Food for finales and premieres

Food for finales and premieres

We are a nation that loves to be entertained, with a little something to munch on the side. Popcorn, mints and licorice pair nicely with movies. Hot dogs and cheesy nachos go hand-in-hand with baseball. Cold pizza works with just about everything, but especially YouTube.

And television?

With so many season premieres and finales ahead, we suggest foods that complement the personality, the content and the zeitgeist of a few popular TV shows.

So, we offer a few ideas on what to eat -- and recipes -- with nine shows.

'American Idol'

An annual favorite, "American Idol" already has people picking their winner for this season. The perfect food pairing? Ham (yes, ooey and cloying), plus a really cheesy potato casserole.

Season finale: Here's when the season ends

The stars of the show have some side projects:

Jennifer Lopez – In addition to a new album, she's been given a top magazine honor for her beauty.

Steven Tyler – He's writing a book

'Glee'

Carryout from your favorite Italian restaurant chain, heavy on the breadsticks. Or sloppy joes and potato chips. Or toss a slushies party.

Season finale: Here's when the season ends

The stars of the show have some side projects:

Jane Lynch – She's offering marriage advice to a famous couple. Who are they?

Telly Leung – He'll be appearing in another show. Find out where.

'Gossip Girl'

Strictly a liquid diet (e.g., coffee or Champagne).

Season opener: Here's when it returns from a spring hiatus

The stars of the show have some side projects:

Leighton Meester – She's going to appear in a new movie. Find out what it's called.

Blake Lively – She's deciding between two starring roles. Find out which ones.

'Mad Men'

Martinis, iceberg salad, coq au vin, red table wine, scotch, fruit cocktail, brandy, Salisbury steak.

Season opener: Here's when it is expected to return

The stars of the show have some side projects:

Christina Hendricks – She took a turn on the stage. Find out where.

January Jones – She's getting edgy for a magazine.

'Modern Family'

Cereal. Frozen TV dinner and a big glass of milk.

Season finale: Here's when the finale will run

The stars of the show have some side projects:

Sofia Vergara – Will she join a team of stooges? Find out more.

Jason Winer – The director is breaking into movies.

'NCIS'

Leroy Jethro Gibbs (coffee), Abby Sciuto (Caf-Pow) and Timothy McGee

Season finale: Here's when it is expected to end

The stars of the show have side projects:

Pauley Perrette – She recorded a song with a Navy veteran. Which song?

Mark Harmon– Is the presidential talk a joke?

'The Good Wife'

Big steaks, bigger glasses of red wine, Italian beef sandwiches with soggy fries or a hot dog on a sesame-seed bun with neon-green relish.

Season finale: Here's when it is expected to end

Some of the stars have side projects:

Erica Hill – She's pulling double duty. Find out more.

Michael J. Fox– He recently showed up for a reunion.

'30 Rock'

Mac 'n' cheese, doughnuts and "funky juice" -- white wine, ice and lemon-lime soda -- and cinnamon nuts.

Season finale: Here's when it is expected to end

Some of the stars have side projects:

Tina Fey – She's talking about adding to her family. Who's on the way?

Alec Baldwin– He recently did an impression at an awards show.

'True Blood'
Deviled eggs, devil's food cake. Or Bloody Marys, steak tartare and blood sausage.
Season finale: Here's when it is expected to return
Some of the stars have side projects:
Anna Paquin – She stars in the fourth movie of a franchise. Here's which one.
Sam Trammell– He's raising money to help the victims of an earthquake and tsunami.
Source: Specials