CBS to bring back ‘Raymond’ for ninth season

Everybody does love Raymond — at least for another season.

CBS has sealed a deal to bring Ray Romano’s Emmy-winning comedy “Everybody Loves Raymond” back for a ninth and final season, though only for 16 new episodes. Most television shows make about 22 episodes a year.

“I look forward to being a hapless, sexless husband again in year nine,” said Romano, a producer and star of the show.

The Monday night comedy featuring Romano and his dysfunctional family won the 2003 Emmy for best comedy. The additional year was widely expected. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Romano reportedly made about $1.8 million per episode this season.

Brad Garrett, who plays Romano’s brother in the series, held out for more money before filming started for this season. The other cast members, Patricia Heaton, Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts, also reached new deals for more money with the network last summer.

With “Friends,” “Frasier” and “Sex and the City” all calling it quits this season, the deal gives “Everybody Loves Raymond” a victory lap where it won’t be overshadowed by other comedies. “Raymond” also will be the highest-rated returning sitcom, a program genre in need of an infusion of new talent.

“Emotionally, we never want the show to end, but everything must,” said “Raymond” executive producer Phil Rosenthal. “We look forward to these remaining episodes as a few encores and a few more meals with our staff.”