Why do people on sitcoms have dinner so late? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

DJM77 · 08-15-2021, 04:43 PM

It seems like most of the time that I hear people on sitcoms talk about their dinner reservation at a restaurant or what time that they want someone to come to their house for dinner that it's for 7:00 or after.

opus · 08-15-2021, 06:03 PM

Sounds about right. 6pm-9pm are probably peak dinner hours. What do you find odd about that?

Merry24 · 08-15-2021, 06:08 PM

Fantastic question.

Working in a restaurant myself-tourist town my co-workers and I always wonder why are busiest time seems to be later usually about 7 or 8:30-9 & 10-11:30.

DJM77 · 08-15-2021, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opus

Sounds about right. 6pm-9pm are probably peak dinner hours. What do you find odd about that?

I consider even 6:30 to be somewhat late for dinner. I consider 6:00 to be the perfect time for dinner, but it seems like most people in sitcom land like to have it a lot later than that for some reason.

rcbrad · 08-15-2021, 08:40 PM

I seem to remember many times hearing people on sitcoms talking about being picked up/meeting for dinner or making dinner reservations at 8:00 or even later. Many times, I thought that seemed late to just begin traveling to or arriving at a restaurant to order. Many times people may not get off work until 6:00, so eating at 7:00 may not be that uncommon. I would imagine most usually eat before 7:00 though.

RetroGuy2000 · 08-15-2021, 10:20 PM

I suppose it depends on the region. In my home, dinner is often at 7, but in my uncle's home, dinner is at 5, because he's already in bed by 7.

I have heard that in Spain, dinner is usually between 9 PM and Midnight. That seems late to me!

opus · 08-15-2021, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJM77

I consider even 6:30 to be somewhat late for dinner. I consider 6:00 to be the perfect time for dinner, but it seems like most people in sitcom land like to have it a lot later than that for some reason.

When I was with someone who worked offbeat hours, something like 6pm- 2am, dinner was at 4:30 pm, often to the Brady Bunch (I think on TBS back then)

08-15-2021, 04:43 PM	#1
DJM77 Member Forum Veteran Join Date: May 15, 2001 Location: Missouri Posts: 5,560	Why do people on sitcoms have dinner so late? It seems like most of the time that I hear people on sitcoms talk about their dinner reservation at a restaurant or what time that they want someone to come to their house for dinner that it's for 7:00 or after.
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08-15-2021, 10:20 PM	#6
RetroGuy2000 Julie,Julie Anne,&Felice 4Ever Forum Star Join Date: Dec 27, 2013 Posts: 16,914	I suppose it depends on the region. In my home, dinner is often at 7, but in my uncle's home, dinner is at 5, because he's already in bed by 7. I have heard that in Spain, dinner is usually between 9 PM and Midnight. That seems late to me!
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08-15-2021, 06:03 PM	#2
opus VB Forum Superstar Join Date: May 16, 2015 Location: VB Galaxy Posts: 32,274	Sounds about right. 6pm-9pm are probably peak dinner hours. What do you find odd about that?

08-15-2021, 06:08 PM	#3
Merry24 Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 10, 2017 Location: beach Posts: 2,040	Fantastic question. Working in a restaurant myself-tourist town my co-workers and I always wonder why are busiest time seems to be later usually about 7 or 8:30-9 & 10-11:30.

08-15-2021, 08:40 PM	#5
rcbrad Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 21, 2007 Posts: 479	I seem to remember many times hearing people on sitcoms talking about being picked up/meeting for dinner or making dinner reservations at 8:00 or even later. Many times, I thought that seemed late to just begin traveling to or arriving at a restaurant to order. Many times people may not get off work until 6:00, so eating at 7:00 may not be that uncommon. I would imagine most usually eat before 7:00 though.