Movies & TV / Columns

15 TV Characters to Invite to a Dinner Party 

August 3, 2020 | Posted by Steve Gustafson
Tyrion Lannister Game of Thrones Image Credit: HBO

What a strange subject but one that I thought about while rewatching an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Yes, there are several classic scenes based around the dinner table on that show but this is the particular one I’m referencing:

I figured I’d put together a list of TV characters I’d invite over for a dinner party. Pretty basic. If they’ve been on TV, they’re fair game. And to be clear, they’re  not all coming at the same time. Just a party with this person and your friends. No wrong answers here. Have fun with it. 

As far as characters I’d invite, I find myself agreeing with Larry David (Curb Your Enthusiasm) more often than not and his dry wit along with his various observations make him a no-brainer to invite to a party. I’ve seen enough examples to know that it certainly wouldn’t be boring. 

To keep a dinner party interesting, someone with juicy gossip and engaging stories is a plus. Who has bigger stories than Fox Mulder (X-Files)? Sure he might lurk in the corners for a while but once you get him talking, just stand back and let him talk. Some guests might be a little turned off but now we live in a time where conspiracy theories are taken as absolute fact, he’s a guest people will long be talking about.

Who knows? If he’s in a good mood he can tell us about his alien abduction. 

Speaking of gossip, Olivia Pope (Scandal) would have plenty of it. I live just outside DC and she’d be a hit based on her social circles alone. But even outside the DMV, being a crisis manager that specializes in “fixing” political situations and scandals is a pretty cool job title to drop at a party. Instant circle of people listening to her stories. 

Switching gears, how great would it be to have Tyrion LannisterGame of Thrones) holding court? Tyrion is magnificently quotable and, as he eloquently said, “I drink and I know things”. All the makings for a great time. Just be sure to have plenty of wine on hand. 

Plus, in the case of a little gambling during the party, a Lannister always pays his debts. 

Then we have Jean-Luc Picard (Star Trek: The Next Generation), who would bring a level of class and distinction to the festivities. Not only that, he’s Captain of a starship! Forget eating, let this gentleman regale us with stories of the great unknown!   

Extra points to Captain Picard if he came to the door wearing his Borg outfit, as a gag. 
Also, I know some of you will list Sir Patrick Stewart himself since he played himself on Extras. I get it. He was brilliant in that so I’ll allow it. 

Bring it back to earth, can you imagine a dinner with Fred Sanford (Sanford & Son)? Every party needs that person who says what everyone else is thinking. That’s where Mr. Sanford comes in. Plus, he’d keep things grounded by bringing the Ripple. 
If possible, I’d have Esther join him because you can just imagine how funny things would get once they started going at it. 

Funny stories and life of intrigue are all great but what about some tricks? Who better to supply them than Gob Bluth (Arrested Development)? He might not be on the level of David Blaine or A Gan, but he’s got presence and that goes a long way. He also brings a certain unpredictability to the gathering and that’s always a treat. 
Come on! 

Liz Lemon (30 Rock) would bring the laughs…and the awkward. She’d make everyone feel a little bit better about themselves after seeing a few self high fives and her impressive eating skills. Once things go rolling, the night would be filled with magic…and lizzing. 

I went back and forth on this next but if I was taking someone from The Office, I’d go with Dwight Schrute. You need someone that’s a wealth of knowledge on bears, beets, and Battlestar Galactica

If something happens, he knows his CPR and could be a valuable hand. That’s something that can’t be measured by usual standards. Get the ball rolling by asking him to describe himself and you’re good to go. 

Keep an eye on this next guy because Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother) would be legen…wait for it…dary. He’s a walking party all on his own and when you put him in the right environment, he’ll shine.

Afterward we can get a solid game of Lazer Tag going and then suit up for some bar hopping.  

Sergeant Terry Jeffords (Brooklyn Nine Nine) enthusiasm would be a lively jolt to the event. “The Ebony Falcon” has plenty of stories to share, especially from the ninety ninth precinct. 
Be sure to have lots of yogurt for him. 

When you’re a successful business owner, people will gravitate towards you. When they gravitate to George Jefferson (The Jeffersons), expect fireworks. He’s a fun guy but won’t tolerate the BS. Avoid talking about his height and hairline. 

Like Olivia Pope, Selina Meyer (VEEP) would be a hit at any event, local or nationally. Selina has the stories, the (political) charm, and humor to be a fun addition to the party. Would she have her staff around her? Either way, I’d be spending the evening trying to get her to dance.

Wait. That’s Elaine. Forget the dancing. 

Wouldn’t we all dream of Jeannie (I Dream of Jeannie) at one of our parties? For the most part I stuck with fairly grounded TV characters but with Jeannie, it opens up a world of possibilities. From tales of her past adventures to some pretty cool party tricks, Jeannie would be the life of the party. 

I’ll close with everyone’s favorite, Kermit the Frog (The Muppets). He’s an easy one. He’s everyone’s friend, is always down with great advice, and would be fun to sing some songs with. What more could you want? 

Your turn! Who would you invite over? Maybe this guy…