Stand-up comedian Ray Romano stars as Ray Barone, a successful sportswriter and devoted husband to Debra (Patricia Heaton), who must deal with his brother and parents, who happen to live across the street. Frank (Peter Boyle) and Marie (Doris Roberts) love to meddle in his life, while older brother Robert (Brad Garrett) sometimes resents his success. Nevertheless, Ray manages to keep a bright outlook and a sense of humor as he balances his family and work lives.