Phil Rosenthal, the Emmy-winning creator best known for Everybody Loves Raymond and the globe-trotting host of Somebody Feed Phil, is making a move that's shaking up the streaming world. On March 10, 2026, Rosenthal announced that after eight successful seasons on Netflix, his beloved food and travel series will shift to YouTube starting with Season 9 in 2027. The news, first reported by major outlets including Deadline, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter, marks a rare reversal in the typical flow of streaming content—and signals a new era of creator-driven distribution.
For years, Netflix has been known for acquiring hits that originated elsewhere, such as Cobra Kai from YouTube and podcasts from digital-first stars. But Rosenthal’s decision to take Somebody Feed Phil from a subscription giant to the world’s largest free video platform flips that script. It’s not just a business move—it’s a statement about creative freedom, audience access, and the evolving landscape of digital entertainment.
"One of the things I always loved about Everybody Loves Raymond was that it was free to watch everywhere," Rosenthal said in a statement to Deadline. "We are thrilled to announce that Somebody Feed Phil will move to YouTube, where our message of family, friendship, food, travel, and laughs can reach the most people." For Rosenthal, the shift is about more than just platforms—it's about returning to the ethos of broadcast TV, where anyone could tune in without a paywall.
The transition is part of a broader strategic partnership with Banijay Americas and Banijay Rights, two heavyweights in global content production and distribution. Rosenthal’s own Lucky Bastards production company is also at the table, ensuring that he retains creative control and ownership of his intellectual property—a rarity in today’s streaming ecosystem. The new deal launches in 2027, with Season 9 of Somebody Feed Phil premiering exclusively on the Phil Rosenthal World YouTube channel. Alongside full-length episodes, fans can expect a slate of short-form and behind-the-scenes content tailored for digital audiences.
Importantly, fans who discovered the show on Netflix won’t be left behind. All eight existing seasons will remain available on Netflix indefinitely, so viewers can revisit Rosenthal’s culinary adventures across the globe—from Amsterdam to Manila—anytime they wish. But going forward, new episodes and bonus material will live on YouTube, where anyone with an internet connection can watch for free.
Banijay’s involvement is a crucial piece of the puzzle. The company, which oversees global hits like MasterChef, Big Brother, and Survivor, brings serious distribution muscle. Banijay Americas CEO Ben Samek praised Rosenthal as "one of the rare creators who consistently stays ahead of where the industry is going." In his words, "Partnering with a filmmaker and storyteller of his caliber is incredibly exciting for us. Alongside Banijay Americas and Banijay Rights, we are proud to support Phil as he ushers his brand into its next era. YouTube represents a natural evolution and a place where audiences can engage with his voice and humor as we build a global digital home for Phil Rosenthal World."
Cathy Payne, CEO of Banijay Rights, echoed that sentiment. She highlighted Banijay’s "forward-thinking approach to YouTube and digital monetization," describing the deal as a way to expand their activity across YouTube, FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television), and AVOD (Advertising Video On Demand) platforms both domestically and internationally. In short, the partnership isn’t just about YouTube—it’s about building a multi-platform digital empire for Rosenthal’s brand.
This move also opens the door for Rosenthal to experiment beyond the familiar format of Somebody Feed Phil. According to Deadline, Banijay and Rosenthal are actively exploring opportunities for additional short-form content and possibly new shows under the Phil Rosenthal World banner. The flexibility of YouTube and ad-supported models gives Rosenthal unprecedented freedom to connect with fans and try new creative ventures without the restrictions imposed by a single subscription platform.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t Rosenthal’s first platform switch. The series originally launched as I’ll Have What Phil’s Having on PBS in 2015. When public funding dried up, Netflix stepped in, rebranding the show as Somebody Feed Phil and giving it a global audience. Over eight seasons, Rosenthal’s humor, warmth, and curiosity turned the show into a cult favorite, celebrated for its celebration of food, culture, and human connection. Now, with the move to YouTube, Rosenthal is once again betting on accessibility and audience reach over exclusivity.
The timing of the announcement is notable as well. Banijay, already a powerhouse with more than 130 creative companies across 25 territories, recently announced a strategic merger with All3Media, creating a production behemoth valued at around $8 billion. In 2025 alone, Banijay launched over 250 new non-scripted titles and 100 scripted series, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and scale. The partnership with Rosenthal fits neatly into Banijay’s strategy of supporting creators who want to control their own destinies in the digital age.
For Rosenthal, the move also comes on the heels of several personal milestones. He recently hosted an Everybody Loves Raymond reunion special on CBS, reuniting with star Ray Romano and delighting longtime fans. He also opened his own restaurant, Max & Helen’s, in Los Angeles—proof that his passion for food and storytelling extends well beyond the screen.
Industry analysts see Rosenthal’s YouTube pivot as a sign of broader changes in the streaming wars. As subscription fatigue grows and viewers seek out free, flexible options, more creators may follow Rosenthal’s lead, embracing platforms that offer both reach and creative autonomy. The hybrid model—keeping legacy seasons on Netflix while launching new content on YouTube and AVOD—lets creators maximize both revenue and audience engagement. It’s a win-win for fans and for the creative minds behind the shows they love.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Phil Rosenthal is determined to stay ahead of the curve. By moving Somebody Feed Phil to YouTube, he’s not just changing platforms—he’s redefining what it means to be a creator in the digital age, making sure that family, friendship, food, travel, and laughter remain free for everyone to enjoy.