You know what they say — the guests make the party.
OK, nobody says that, but they should because it’s the truth. Outside of the food, of course.
Your invited guests do the heavy lifting for any celebration: gossip, games, making food, entertaining, and just all around ensuring that any event is a good time.
TV Fanatics that we are, we can’t think of anyone we’d love to attend the festivities more than our favorite TV characters.
Whether they’re bringing the best food or providing great entertainment, we’ve compiled a list of who we’d want at our Independence Day Party.
Let’s be real, they’re probably more fun than family and friends, right?
Richie – The Bear
Right off the bat, The Bear‘s Richie understands the concept of “play cousin” so well that he’d literally fit right in because of that alone.
He’s brash and uncouth, sure, but he’s also just a damn good time and pure entertainment.
He can fit into any environment and engage in some of the best conversations or debates about movies, music, and books, all the while making fun of people for their condiments on hot dogs.
Whether we get “off the books” Richie, who knows how to party with the best of them, or Professional Richie, who knows how to organize the event and ensure that everything runs smoothly, you’re getting the best of Richie!
The party doesn’t start until your favorite cousin shows up, and Richie is that cousin. (Jasmine Blu)
Bobby Nash – 9-1-1
Anyway, we’re still in denial about 9-1-1‘s Bobby, so let’s go with it.
Captain Bobby Nash is both the leader at the 118 and the resident chef.
Known for whipping up one hell of a meal for his team, Bobby’s also known at home for manning the grill whenever there’s a party.
Considering that neither the team nor his family ever has any complaints about his talents in the kitchen, he’s the #1 person you want to call to marinate the meat and make sure everything is cooked to perfection at the 4th of July barbecue!
Beth Dutton – Yellowstone
Beth’s fierce and unapologetic attitude would bring a bold and fiery energy to the party.
The Yellowstone favorite’s sharp wit and take-no-prisoners approach to life would make for some intense and interesting conversations.
Beth may be intense, but when it comes to letting her hair down, she’s rarely outmatched.
Jack Abbot – The Pitt
Hey, it’s always handy to have a doctor around at a party, especially on Independence Day party.
From BBQ accidents to firework mishaps, Abbot, The Pitt‘s Night Shift king is every bit as much of an asset at this shindig as he is a pretty face.
And man is that face pretty.
Assuming he’s not on call, he’s rolling up with that infamous go-bag, a case of beer, and the best stories from his previous shift. He has a knack for regaling people with stories and is generally a great conversationalist.
So, yeah, we’d be glued to his side for the whole party.
Alice – The Way Home
If you watch The Way Home, you know that the likelihood of Alice disappearing in the middle of the celebration or returning to it later, inexplicably soaking wet, is high.
However, Alice loves a good social event, and she gets along with pretty much everyone.
She may even pull out the guitar and give us a little performance.
Olivia Pope – Scandal
Who doesn’t need to have a fixer around, especially in this day and age where social media opens up the door for an inside look at everything happening — in real time.
Scandal‘s Olivia isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and dispose of the problem (or have her team do it), and that could be useful for us while having a bit of fun and letting loose.
She’d have plenty to talk about, and we’d want to know all about her love life in the present day.
Listen, I’m not much of a cook, and she likely isn’t either. We’d bring the pre-bought items and enjoy people-watching.
Her shade is always on point. I’m sure someone’s aunt or uncle somewhere needs to be checked. (Tiffany Bailey)
Lucifer Morningstar – Lucifer
For Lucifer, partying is a way of life. He’s willing to put all seriousness on the back burner to entertain others.
He’s quick on his feet and always has a sarcastic quip to keep the conversation going.
Even better, he’s an ace on the piano and a singer to boot. He can be our entertainment!
Jim Ellis – Duster
The bad news is that Duster‘s Jim Ellis is definitely going to forget the fireworks.
However, the good news is that he can be across state lines and back with the best light show product before all the burgers are finished grilling.
Jim is also great at parties. He’s sociable, has great taste in music, and he generally knows how to have a good time.
Katherine Pierce – The Vampire Diaries
Katherine Pierce is an absolute firecracker.
The second she walks in, she’s reading the room, sizing everyone up, and dropping savage one-liners like party favors.
She’d instantly be the life of the party — whether you wanted her to be or not — and you just know she’d have a million wild stories to spill (whether you asked or not).
Sure, she’s a little murdery, but unpredictable guests always make things more interesting. (Paul Dailly)
Mike Franks – NCIS: Origins
Mike is loud, uncouth, and politically incorrect. Let’s face it, this NCIS: Origins maverick would probably fit in with most of the uncles, fathers, and grandfathers because of that alone.
He makes his presence known, a big personality with a warm heart, who would totally drink up all the beer, but somehow, you wouldn’t even mind.
Plus, if things get a bit rowdy, you know he’ll handle it, assuming he wasn’t the instigator in the first place, which is also possible, but we love him anyway.
Marvin Thomas – Power Book III: Raising Kanan
One thing about Marvin: he’s going to eat.
If you haven’t noticed throughout Raising Kanan‘s run, if Marvin isn’t chewing on a toothpick or engaging in various illegal activities, he’s eating.
Rarely do you ever see Marvin doing any actual cooking, but he will certainly get himself a plate if there’s food around, so he’s the perfect guest to invite to a 4th of July celebration.
And Marvin’s not picky, so whatever kind of spread you’re into, he’ll find something to indulge in.
No one wants to take home hamburgers and hot dogs that have been sitting out in the sun all day! But if Marvin’s there, that won’t be something to worry about. (Whitney Evans)
Ted Lasso – Ted Lasso
Ted Lasso‘s infectious positivity and charm would surely brighten up any gathering.
His ability to connect with people and create a sense of camaraderie would make the party feel inclusive and joyous.
He’s at his best when spirits are high, and we’d like to think he’d get as much from the party as he would give.
Barney Gumble – The Simpsons
An outdoor party in the middle of summer? Yeah, I’m not worrying about the scintillating conversation and witty bon mots. I want guests who are there to rage!
And when you invite Barney Gumble, you’re inviting a guy who’s sure to show up with a case of Duff and leave with a lampshade on his head.
We don’t often get to see the auteur behind Pukahontas blackout in environments other than Moe’s Tavern, so a backyard barbecue could make for an interesting change of pace.
Honorable mention goes to other animated lushes of note, including Bender from Futurama, Randy Marsh from South Park, and Sterling Archer from Archer.
Of course, with that guest list, you want to make sure to host a fireworks-free shindig. These are not guys who should be allowed near explosives. (Tyler Johnson)
Villanelle – Killing Eve
Villanelle’s unpredictable and thrilling personality would make for an exciting and adventurous party atmosphere.
Her fashion sense and dramatic flair would be a hit. But we might need to hide the knives.
You never know what side of Villanelle will descend upon us!
Morgan Gillory – High Potential
You cannot have ANY party without High Potential‘s Morgan.
Morgan is showing up in her fun, unique fashion, with a bag of ice she grabbed from the gas station on the way over. Her baby is that random infant you’ll find sleeping in the back room on your way to the bathroom or getting passed around amongst the aunts, but that’s precisely what makes her presence so fun.
She’d blend right into any environment. Morgan brings a burst of great energy that keeps you drawn to her, and she’ll be there to run down random trivia and facts she knows while also paying attention to everything and everyone.
Can you think of a better person to gossip with at a party?
Leslie Knope – Parks and Recreation
Leslie’s enthusiasm for celebrations and her organizational skills would make the party incredibly fun and well-planned.
Her love for her friends and her country would shine through.
Every 4th of July party needs at least one patriotic guest, and her infectious zeal would bleed through to the others in attendance.
Judd Ryder – 911: Lone Star
Who better to invite than 9-1-1: Lonestar favorite Judd?
He’s a grill master from Texas who knows his barbacoa and barbecue.
‘Nuff said.
Judd is going to come in, make himself at home, man the grill, and be the perfect entertainment.
D’arcy Bloom – Resident Alien
Why would we invite Resident Alien‘s D’arcy Bloom to our 4th of July party?
Every gathering needs someone who brings the fireworks and the beer.
She’s the kind of guest who shows up with a cooler in one hand, a sparkler in the other, and enough stories to keep everyone entertained until the grill dies out.
Whether she’s trash-talking your cornhole game or reminding everyone why it’s called “independence,” D’arcy’s got the spirit, the sass, and the stamina to turn a backyard BBQ into a night to remember.
Elsbeth Tascioni – Elsbeth
Hey! Who stole the clam dip?
No need to worry at this party. Elsbeth Tascioni is on the scene, and if something is amiss, she’ll get to the root of it.
She can pull words out of even the most reluctant party-goer with an inquisitive nature.
She’s so good, they won’t even notice that they’ve suddenly become one of the chattiest guests!
Lucas Bouchard – When Calls the Heart
Lucas is When Calls the Heart‘s most well-traveled, charismatic fellow who, more often than not, puts the needs of others before his own. With extensive experience, he has learned a great deal about the festivities around the world.
He was the man who first introduced skyward holiday lanterns to Hope Valley, a tradition we hope has remained.
Sure, he’s Canadian, but know he won’t hold that against us. We can only imagine what sparkling nuances he’d bring to our 4th of July party.
Celina Juarez – The Rookie
Celina would be a fun guest at any BBQ because her winning personality has a way of wearing a person down in the best possible way, as most The Rookie fans know firsthand.
She’d spent half the party creating birth charts for everyone, sharing kooky theories and stories, and chatting everyone up.
Celina would be great with the kids, and she would also be a fantastic addition to any games that are played.
There aren’t any complaints with Celina, as long as she leaves her annoying singing boyfriend, Rodge, at home.
Penelope Garcia – Criminal Minds
If you watch Criminal Minds, you know Penelope Garcia would bring all the personality and fun, maybe some games too.
She’s a great conversationalist, and something tells me she’d bring some great snacks.
Everyone would love Penelope, and it’s always nice to have one thing that the entire party can agree on!
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Must-Have TV Guests for Our Independence Day Party
We have a guest list that will make this Independence Day worthwhile. Who would we invite to our 4th of July party? Find out here!
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