20 TV Characters Who’ll Cook a Better Thanksgiving Meal Than Your Grandma
Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and questionable traditions, like serving that one Jell-O dish no one actually eats. But while most of us rely on Grandma’s overcooked turkey or Aunt Susan’s dry stuffing, some TV characters could deliver a meal so good, it’d make your grandma retire her apron. These fictional chefs, bakers, and culinary wizards whip up spreads that make you wonder why they’re not running Michelin-starred restaurants. Let’s see who might outshine your family cook this Thanksgiving.
Sookie St. James – Gilmore Girls
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Sookie is the friend everyone dreams of having during the holidays. A creative whirlwind in the kitchen, she’s known for turning simple ingredients into meals that are as indulgent as they are comforting. Her attention to detail borders on obsessive, but the results? Worth every meltdown. Thanksgiving with Sookie would mean a spread so delicious it’d silence even the loudest family squabbles.
Bob Belcher – Bob’s Burgers
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Bob is the ultimate Thanksgiving traditionalist, treating the holiday with the reverence of a national treasure. He talks to his turkey, gives it a name, and lovingly bastes it for hours. He’s also a stickler for sides, ensuring everything from the cranberry sauce to the stuffing hits the table in perfect harmony. Sure, his kids might throw chaos into the mix, but Bob’s passion for food ensures every bite is a winner.
Monica Geller – Friends
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Monica’s competitive streak might be exhausting, but it guarantees one thing: her Thanksgiving meals are flawless. She’s been crowned the Queen of Friendsgiving for good reason, cooking up elaborate spreads that could put professional chefs to shame. Expect multiple courses, three types of potatoes (to appease everyone’s preferences), and desserts that redefine indulgence.
Red Reznikov – Orange Is the New Black
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Red’s ingenuity in the kitchen knows no bounds, even when working with the limited resources of a prison pantry. She’s the queen of stretching ingredients, creating meals that feel extravagant on the slimmest of budgets. Imagine what she could do with an actual grocery store at her disposal. Thanksgiving with Red wouldn’t just be delicious—it’d feel resourceful and oddly heartwarming.
Abuela Villanueva – Jane the Virgin
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Abuela Villanueva brings Latin flair to everything she cooks, and Thanksgiving would be no exception. Her dishes are rich in tradition and flavor, blending classic holiday staples with cultural favorites that keep everyone coming back for seconds. She’s also the perfect dinner guest—warm, wise, and always ready with a story or two.
David Rossi – Criminal Minds
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Rossi approaches cooking the same way he does everything else: with precision and passion. He believes in the power of food to bring people together, and his recipes often have roots in his Italian heritage. Thanksgiving with Rossi would be a sophisticated affair, filled with dishes that taste like they came straight from a Tuscan kitchen.
Mrs. Patmore – Downton Abbey
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If anyone understands the importance of a flawless meal, it’s Mrs. Patmore. She’s spent years perfecting the art of cooking for aristocrats, which means Thanksgiving at her table would be nothing short of regal. From perfectly baked pies to side dishes so intricate they feel like art, her feast would leave even the Dowager Countess impressed.
Pops Tate – Riverdale
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Pops might be better known for his burgers and milkshakes, but don’t underestimate his ability to pull off a hearty Thanksgiving dinner. His retro diner vibes add a cozy charm to the meal, and you can bet his food would be as comforting as it is delicious. Plus, who doesn’t want a milkshake with their turkey?
Midge Maisel – The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
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Midge Maisel may be the queen of quick wit, but her cooking skills deserve equal applause. Known for her brisket, she’d bring a retro touch to Thanksgiving, complete with perfectly plated hors d’oeuvres and a feast worthy of a mid-century cookbook. Her table would be equal parts glamorous and delicious.
Jacob – Grace and Frankie
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Jacob’s Thanksgiving table would feel like a warm hug. His culinary expertise, paired with his calm demeanor, makes him the ideal holiday chef. Known as the “Yam Man,” Jacob doesn’t just cook food—he creates experiences. Expect dishes that are wholesome, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Karen Roe – One Tree Hill
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Karen’s Cafe was always a gathering spot, and her Thanksgiving meals would be no different. Her love of cooking, paired with her dedication to making people feel welcome, ensures that her food doesn’t just taste good—it feels like home. Plus, her Italian culinary training would add a unique twist to classic dishes.
Raj Koothrappali – The Big Bang Theory
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Raj’s attention to detail extends beyond astrophysics and into the kitchen. His Thanksgiving meals are thoughtfully prepared, balancing traditional staples with exotic flavors. He’s the kind of host who would carefully label every dish and probably include a seating chart to optimize your dining experience.
Janet – The Good Place
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Janet can literally summon anything, so Thanksgiving at her table would be more about the endless possibilities than her actual cooking skills. Want cranberry sauce made from berries that don’t stain? Done. Turkey with zero dry spots? Easy. Janet’s Thanksgiving would be effortless, delicious, and borderline magical.