Debra. Raymond’s family; parents Marie and Frank and his older brother Robert lives across the street from Raymond’s family. Debra’s constant complaints about her husband’s family is a running joke throughout each season.

While watching season 4 episode 8 from Everybody Loves Raymond (1999), I have seen many sitcom conventions throughout the episode “Debra’s Workout”. In this episode, Ray gets jealous when he finally sees Debra’s new aerobics instructor. We hear exaggerated audience laughter at all kinds of situations as well as Raymond’s parents getting involved in their marriage. 

Realistic situations in this episode include everyday things, such as; washing dishes, going yoga, exercising, and the family environment, which includes brushing their teeth. With these realistic situations within the sitcom helps the audience who is watching to escape their own lives with the problems they see within the program.