In a statement issued by CBS Broadcasting today, the studio admitted that earlier assertions that everybody loves Raymond may have been fictitious. According to insider sources, the sudden turnaround occurred after one of the show's major advertisers decided to discontinue advertising in conjunction with the show.
Jerry Johanssen, VP Public Relations for Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, said "Yeah, I finally saw the show with my wife last week. It really sucks!" He further added, "I can't believe this show is still on the air . . . if people wanted to hear somebody whine so much, I'm sure David Schwimmer (who portrays chronic whiner Ross Geller on the NBC series "Friends") would have his own show by now."
None of the show's producers could be reached for comment. Actress Patricia Heaton, who recently won an Emmy for "Leading Actress in a Comedy Series" for her portrayal of Raymond's wife Debra Barone, stated "Love Raymond? Hell, I didn't even like him!"
CBS is reportedly considering replacing "Everybody Loves Raymond" with reruns of "Survivor - The Australian Outback."
