12 Netflix Characters Who Are Obsessed With Food
Updated: Jan. 13, 2023From Joey Tribbiani to Leslie Knope—these foodie characters are some of the most beloved. So cue up Netflix and settle in with your fave's fave dish.
In the fictional worlds of nonstop work drama, failed romances and murder mysteries, there is one thing that brings our favorite characters together—food. They’re obsessed, but frankly, who isn’t? Grab your popcorn (and these other couch potato recipes), we’re listing our favorite foodies worth watching on Netflix.
Ron Swanson, Parks and Rec
Besides woodworking, Ron Swanson’s other love in life is meat. When asked in one episode if he’d like some salad, Ron replies, “Since I am not a rabbit, no I would not.” One of his favorite foods is a bacon-wrapped turkey leg, known in the fictional town of Pawnee as “The Swanson.”
Monica Geller, Friends
We love Monica. Not only because she shares our passion for cleaning and organization but because she has a passion for cooking. Though a few of her fancy restaurant recipes might not be what we’d serve at weeknight dinner (whipped fish anyone?), we love her enthusiasm to make meals for family and friends. You may not know this yet, but the popular cafe Central Perk is opening for real this time.
Hosting Friendsgiving this year? Check out our best tips.
Red, Orange is the New Black
You don’t want to mess with Red. This fiery Russian cook rules the roost at Litchfield Penitentiary, the minimum-security prison in which this popular series takes place. Though faced with scant resources, her thrifty character makes due by foraging for fresh foods in the prison’s garden.
Joey Tribbiani, Friends
Who can forget Joey’s Thanksgiving pants? Though Monica insisted that he didn’t have to eat the entire turkey, Joey replied, “Oh yes, I do. Otherwise, what’s next? Today I’m just a guy who can’t finish a turkey but tomorrow I’m the guy who eats half a power bar, wraps up the rest and puts it in the fridge? No! I’ve just got to change my pants!” Never give up on your dreams.
If you want to feel like you’re drinking coffee with all of your favorite Friends characters like Joey, pick up some Friends coffee creamer to go in your favorite cup of joe.
Eleven, Stranger Things
There’s really only one food that Eleven, the star of Stranger Things, is obsessed with: Eggo waffles. (Try these insanely delicious recipes that use frozen waffles!) After being introduced to the toaster-friendly delights, Eleven is seen stealing as many boxes as she can carry from a local grocery store. Can we blame her?
Leslie Knope, Parks and Rec
Truth: Waffles have changed a lot of peoples’ lives. This statement is true for the fictional character Leslie Knope, the Deputy Director of the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Indiana. The breakfast-lover once said, “We need to remember what’s important in life: friends, waffles, work. Or waffles, friends, work. Doesn’t matter, but work is third.” We couldn’t agree more.
Gabi Diamond, Young and Hungry
Gabi is a spunky young chef who’s after our own hearts. In the series, she’s obsessed with cooking and cites Julia Child as her idol. (Fall in love with these Julia Child-inspired recipes!) What’s more, she ends up getting the gig cooking for a tech millionaire after whipping up her uber-comforting grilled cheese. Learn the power of comfort food with these recipes.
Joyce Barnaby, Midsomer Murders
In this British murder mystery series, Joyce, wife of Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby, tries to soothe her workaholic husband’s stress with a home-cooked meal. However, her love for cooking is not backed up with an equal amount of talent, which results in a running joke that Tom takes every opportunity possible to dine out. Maybe she should try one of our restaurant copycat recipes?
Kevin Malone, The Office
Ever the gourmet, Kevin says his favorite food is Cup O Noodles. (Ha!) As it turns out, he’s also a whiz in the kitchen. The character touts that his famous chili is the thing he does best. His trick? Undercook the onions. Unfortunately, before Kevin gets the chance to serve his signature dish, he spills the gigantic pot on the carpet before anyone arrives and desperately tries to scoop it up with file folders.
Sookie St. James, Gilmore Girls
Who could forget the time when Melissa McCarthy played a funny, somewhat crazy and accident-prone chef on Gilmore Girls? Sookie fell in love with a farmer and the produce supplier for the Independence Inn. They met by adorably bickering about his produce. That’s right, love can come from vegetables, everyone. That’s one more reason to gush over these veggie-packed recipes.
