.jpg)
From a steaming shepherd’s pie on a rainy night in Happy Valley, to the luxe brunches of Bridgerton, or even the comfort foods of Friends, TV shows don’t just entertain us—they inspire us in the kitchen too.
Here’s how you can bring a little screen magic to your own table by recreating meals eaten by iconic characters from beloved series.
1. Friends – Monica’s Thanksgiving Feast
Monica Geller, a chef by trade, set the bar for holiday food. Recreate her Thanksgiving feast with:
Roast turkey – Brined and oven-roasted with herbed butter
Cranberry sauce – Homemade with orange zest
Sweet potato mash with marshmallows – Very American, very indulgent
Don’t forget Rachel’s infamous trifle – maybe without the beef and peas!
Fun Fact: Jennifer Aniston says she ate the same salad every day on set — a crunchy mix of bulgur, cucumber, parsley, mint, red onion, chickpeas, and feta.
2. Game of Thrones – Medieval Banquet Fare
Whether you’re Team Stark or Team Lannister, nothing screams Westeros like a medieval-style feast:
Honeyed chicken – Spiced and roasted, then glazed with honey and herbs
Baked apples and nuts
Crusty bread and rustic cheeses
Ale or mulled wine to wash it all down
There’s even an official Game of Thrones cookbook, A Feast of Ice and Fire, if you want to go full maester.
3. Downton Abbey – Elegant Edwardian Dining
Channel the grandeur of the Crawleys’ dining room with:
Beef Wellington
Pea and mint soup served in fine china
Lemon syllabub or spotted dick with custard for dessert
Accompanied by a good bottle of claret or a post-dinner sherry
Remember: courses were numerous and portions small — elegance over indulgence.
4. Stranger Things – 1980s American Comfort Food
Head back to Hawkins, Indiana, with nostalgic bites like:
Eggo waffles (Eleven’s go-to snack)
Sloppy Joes
Tater tots or TV dinners
Wash down with Coca-Cola (New Coke edition, if you dare)
Bonus: Create a retro playlist to match the vibe.
5. The Bear – Modern Chef-Inspired Dishes
Want something more restaurant-realistic? The Bear on Disney+ showcases gritty kitchen culture and creative cooking. Try your hand at:
Italian beef sandwiches – Inspired by the show's Chicago roots
Carmy’s omelette with Boursin cheese and chives
Handmade pasta with rich ragu
Tip: This is a great opportunity to sharpen your knife skills or plate like a pro.
How to Start Your TV Food Journey
Watch with intent – Pause scenes to note what’s being eaten
Use official or fan-made cookbooks – Many exist for popular shows
Recreate the vibe – Set the table or decorate to match the setting
Host a watch party dinner – Pair episodes with matching meals
Final Thoughts
Food on screen does more than fuel the plot—it tells us who characters are and where they come from. Recreating these meals at home is not just a culinary adventure; it's a chance to connect more deeply with the stories we love.
So whether you’re nibbling a Hobbit’s second breakfast or sipping tea like a Bridgerton, TV-inspired cooking is a delicious way to binge-watch with purpose.
Have you recreated a dish from a show you love? Share it on social media and tag us with #TVDinnerChallenge!