Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Clumns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Toggle search form
  • Police Blotter
    Orland Park Police Department Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run accident
  • Taste of Orland Park 2025
    Taste of Orland Park Returns to Village Center with Food, Fun and Festivities Events
  • Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge
    Exclusive interview with Orland Mayor Jim Dodge says former mayor left huge debt breaking news
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 Season schedule Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN Blogger
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Suburban Chicago Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Threatening FEMA Employees and Law Enforcement Officers Crime
  • SeatGeek Stadium
    Chivas de Guadalajara and Club Leon to meet in Chicago Bridgeview
  • OFPD Trustee DJ Jeffers, COmmissioner Mohammed Jaber, Events and Safety Coordinator Betsy Dine and McDonalds Manager Doug Kwiatkowski join about 100 kids who participated at the Frozen with a Firefighter event Wednesday, July 9, 2025
    Frozen with an Orland Firefighter at McDonald’s Events
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Chicago dad’s court victory brought kidnapped daughter home Dads' Rights
  • Congresswoman Robin Kelly official photo
    Leading members of State’s Gun Violence Prevention Community endorse Robin Kelly for U.S. Senate elections
  • IAM Union Logo
    IAM Union Members at Arrow Gear Ratify Strong Contract After 9 Weeks on Strike Business
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Seven Individuals Charged in Drug and Firearm Investigation Centered on South Side of Chicago Chicago
  • Donna Miller
    Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller Launches Congressional Campaign Chicago
  • Mohammed Jaber
    Mohammed Jaber takes Oath of Office for Orland Fire Commission Fire
  • The Orland Fire District responded at 6:51 pm to reports of  smoke coming out of the eves of a four unit townhome in the 10500 block of Illinois Court in the Eagle Ridge subdivision on Saturday August 10th, 2024. 
    Orland Fire District reports several 4th of July fires but no injuries accident
Actress and anti-Scientology crusader Leah Remini. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Leah Remini knocks it out of the park in Kevin Can Wait

Posted on September 28, 2017November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Leah Remini knocks it out of the park in Kevin Can Wait
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Leah Remini knocks it out of the park in Kevin Can Wait

One of my all time favorite comedy series on Television was “King of Queens” starring Kevin James and Leah Remini. I watch the reruns over and over again because the comedy of the two talented actors is phenomenal. When James launched his latest sitcom, “Kevin Can Wait,” I was disappointed that Remini was not involved. But James got smart and brought Remini in as a guest star at the end of Season 1, and as the new co-star in Season 2. And, it couldn’t be better

By Ray Hanania

One of the best TV sitcom’s ever broadcast was “King of Queens.” The series ran from 1998 until 2007 and was must-see TV for anyone who loved comedy.

Even after it ended, the reruns continue to keep people belly-laughing over each episode. The series was so good it reminded many of one of the original TV comedy shows from the 1950s, “The Honeymooners,” starring Jackie Gleason and Audrey Meadows.

The key to the series success was the combined talent of its two main stars, Kevin James and Leah Remini. Together, they make one of the funniest, most powerful personality teams on television.

But last year, in September, James launched a new sitcom, “Kevin Can Wait.” The problem was, it just wasn’t that great. It was good. I love James as an actor. His wife, Erinn Hayes was also a good comedic actress.

Kevin James at a ceremony for Adam Sandler to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

But the chemistry wasn’t there. We have gotten so used to the chemistry that was created between James and Remini in “King of Queens,” I guess we just expected so much more and that caused the disappointment. In other words, it didn’t mean that Hayes was terrible or that the show was without hope.

Clearly, that line of thinking was powerful with the public. In the final two episodes of the series, the producers brought Remini back to play the role of a former police partner for James. (In “Kevin Can Wait” James plays a retired cop.) The two shows were so popular it was clear, Remini had to return. Her amazing sitcom talent was really needed.

So the producers decided to replace Hayes with Remini. But how do you “kill off” a co-star in a sitcom you are trying to salvage? Well, you just do it without much explanation.

In the Season 2 premier last week, that’s exactly what the producers did. They brought Remini on and Hayes was gone. The only explanation came in a fast conversation between James and his series daughter Kendra, played by Taylor Sprietler, over a postcard from his deceased wife’s gym, which says they “miss” her and wonder why she hasn’t come back.

Embed from Getty Images

James sighs, “So do I,” in reading the notice with his daughter. Kendra promises to take care of it and sighs, “It’s been over a year since she died,” readies to throw the card out and starts to grab the phone to call them. James stops her and the make a joke about how the postcard offers a free Kung Fu class.

And that was it. Of course, when you are a big show, things like that grab a lot of attention.

Everyone wanted to see the premier episode with Remini, a courageous actress who is battling the bullies and haters at Scientology in her A&E TV Series, “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” which is now in Season 2.

Oh my God those Scientologists are crazy. You MUST go to the A&E Website and watch the episodes which detail the bullying and harassment by Scientologist fanatics of their critics. And you have to read the rambling frightening letters Scientologists have written to A&E viciously attacking Remini and the people who have appeared on the series.

And I mean the attacks are vicious. Horrible. Mean. Exactly what you might expect from a bully cult that has been expertly flayed by Remini in her series.

Scientologist demonstrating the e-meter as part of the “Free Stress Test” recruitment practice, taken 2005-02-15 at a Psychic Fair. Cropped to remove personal details. Category:Scientology images (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Scientologists refused to appear on the show but they send horrible, ugly letters attacking Remini. What a bunch of hypocrites!

So I am cheering for Season 2 of “Kevin Can Wait” for a lot of reasons. First, it’s funny. The chemistry between James and Remini has not lessened. It’s right up their with the 4th of July Fireworks.

Second, Remini is one courageous person standing up to Scientology bullying.

(Scientologists are also harassing and bullying me over comments I made criticizing them in a story about the sad, pathetic and dismal career of Scientologist Kirstie Alley. Her career is in a shambles. I liked Alley but wondered why she would be associated with such a brutal and mean cult of people? Make sure to click here to read that column. That ld to alot of vicious attacks against me. But all the attacks from Scientologists, the email bombs, the Twitter attacks have only helped get that column more exposure. Thanks Xenu for the support!)

“Kevin Can Wait” is plain and simple a great comedy. It’s funny. James and Remini provide a talent together that is unmatched and that truly revives the performances of great comedy actors and actresses like Gleason and Meadows.

I can’t wait to see the next episode. Scientology clearly hates Remini. The stuff they say about her is so ugly, vicious, hate-filled. Yikes.

Just because they are attacking Remini and her revival in comedy is reason enough for you to make sure you set aside time every Monday night to watch “Kevin Can Wait” on CBS TV.

Remini has nearly 600,000 followers on Twitter. You need to Follow her and show support. Click here to follow Leah Remini on Twitter.

Click here to get information on Leah Remini’s series on A&E, “Scientology, the Aftermath.” It’s so ominous and eye-opening. When you hear on that show what Scientologists do to people, you can’t help but want to support Remini and give her strength to defeat the evil-doer haters attacking her.

Most importantly, tune in to CBS every Monday to watch Kevin Can Wait. I’m sure Erinn Hayes will end up in a new series. But bringing Leah Remini back, and partnering her with Kevin James, was the right thing to do, for the sake of great TV sitcom comedy!

Click here to get more info on “Kevin Can Wait.”

Click here to read the Blog Post Scientology posted attacking me in response to my Kirstie Allie column so you can see how whacky some of them really are.

(Ray Hanania is an award winning columnist and author. Email him at rayhanania@comcast.net.)

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Orland Park Police Department Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run - July 12, 2025
  • Taste of Orland Park Returns to Village Center with Food, Fun and Festivities - July 12, 2025
  • Exclusive interview with Orland Mayor Jim Dodge says former mayor left huge debt - July 12, 2025
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Blogger, Commentary, Entertainment, Features, Opinion, rayhanania Tags:Audrey Meadows, Comedy, Erinn Hayes, Jackie Gleason, Kevin Can Wait, Kevin James, King of Queens, Leah Remini, Scientology hatred, The Honeymooners, TV series, TV Sitcom

Post navigation

Previous Post: Road Trip: Monument Valley offers amazing panoramic views
Next Post: Switched from Western Digital to Seagate for better storage

Related Posts

  • Chicago Wolves hockey player Oscar Dansk. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Wolves
    Wolves capture another division title Chicago
  • Wolves hockey game at Allstate Arena. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Chicago Wolves win over Texas Stars leading AHL Central Division 12 to 1 Chicago
  • Ray Hanania
    Race leverages next election for Chicago mayor Blogger
  • Police Squad Car, courtesy of Wikipedia
    Stop focusing on guns, focus on the criminals Blogger
  • Orland Mayoral race has state’s attention elections
  • Burger King Hamburger. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    How does your city rank for Hamburger consumption? Editors Pick

More Related Articles

Voting at polling place. Photo courtesy Unseen Histories on Unsplash Right from the Middle: Why Democrats face Midterm election losses Bill Lipinski
Bring your family out for a dino-mite experience as we step back in “tyme” to the Age of the Dinosaurs at Harvest Tyme Family Farm on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. starting August 27 through September 18, 2022. The Age of the Dinosaurs is Coming Soon to Northwest Indiana’s Family-Fun Farm Park Entertainment
Chicago Wolves hockey player Oscar Dansk. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Wolves Wolves capture another division title Chicago
Palm tree views at the Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Vacation or vaccine, escaping the COVID pandemic Blogger
Seagate 8 TB BackupPlus Hub Hard Drive. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania Switched from Western Digital to Seagate for better storage Baby Boomers
Lottery Geeks releases frequency of which numbers are most selected by lottery New study reveals which are the most selected lottery numbers Business

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Everything you need to know about your Property Index Number or PIN
    July 12, 2025
  • Jeffery M. Leving fights for your rights
    Chicago parents and other community leaders must work together to make sure this summer isn’t deadly for our children
    July 3, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    How Technology Changed the Cook County Treasurer’s Office
    June 27, 2025
  • Attorneys Jeffery Leving Arthur Kallow
    Honoring Fathers: A Father’s Day Reflection
    June 13, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Understanding Cook County Property Taxes: A Guide for Homeowners
    June 13, 2025
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Two Guys on Politics Podcast on Elon Musk, Trump’s Parade, LA Riots, and Middle East ban
    June 12, 2025
  • NEWS
  • Police Blotter
    Orland Park Police Department Investigating Fatal Hit-and-Run
    July 12, 2025
  • Taste of Orland Park 2025
    Taste of Orland Park Returns to Village Center with Food, Fun and Festivities
    July 12, 2025
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png
  • SPORTS
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves hockey unveil 2025-26 Season schedule
    July 12, 2025
  • SeatGeek Stadium
    Chivas de Guadalajara and Club Leon to meet in Chicago
    July 12, 2025
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Taste of Orland Park 2025
    Taste of Orland Park Returns to Village Center with Food, Fun and Festivities
    July 12, 2025
  • Orland Park Mayor Jim Dodge
    Exclusive interview with Orland Mayor Jim Dodge says former mayor left huge debt
    July 12, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme