The episode, directed by Jerry Zaks from a story and teleplay by Lew Schneider, originally aired on CBS on November 11, 2002.

Lauren and Neil then inform Ray and Debra of Spencer being diagnosed as "gifted," which is a reason for his conduct and the couple's inability to start relationships with other people.

When the family leaves, Ray and Debra also notice Spencer being unable to follow his parents' order, and they ultimately agree not to have the Williamsons back over.

At the home of Ray's parents, Frank also uses letter magnets to spell "Marie Stinks" on the fridge, which upsets his wife.

"The Annoying Kid" was written by Jerry Zaks, his second writing credit for Everybody Loves Raymond's seventh season after "The Sigh;"[1] and directed by Lew Schneider.

[6] Screen Rant, in 2019, ranked it the ninth funniest Raymond episode, stating, "The premise of a schoolyard-style grudge match between a man and someone old enough to be his son is funny enough, but the authentic performance by the child, played by Brett Buford, adds a little extra something.