‘‘Check, Please! Arizona,’’ the top local show on Arizona PBS station Channel 8, has been canceled after eight seasons.
Since the show began in 2011, each 30-minute episode has featured a chef host – originally Robert McGrath, more recently Mark Tarbell – leading a discussion with three viewer-reviewers who each visit three Arizona restaurants.
Since its launch, ‘‘Check, Please!’’ – a concept shared by PBS stations nationwide – consistently has been the Arizona station’s No. 1-rated local program. Nearly 300 restaurants have been featured. You can find an archive of all episodes here.
In its place, Channel 8 will debut a new show, ‘‘Plate and Pour,’’ also hosted by Tarbell, on Jan. 10.
According to Channel 8’s website: ‘‘Using Phoenix as a launchpad, he’ll showcase a wide variety of cuisines, locales and viewer-nominated restaurants. Mark will join chefs in the kitchen, interview owners, chat with bartenders and more.’’
