Emmy-winner Phil Rosenthal Embarks on a Series of Culinary Adventures on Arizona PBS

Award-winning comedian and food enthusiast Phil Rosenthal invites Eight’s viewers to join him on his exotic and humorous culinary adventures in “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having.”

PHOENIX – (July 14, 2015)

Eight, Arizona PBS invites audiences to join an international culinary exploration with Phil Rosenthal, the creator of the TV hit “Everybody Loves Raymond” and one of Hollywood’s funniest producers, by tuning in to his new show “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having,” premiering Monday, Sept. 28, at 9 p.m. on Eight HD.

The series will feature six one-hour episodes exploring a variety of foods and cultures as seen from Rosenthal’s humorous perspective. Host Rosenthal explores culinary capitals of the world and dines on regional specialties, all while pushing the boundaries of his palate – and the viewers’ – in his funny, unforgettable travels. In his search for the best of a city’s specialty, or one of its most unusual cuisines, Rosenthal entertains the audience while making connections all over the world.

“This isn’t your average culinary television show,” said Nancy Southgate, associate general manager of content for Eight, Arizona PBS, “This series blends Phil Rosenthal’s famous sense of humor with his genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for exotic foods, which is a recipe for a truly one-of-a-kind program. We’re looking forward to sharing this comical and cultural experience with Eight’s viewers.”

In “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having,” Rosenthal sets his sights on kitchens both on and off the well-worn gastronomic path, where he meets those who are keeping traditions alive and creating new ones. Viewers will travel with him from Hong Kong to Barcelona, from Paris to Tokyo, and from a three-star Michelin restaurant in an Italian palazzo to a Los Angeles bakery training former gang members. Rosenthal is a food enthusiast, but as he was growing up, he was not exposed to any adventurous eating.

“My mother was not a fantastic cook,” said Rosenthal, who was part of two primetime Emmy wins for Outstanding Comedy Series. “Our oven had a setting for ‘shoe.’ But I’ve always loved family, food, travel and humor. That’s how I connect with people. I'm not your typical adventurer. So, I’m hoping folks will look at a nebbish like me exploring the world and trying new things and say, ‘If that guy can go outside maybe I can, too.’”                                     In each hour-long episode, the unscripted series brings Rosenthal to a different location, where he embarks on new adventures, visiting artisans, markets, vineyards and farmers, trying the special culinary treats and unusual ingredients each community has to offer. He also learns tricks of the trade from food authorities like David Lebovitz, author of “The Sweet Life in Paris,” and Nancy Silverton, the 2014 winner of the James Beard Foundation’s Outstanding Chef Award. His Los Angeles guests, including Allison Janney, Ray Romano, Martin Short and Larry Wilmore, share in Rosenthal’s discoveries while trying some food for the first time.

“We hope Phil’s quirky, adventurous spirit will inspire audiences to have their own culinary discoveries, big or small,” said Laurie Donnelly, executive producer of the series, “and to say, ‘I’ll have what Phil’s having.’”

Production Credits
“I'll Have What Phil's Having” is a production of Zero Point Zero Production, Inc., Lucky Bastard, Inc., and Studio Six at WGBH Boston. ©2015 WGBH Educational Foundation and Lucky Bastard, Inc. Host: Phil Rosenthal. Executive Producers: Phil Rosenthal, Laurie Donnelly, Richard Rosenthal, John Bedolis, Chris Collins, Lydia Tenaglia, Craig Shepherd. Executive-in-Charge for Studio Six, Denise DiIanni.