Not your mother’s TV dinner

Game of Thrones returns for a new season on April 17, so it’s time to answer the burning question, “What would Khaleesi serve?” Food52 has the answer wtih a bevy of recipes to celebrate the return of the series, with each dish based on a quote from one of the George R.R. Martin books that underpin the show. Meanwhile, fans of Mad Men are dusting off their cocktail shakers and breaking out the gelatin molds to kick off the seventh season on April 13.

Much like tailgating at sporting events, viewing parties, often replete with costumes, have become more important than the actual event for some people. Downton Abbey parties feature vintage clothing and Mrs. Patmore’s London Particular. That show inspired not one, but four cookbooks. The Sopranos naturally springs to mind as a show that was made for a cookbook, but even shows where food isn’t prominently featured get cookbooks, like True Blood. (Really?) Perhaps a House of Cards cookbook can’t be far off, but it might be difficult to determine which dishes best represent naked ambition and greed.

Which shows do you think make for the best viewing parties?

Photo courtesy of Food52