Though he may lack the subtle, snarky sincerity of the late Anthony Bourdain, and despite the tips of his hair being noticeably unfrosted, Phil Rosenthal (Everybody Loves Raymond, I’ll Have What Phil’s Having) has undoubtedly cemented himself among the best hosts in the increasingly popular genre of food and travel documentary television programs with Somebody Feed Phil. He has a certain corny charm that, when coupled with a craving for creative chow, makes for a must-watch television program.

Food has long been a staple of American entertainment. Of course, a lot of this can be attributed to the food fixation of the standard American. Watching mouth-watering meals can often serve as a suitable alternative to stuffing one’s face. However, it’s worth noting the American fixation with flavorful food television goes beyond the rumblings of their respective tum-tums. Rather, it is an appreciation for the cultural underpinnings behind the culinary creations presented that keep viewers engaged.

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Somebody Feed Phil is so much more than just a food show, and as such, the upcoming season six is highly anticipated.

Phil’s Ph-amily

Phil Rosenthal has had a lot of success throughout the course of his decades-long entertainment career. If one were to ask him, he’d likely contribute the bulk of that success to his upbringing: more broadly, his family. Many episodes from the show’s earlier seasons featured video calls from Phil’s parents, Max and Helen, a pair of jovial Jewish jokesters.

Unfortunately, Helen passed away in 2019, and Max in 2021, though he continued to make appearances on the show despite his wife’s loss and declining health, always ready with a classic street joke to entertain the Somebody Feed Phil audience.

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In more recent seasons, Phil has introduced audiences to his own family: his wife, daughter, and son. Though longtime fans of the series will miss the parental connection Phil was able to share, his relationship with his wife and children serves as a continuation of that spirit and never fails to make audiences smile, be it at the embarrassed expressions on his children’s faces or the lovey-dovey laughter he shares with his wife.

Heading to Houston

     Netflix

In recent years, Houston’s population swelled to overtake Chicago, and this Texas titan became the third-largest city in the United States. With this surge in population came all manner of foreign food influences, and Houston is now regarded as one of the most exciting culinary cities in the nation. While historically, Texas has primarily become associated with its massive meat meals, the myriad selections available in the contemporary Houston food scene go far beyond standard barbecued beef.

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Somehow, despite having sample culinary creations the world over, including several Southern spots, Phil hasn’t made his way down to Houston. In all honesty, a trip to the largest city in Texas might cause a few problems for the Somebody Feed Phil production team. Between the innumerable ethnic influences that have populated the city center, and the long-standing culinary traditions of the Lone Star state, those in charge of restaurant selection and coordination for the show will have a difficult time deciding where to do the titular feeding of Phil.

Will they opt for traditional Texas tri-tips, venture into vegan vittles, find a fancy French place, or dine at one of the countless Vietnamese restaurants founded by immigrants who now call the Houston heartland home?

In order to create a successful food television show, those responsible for its creation must be aware of the cultural underpinnings of the foods featured. Somebody Feed Phil fully understands this idea, and the titular Phil is often intelligently interviewing the local restaurateur on their personal and cultural history behind their excellent eateries. Be it American restaurant owners discussing their restaurant’s ancestral lineage.

Since season one of Somebody Feed Phil, which was released back in 2018, Phil has not shied away from exploring all corners of the globe in his search for the next magnificent mouthful. Though every season has its fair share of domestic dining, Phil will absolutely travel abroad in the upcoming season six, and audiences can expect him to employ his earnest empathic ear as he enjoys eccentric ethnic eats.

There’s something refreshing about a television food show that isn’t building upon a foundation of cut-throat competition or overly-extravagant eats. At the end of the day, Phil just wants to be fed. Fortunately for him and the legions of fans who have fallen in love with this tasty travel show, there is no shortage of respectable restaurateurs willing to share their spectacularly seasoned culinary creations with Netflix audiences. Viewers will surely enjoy his appetizing antics whenever Phil finds himself in season six.