For Your Consideration: Somebody Feed Phil

This edition of “For Your Consideration” features the hidden food-eating gem that is Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. Now, Phil Rosenthal didn’t get his start in food. He is most likely best known as being the creator of the beloved sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. Since the show ended, Phil has jumped from behind the camera to taking people around the world on his hilarious eating tour.

The Premise

At ATX Television Festival in Austin, Texas, Rosenthal told the fans that when he pitched his show for Netflix, he described it as the late Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown, but as if Bourdain was scared of everything. In each episode, Phil navigates a new country as he tastes everything, while also learning about the culture. The twist is he does it with a smile and laughing the whole way through.

Phil isn’t trying to be a food expert. Instead, his show is like watching an everyday average Joe wander through countries while trying things out. He makes it realistic and takes viewers to places that can easily be visited. He even created a website showing every place he’s highlighted on his show so fans can visit, too.

Why You Should Watch

There are so many food travel shows out there now. Phil just brings something different. In season two, Phil travels to Venice and his interactions with people is worth watching the show for. Instead of just going and tasting food, Phil also tries something new. In Venice, he learns how to row a gondola. The entire thing is hilarious to watch because Phil is so relatable. He is the kind of guy who, if you saw him on the street,  would easily stop and talk your ear off for an hour or more.

At the end of his episodes he always tries to incorporate his family in some way. His parents alone steal the show as they Skype him while shooting. People not only allow Phil into their restaurants and homes, but he welcomes them into his life as he’s traveling around.

It’s hard to find a good travel food show that’s not only funny or relatable but also easily bingeable. Season one has six hour-long episodes that spans from Saigon to New Orleans. It’s so easy to sit down and get lost in the world Phil is showing you. Warning, you will get hungry in the process.

Season two of Somebody Feed Phil premieres on Netflix July 6.