Ray Romano’s long-running sitcomEverybody Loves Raymondmade him a household name and a staple of late-‘90s and early-2000s network comedy, but it’s far from the best show he’s been a part of. For nine seasons, Romano’s portrayal of Ray Barone, the sportswriter caught between his wife and his overbearing family, solidified him as one of TV’s most reliable comedic presences. The show earned him multiple Emmys and cemented its place in the sitcom hall of fame. However, as iconic as it is,Everybody Loves Raymondisn’t the peak of Romano’s career in terms of acting range or emotional depth.
In fact, Romano’s most compelling performance came in a drama series that couldn’t be more differentfromEverybody Loves Raymond. It’s a grounded, heartfelt, and emotionally rich ensemble show that allowed Romano to stretch far beyond his comedic roots. Scoring an impressive 88% onRotten Tomatoeswith critics and an even higher 94% with audiences, the show gave Romano the chance to deliver one of his best performances to date. While he didn’t join until season 4, his presence quickly became one of the series’ standout elements. The show in question is, of course, NBC’sParenthood, and there are many reasons it’s the true crown jewel of Romano’s career.
Ray Romano’s Dramatic Turn In Parenthood Shows The Actor’s Incredible Range
Romano’s Role As Hank In Parenthood Proves He’s Just As Powerful In Drama As He Is In Comedy
WhileEverybody Loves Raymondwasthe definitive Ray Romano TV show of the early 2000s,Parenthoodrevealed a completely different side of the actor - and arguably a more impressive one. Cast as Hank Rizzoli, a curmudgeonly but deeply human photographer, Romano shed the laugh-track persona and stepped into a world of raw emotion and subtle nuance. The show’s grounded, slice-of-life tone gave him the space to fully inhabit Hank’s internal struggles with intimacy, fatherhood, and his place in the world.
Romano delivered with a quiet intensity that caught many viewers off guard (in the best way).
Initially appearing inParenthoodseason 4, Hank was a new love interest for Sarah Braverman (Lauren Graham), but the character quickly evolved into much more. Romano gave alayered performance that showcased Hank’s vulnerability, especially as the show began to explore his social anxieties and possible placement on the autism spectrum. It was a stark departure from Ray Barone’s sarcastic charm, and Romano delivered with a quiet intensity that caught many viewers off guard (in the best way).
Critics and fans alike were surprised at just how effectiveRomano was in a dramatic setting. His work onParenthoodearned him accolades and opened doors to more serious roles, proving that the so-called “sitcom guy” could hold his own in emotionally complex material. It was a defining moment in his career and amasterclass in genre-shifting performance.
Plus, unlike the heightened antics of a Ray Romano TV show likeEverybody Loves Raymond,Parenthoodleaned heavily into authenticity. Romano’s portrayal of Hank didn’t rely on punchlines or exaggerated tropes; it was grounded, real, and resonated deeply with audiences who appreciated the shift.
Hank’s Romantic Storyline In Parenthood Is Way More Positive Than Ray & Debra’s
Hank And Sarah’s Slow-Burn Romance Avoids The Toxicity That Plagued Ray And Debra’s Marriage
One of the most noticeable differences between Romano’s time onEverybody Loves RaymondandParenthoodis the tone of his on-screen relationships.Ray Barone’s marriage to Debra(Patricia Heaton) inEverybody Loves Raymondwas often combative, sarcastic, and steeped in mutual resentment. It made for great sitcom fodder, but in retrospect, their dynamic could be downright toxic. Episodes often hinged on miscommunication, passive-aggression, and emotional manipulation, with the occasional sweet moment buried under layers of bickering.
By contrast, Hank’s relationship with Sarah Braverman inParenthoodisthoughtful, patient, and deeply empathetic.It unfolds over several seasons, allowing both characters - each flawed in their own way - to grow independently before coming together. Lauren Graham’s Sarah is warm, creative, and open-hearted, while Romano’s Hank is guarded and uncertain. Their romance isn’t built on sitcom-style punchlines or endless arguments. Instead, it’s about mutual understanding and the effort it takes to truly connect.
Perhaps most compelling is howParenthoodhandles Hank’s emotional development. UnlikeRay Barone, who rarely changed, Hank evolves. Hisinteractions with Sarah and her children challenge him to face his insecurities, and he does (albeit awkwardly and haltingly). It’s not dramatic in the traditional TV sense, but it’s emotionally honest in a way that hits harder than most exaggerated sitcom hijinks. The difference in these relationships also mirrors the evolution of the Ray Romano TV show persona. No longer stuck in the box of the nagged husband or clueless dad, Romano as Hank inParenthoodoffers a more progressive, emotionally intelligent portrayal of masculinity and love.
The Role Of Hank Was Specifically Written For Ray Romano
Romano’s Transition To Drama Was So Seamless,ParenthoodCreated A Role Just For Him
Not only did Ray Romanoshine inParenthood- the role of Hank Rizzoli was literally created with him in mind. Romano was already a fan of the show before ever stepping onto the set, and the producers, recognizing his dramatic potential, crafted a character that would play to his strengths while giving him new ground to explore. It’s not every day a new role leads directly to such a major reinvention, but Ray Romano has made it clear in interviews(viaToday)that this is exactly what he was looking for withParenthood:
“I love what I did onRaymondbut I want to move on and play these kinds of roles now. When you’re in the living room every week for nine years as one character, it’s hard for some people to see you as someone else. I think my audience is broadening but it’s baby steps each time I play a role that is not that guy. I need myBreaking Badlike Bryan Cranston!”
That shift from typecast sitcom star to legitimate dramatic actor was exactly whatParenthoodallowed him to do. The writers gave Hank depth, flaws, and layers, and Romano delivered, becoming one of the show’s most beloved characters. He didn’t just fit in;he elevated the ensemble.Romano also spoke about how natural the role felt. This was important to him as he was a fan ofParenthoodprior to joining the cast, and only wanted to join the show if it was in a way that didn’t seem like his name was simply being added to the cast list to bring attention to the series:
“Overall, I got the sense that we had introduced a pretty good character, a unique character, and it felt like they weren’t just shoehorning me in. It felt like a good addition to the show. That’s what I was more concerned with.”
In the end,Parenthoodwasn’t just another Ray Romano TV show - it was a bold next chapter. WhileEverybody Loves Raymondwill always have its place in TV history, Romano’s turn as Hank Rizzoli might just be the finest work of his career.
Everybody Loves Raymond
Cast
Everybody Loves Raymond: The show follows Ray Barone, a sportswriter residing in Long Island with his wife Debra and their three children. Challenges arise as Ray’s intrusive parents, Frank and Marie, live directly across the street, often entangling themselves in his family’s daily life.
Parenthood
Parenthood is an American comedy-drama series that ran for six seasons on NBC between 2010 and 2015. Its story centers around the extended Braverman family, whose hilarious antics earned the show numerous awards and nominations over the years. The show was generally well-received by viewers and critics, with millions of people tuning in each and every week.
