Do TV Shows Really Use Real Food in Meals?

When it comes to portraying meals on screen, many people wonder whether the food used is real or whether it is fake, designed for the camera but not for consumption. This article delves into the reality behind TV shows and the use of real food in their meals, debunking common myths and providing insights from behind the scenes.

The Argument Against Real Food

Some might argue that using real food in TV shows is impractical and even uncomfortable for the cast members. The idea is that real food could be messy to handle, take time to prepare, and could affect the actors' performances if they were required to act while their mouths are full. One could imagine a scenario where an actor choosing to eat fake food instead—a wax-coated carrot, for instance—would make the scene look more polished and easier to capture.

The Use of Real Food in TV Shows

However, the reality is quite different from what some might imagine. In fact, many TV shows opt to use real food in their scenes for authenticity. This decision is made to maintain the realism and relatability of the show, as fake food can often look unnatural and disrupt the viewer's immersion. Multiple TV shows and episodes have done away with the use of fake food and opted for real meals, which is not only more practical but also more believable.

Example: The TV Show Lexx

For instance, in the TV series Lексс, the food also had to be authentic. During production, the crew took pains to use real food in scenes where the Lexx was dispensing meals. In the earlier seasons, the actors consumed mashed yams, while later seasons featured a taste change to rice pudding. This move towards using real food aligns with the show's commitment to providing viewers with a realistic and engaging experience.

Another Example: Friday Night Dinner

Similarly, in the Friday Night Dinner episode, the authenticity of the food played a crucial role. During the scenes, one of the actresses had to play the role of a girlfriend to one of the Goodman boys, a character known for his love of meat. However, the actress took it upon herself to play a character, putting aside her own preferences and focusing on the authenticity of the meal. Unfortunately, this decision took a toll on her, as she ended up with a buildup of potatoes, leading to discomfort and a bad stomach.

The Benefits of Using Real Food

Using real food in TV shows brings numerous benefits. It allows actors to truly engage with the food, making their performances more natural and less artificial. The authenticity of the meals also leads to better storytelling, as it provides a more genuine representation of the characters’ lifestyles and experiences. This approach also resonates with the viewers, who appreciate the realism conveyed through the food used in the scenes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TV shows often do use real food in their meals, contrary to some popular beliefs. The use of real food not only enhances the authenticity of the show but also aids in creating a more engaging and relatable viewing experience for the audience. So, the next time you watch your favorite TV show with a full plate of food, you can be sure that the actors are also focused on the authenticity of their meals.

Keywords: TV show food, real food in TV, food authenticity in entertainment