The Business Food > fights: Phil Rosenthal on ‘Somebody Feed Phil’
Jun 27, 2025
Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and host of Somebody Feed Phil, shares insights with TV critic Eric Deggans. They discuss the shifting landscape of the television industry and how data can be manipulated by studios. Phil reflects humorously on his food series, likening it to 'Anthony Bourdain if he was afraid of everything.' He also recounts the unexpected rise of his show after it faced cancellation, emphasizing the power of personal storytelling and the connections made through food.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Sitcom Creator to Travel Host
- After success with "Everybody Loves Raymond," Phil struggled to launch a travel show.
- Netflix finally embraced his concept, making "Somebody Feed Phil" the streamer’s longest running unscripted original.
Origin of 'Somebody Feed Phil'
- Phil Rosenthal's travel show idea started from a conversation with Ray Romano about his disinterest in travel.
- Filming Romano's Italy episode changed his mindset, inspiring Rosenthal to create "Somebody Feed Phil."
Skepticism on Data's Reliability
- Phil Rosenthal views data from Netflix and TV testing as manipulable and subjective.
- He believes data can be twisted to fit agendas, making it less reliable for decisions.