Must-Have TV Guests for Our Independence Day Party

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 join some of the best conversations or debates about movies, music, and books, all the while making fun of people for their condiment choices 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.

Bobby Nash – 9-1-1

Anyway, we’ll always be 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, Dutton Ranch

Beth’s fierce, unapologetic attitude would bring bold, 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.

Or, if we’re talking about the more seasoned, laid-back version of Beth we get from Dutton Ranch, we’ll have someone who takes in her surroundings, assesses how everything plays out, and maybe even serves as a great hostess.

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.

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, moonlighting as a medic with S.W.A.T. or bogged down with the sheer pandemonium that is the ED on Independence Day (we have firsthand knowledge of what that looks like), 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; frankly, he needs to decompress to keep the holiday’s triggering elements at bay.

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.

Truthfully, we’re just not ready to let her go just yet, so anything related to The Way Home, the better.

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), which could be useful for us as we have a bit of fun and let 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.

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.

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.

Just know that he’s bringing Gary Callahan with him.

Marvin Thomas – Power Book III: Raising Kanan

We’re just going to live in a universe where Marvin is living his best life.

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.

Pete Calvin – Marshals

Cal is the type of guy you’d happily sit next to and have a beer with, and that makes him a perfect party guest.

Many other big personalities can swallow up the space around them, but Cal’s laid-back quality feels like a nice respite from all of that.

As we’ve seen in Marshals, he talks when he wants, but he also knows how to sit in silence with you.

Cal’s easy-going demeanor is comforting in its own way, and he’s the perfect person to people-watch with.

Besides, with all the things he’s dealing with in his personal life, he could really use the distraction and to be around other people.

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.

Wes – Sheriff Country

Wes knows how to have a good time, and he’s a genuinely fun person to be around.

He’d make any Independence Day party the best thing ever. Also, let’s be real, he has that rebellious spirit that completely embodies everything the holiday is supposed to celebrate in the first place.

You can just as easily catch him in a corner debating the historical context of the country, its freedoms, and what they represent as you can catch him on the dance floor.

And he may or may not pass a little something herbal to anyone who desires it after taking a little “walk” to get some fresh air.

Wes is a hoot and a half on Sheriff Country; he is the party.

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.

Villanelle – Killing Eve

Villanelle’s unpredictable, thrilling personality would create an exciting, 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!

Jack Reacher – Reacher

First of all, you better have a whole lot of food at this shindig. Reacher is a big boy!

Assuming he isn’t wandering around some town and finding trouble, he’s the exact type of person you’d love to join a party, kick back, and have a good time.

He’ll likely be in a corner somewhere minding his business, but if things get a bit too rowdy, you already know he’ll handle business without a second thought.

So, he’ll provide the entertainment, too, if need be!

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!

RJ – RJ Decker

RJ Decker is a total vibe.

He’s not so much showing up at the party as he is someone who brings it, or at least all the fun-loving, charismatic energy you need to ensure that it’s always good vibes only.

RJ is the type of guy who said he’d bring the paper plates but then forgot. But you forgive him anyway, because he’s so fun-loving and sexy that you can’t stay mad at him.

What you can expect is half-opened Hawaiian shirts, sun-kissed hair, and for him to capture every quality, memorable moment from behind the lens of his trusty camera.

DeShawn Jackson – NCIS: Sydney

It’s probably been a minute since DeShawn celebrated a proper Independence Day, given he’s been stationed in Sydney for a while.

So that means he’ll really be trying to live it up and soak up the experience to hold him over.

He’s the type of person who can get along with pretty much everyone, and he’d be chatting up anyone of interest, as well as those who tend to be wallflowers.

Plus, he’s great with kids and teens.

DeShawn is definitely bringing Evie with him so he can explain the ins and outs of classic American BBQ to her.

Even if she pokes fun at the entire thing, and they spend the whole time bickering.

Briar U Boys – Off Campus

The Briar U guys from Off Campus are honestly the best, and as frat boys, they sure as hell know how to have a good time.

A party isn’t a party without them, and they know how to throw one or liven up one in the mix.

They bring vibrant, youthful energy while still holding their own around pretty much anyone. From

From Dean’s charm and John’s knack for cooking, to Garrett’s musical taste and Logan’s general handiness, not only are they fun additions to the party, but they’re the most useful attendees.

You can guarantee they’ll stick around and help clean up afterward, not to mention be attentive to everyone around.

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