Although plenty of shows have earned their laughs with topical jokes, Everybody Loves Raymond took a different approach.

Though the series lasted from 1996 until 2005, the Barone family has continued to make audiences laugh to this day.

Brad Garrett, who played Robert Barone throughout the series, was able to provide some insight as to why the show remained classic.

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While speaking to the Reno Gazette-Journal, Garrett explained that for Everybody Loves Raymond creator Phil Rosenthal, the top priority was making sure that the series kept a long shelf life.

“He [Rosenthal] always said, ‘I’m not writing a show for CBS,’” said Garrett. “’I’m writing a show for Nick at Nite.’ So we never did stylish, trendy, or topical stuff. He wanted to make sure that if a rerun is aired in 15 years, that it plays as well then as it does now.”

Rosenthal’s efforts ensured that fans' passion for Everybody Loves Raymond remained strong no matter how many years went by.

“We were never the show of the era,” said Garrett. “We were the show that every year just kept climbing. The critics were always supportive, and our core audience grew and grew.”

Years later, Garett said that he is still recognized by the public for his role on the series. “It’s been life-changing in every way,” said the actor. “Those people are the reason we are on the air. I know it sounds corny, but that’s how I look at it.”