I love Raymond.
I think because so many of the characters were unlikeable, it’s easy to put them in to lots of different scenarios without it ruining your overall feelings for them.
Ray was selfish, lazy, and a liar. Slivers of positive moments, but didn’t really care if bad things happened to him for comedic reasons.
Debra was generally a hard worker and took on a lot because Ray didn’t/wouldn’t but she was viscous at times. If bad things happened her because of that- meh.
With Niles, he was such a great and love able character, despite his foibles, I only ever wanted good things for him, and expected that his character would act in good faith.
Then Mel came along. Poor Mel. She was painted as the villain for how she handled his request for a divorce but I’m 100% on her side. She was treated horribly, lied to, and used as a pawn.
I found that hard to stomach from Niles, and it turned me off him.
(Yes, I know they’re not real people!)