11 Times Veganism Was Mentioned on Your Favorite TV Shows and Movies

Veganism has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people choosing to ditch animal products and switch to a plant-based diet. While some may view it as a passing trend, veganism has been around for decades and has made its way into popular culture. Now, it doesn’t seem like it is going anywhere!

At first, mention of veganism seemed to come only from passionate advocates for the animals. But, it has gone more mainstream than ever after being discussed in television shows, songs, and most forms of media. From sitcoms to dramas, veganism and vegetarianism have been addressed in many of our favorite TV shows and movies. Sometimes, this happens without people even realizing it! Let us explore 11 times that veganism was mentioned on TV and in movies.

1. Parks and Recreation

In season 3, episode 10, “Soulmates,” the character Ron Swanson creates goes to a health food store and tries vegan bacon. As a self-proclaimed meat-lover, it is no wonder he is not a fan! He shows this by throwing it directly in the trash. That being said, there are many delicious vegan bacon options. 

Source: Parks and Recreation/YouTube

2. The Simpsons

In season 7, episode 5, “Lisa the Vegetarian,” Lisa Simpson becomes a vegetarian after interacting with a lamb at a petting zoo, but she struggles to convince her family to follow suit. She continues her vegetarian lifestyle throughout the rest of the show!

Source: Maddalena Ercole/YouTube

3. Friends

In season 4, episode 16, “The One with the Fake Party,” Phoebe during her pregnancy cravings struggles when she is tempted to eat Joey’s bologna sandwich. She mentions that meat is murder, but is overcome by saying “The baby needs the meat.”

Source: Jam Channel/YouTube

4. The Good Place

In season 1, episode 8, “Most Improved Player,” the character Eleanor mentions that she was going to go vegan before she died and ended up in the afterlife. Later, the show creator Michael Schur broke down the point system that gets people into either the good place or the bad place. He said that “eating vegan gains you 425.94 points” and never discussing veganism unprompted can gain you 9875.37 points! 

5. Portlandia

In one Portlandia skit called “Fart Like A Vegan” two of the characters eat at a vegan restaurant for the first time. While they enjoy the delicious food, the laughs come in when neither member of the couple can hold their gas.

Source: Aaron Lazare/YouTube

6. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World

In the movie, Ramona’s third ex-boyfriend, who is a vegan, has psychic powers that enable him to control the attitudes and actions of people around her who eat non-vegan foods. He can read minds as well. When Scott Pilgrim tricks him into having a non-vegan coffee, the Vegan Police quickly arrive at the scene to take his powers. 

Source: Movieclips/YouTube

7. How I Met Your Mother

In season 4, episode 5, “Shelter Island,” the character Ted meets his fiance’s vegan sister for the first time. During their interaction, she plays out many of the vegan tropes that we have all heard before. 

Source: Vegan Remarks/YouTube

8. Bojack Horseman

In season 2, episode 5, “Chickens,” the plot revolves around chicken farming. More importantly, it discusses the myth of humane chicken farming. Considering some of the main characters are anthropomorphic animals themselves it does beg the question of why they eat meat in this world. Also, it is no surprise that the creator of the show, Raphael Bob-Waksberg, is vegan. 

9. Gilmore Girls

In season 3, episode 2, “Haunted Leg,” the character Sookie, who is a professional chef, throws a fit about providing a vegetarian meal. Reddit users discussed this episode in a thread, saying it was strange that a professional chef would have such a hard time finding vegetarian meal options. 

10. The Big Bang Theory

In season 1, episode 1, “Pilot,” the character, Penny, is getting to know Leonard and Sheldon. She mentions that she is vegetarian except for fish and steak!

Source: Laughing Gas/YouTube

11. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

In season 3, episode 2, “The Funeral,” Charles has a crush on Lieutenant Singh. But, once learning she is vegan he decides against pursuing a romantic relationship. 

Veganism or leading a meat-free lifestyle has been a recurring topic on popular TV shows and movies for years, reflecting a growing trend toward plant-based diets. These examples demonstrate the increasing public awareness of veganism and the many reasons people choose this lifestyle. Whether it’s for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, the trend toward plant-based living seems to be here to stay!

Sign this petition to urge grocery stores to offer more vegan options!

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Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals, and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks or browse through vegan recipes on One Green Planet.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Stand against fast fashion Pollution by supporting circular brands like Tiny Rescue, which create cause-based collections using recycled, zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade, ensuring it never ends up in a landfill.
• Shop Sustainably for Your Home: Visit SustaiNOBLE.org, an eco-friendly and ethically sourced home decor store that will empower your home with luxurious fair-trade, and sustainable products made by global artisans.
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