Kevin James, star and executive producer of the beloved sitcom The King of Queens, recently explained why a revival of the show is not in the cards. While discussing his new stand-up special, Irregardless, in an interview with TODAY, James shared his thoughts on the possibility of bringing back the hit sitcom.
The King of Queens, which aired from 1998 to 2007 for a total of nine seasons and 207 episodes, followed the lives of Doug and Carrie Heffernan, played by James and Leah Remini respectively, as they navigated married life in Rego Park, Queens. The show also featured the late Jerry Stiller as Arthur Spooner, Carrie's comical and eccentric father.
When asked about the potential of a revival, James expressed his hesitancy to continue the series without Jerry Stiller, who sadly passed away in 2020. He emphasized Stiller's irreplaceable contribution to the show, saying, 'You cannot do it because of Jerry. How do you do that without Jerry? He was amazing.'
This sentiment echoes that of Ray Romano, star and executive producer of another popular sitcom, Everybody Loves Raymond. Romano also expressed reservations about reviving his show, citing the deaths of former co-stars Peter Boyle and Doris Roberts as a limiting factor. Romano highlighted the importance of honoring the memory and legacy of the original cast members.
The trend of TV reboots and revivals has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, more and more actors are now taking a firm stance against reviving their beloved shows. While some reboots have found moderate success, others have received lackluster responses from audiences and critics alike.
James's reluctance to move forward with a revival is understandable, as he aims to preserve the integrity and charm of The King of Queens. He also expressed gratitude for the show's current resurgence in other forms, such as its availability for streaming on Peacock. The sitcom has garnered newfound appreciation and has even inspired discussions about its best episodes and circulating memes featuring Doug and Carrie.
Rather than attempting to recreate the magic of the original series, James recognizes the value in leaving The King of Queens as a cherished memory for fans to enjoy. By honoring the legacy of Jerry Stiller and the rest of the cast, the show continues to thrive in its own right, maintaining its status as an underrated gem in the world of sitcoms.
While a revival may not be in the cards, fans can still relish in the nostalgia and laughter that The King of Queens brings. Its enduring appeal transcends the need for a reboot, proving that some things are best left in the past, where they can be cherished and celebrated for the timeless entertainment they provided.
