7 Shocking New Projects: Ray Romano’s Explosive Return To TV In Netflix’s Dark Comedy Era
The legendary comedian and Emmy-winning actor Ray Romano is making a significant and surprising return to television, leaving his sitcom roots behind for a new era of dark comedy and dramatic roles, with his most anticipated project being the upcoming Netflix series, No Good Deed. As of December 22, 2025, fans of the Everybody Loves Raymond star have a wealth of fresh content to look forward to, including a major starring role in a highly-buzzed-about limited series and a key recurring role in another Netflix comedy, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood's most versatile performers. This latest project is a stark departure from the family-friendly humor that made him a household name, proving that the actor is continually seeking out complex and challenging characters in the streaming landscape.
The shift from the lighthearted, multi-camera setup of his iconic past to the edgy, single-camera world of modern streaming dramedy has been a fascinating evolution for Romano. His new show, No Good Deed, is an ensemble dark comedy that reunites him with an all-star cast and is set to be one of the highlights of Netflix’s 2024 schedule, promising a blend of laughs, tension, and murder. This article dives deep into this new series, his other current and upcoming projects, and provides a complete profile of the beloved star's recent career renaissance.
Ray Romano: Complete Biography and Career Profile
Ray Romano, the comedian who rose to global fame as Ray Barone, has cultivated a career that spans stand-up, television, film, and voice acting. His recent work highlights a successful transition from sitcom star to respected dramatic and dark comedy actor.
- Full Name: Raymond Albert Romano
- Date of Birth: December 21, 1957
- Place of Birth: Queens, New York, U.S.
- Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Producer
- Breakthrough Role: Ray Barone in Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005)
- Iconic Works: Everybody Loves Raymond, Ice Age film series (as Manny the Mammoth), The Big Sick, Get Shorty, The Irishman.
- Key Awards:
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2002)
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series (as Producer, 2003 & 2005)
- Recent Notable TV Roles:
- Hank Rizzoli in Parenthood (2012–2015)
- Rick Moreweather in Get Shorty (2017–2019)
- Herbert Green in Made For Love (2022)
- Latest Projects (2024/2025):
- No Good Deed (Netflix Series)
- Running Point Season 2 (Netflix Series)
- Somewhere In (Film)
The Main Event: What We Know About Netflix’s ‘No Good Deed’
The "new show" generating the most buzz is undoubtedly No Good Deed, a dark comedy series for Netflix. This project is a significant feather in Romano's cap, placing him back in a leading ensemble cast for a major streaming platform.
A Shift to Dark Comedy and Murder
No Good Deed is created by Liz Feldman, the Emmy-winning creator of the critically acclaimed dark comedy Dead to Me. This connection alone signals a high-quality, emotionally complex, and darkly humorous series. The show is described as a half-hour dark comedy, a format that perfectly suits Romano's evolved acting style, which masterfully blends humor with genuine pathos.
The series centers on three very different families who are all vying to purchase the same stunning, yet highly desirable, Spanish-style villa. The process of buying the house is complicated by a string of escalating—and increasingly dark—events. The show explores themes of ambition, greed, and the lengths people will go to for their dream home.
The All-Star Ensemble Cast
Ray Romano is not the only sitcom legend making a return. He is joined by an incredible ensemble cast, a testament to the quality of the script and the creator's reputation.
- Lisa Kudrow: Best known for Friends, Kudrow is also a series lead.
- Linda Cardellini: Known for Dead to Me, reuniting with creator Liz Feldman.
- O-T Fagbenle: Known for The Handmaid's Tale.
- Abbi Jacobson: Known for Broad City.
- Denis Leary: Known for Rescue Me.
- Teyonah Parris: Known for WandaVision.
- Poppy Liu: Known for Hacks.
Romano’s role in this powerhouse cast is a testament to his ability to hold his own among some of the industry's most respected comedic and dramatic actors. The interplay between these diverse talents is expected to be the series' greatest strength, delivering a fresh take on the ensemble comedy genre.
Ray Romano’s Expanding Netflix Universe: From Dark Comedy to Sports Dramedy
Beyond No Good Deed, Ray Romano is deepening his relationship with the streaming giant Netflix through another major project: a recurring role in the second season of the basketball comedy series, Running Point. This shows the actor is not just looking for a single comeback but is actively building a new portfolio of work on major platforms.
Joining the Team in ‘Running Point’
Running Point is a sports-themed comedy series starring Kate Hudson, who plays the first woman to own a professional basketball team. Romano has been tapped for a major recurring role opposite Hudson in the upcoming second season. While specific character details are often kept under wraps for high-profile recasting, his involvement signals a significant boost in star power for the show.
This role offers yet another dimension to Romano’s recent career path. After showcasing his dramatic chops in films like Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman and his dramedy skills in Get Shorty, a recurring role in a sports-focused workplace comedy allows him to flex his comedic muscle in a more contemporary setting. This project further cements his shift from a traditional network TV staple to a versatile streaming player, embracing the modern television landscape.
Other Current and Upcoming Projects: Films, Specials, and Stand-Up
The actor's busy schedule isn't limited to the small screen. He has several other projects that are keeping him in the public eye, from film roles to highly-anticipated reunion specials, ensuring continuous topical authority across multiple media formats.
The Film Project: ‘Somewhere In’
Romano is set to star as Leo Russo in the new film Somewhere In. While details on the film's plot and release date are still emerging, a leading role in a feature film indicates his continued commitment to the big screen following his acclaimed performance in The Big Sick. Fans are eager to see what kind of character he will portray in this next cinematic venture, especially given his recent preference for roles with depth and nuance.
The Everybody Loves Raymond Legacy Continues
In a treat for long-time fans, Ray Romano has recently returned to host a second installment of the Everybody Loves Raymond 30th-anniversary special. These specials, hosted alongside series creator Phil Rosenthal, bring fans closer than ever to the original iconic series. The reunion specials have been a huge success, proving the enduring love for the classic sitcom and Romano's central role in its legacy.
The second part of the reunion special aired just before the holidays, featuring Romano and Rosenthal discussing the show’s enduring impact and sharing behind-the-scenes stories. This event serves as a powerful reminder of his origins while his new projects push his career forward. The special allows him to honor his past while simultaneously promoting his fresh, new, and often darker material.
Stand-Up and Live Appearances
Romano also continues to engage with his comedy roots. He was featured in the 2025 American Century Championship coverage, reflecting on his life and comedy career. His continued live appearances and stand-up comedy specials ensure he remains a vibrant, active presence in the entertainment industry, constantly connecting with his audience.
From the dark ensemble comedy of No Good Deed to the sports world of Running Point and his return to the big screen in Somewhere In, Ray Romano’s current slate of projects is arguably the most diverse and exciting of his career. He is successfully navigating the modern streaming landscape, proving that a sitcom legend can reinvent himself as a compelling, multifaceted actor for a new generation of viewers. His willingness to embrace challenging, often darker material, while still honoring his comedic past, makes his upcoming work essential viewing for any television enthusiast.
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