The Delicious History of TV Dinners 

Only our neighbors down the street owned a television, so being invited to stay and watch TV while eating something called a TV Dinner was soooo exotic and exciting!

Maxson was a bit of a genius really. He knew how to make the product, who to market it to, and the accessories for them.

In Brazil only the very rich family could afford a microwave and my family wasn't one of these. I always wanted to eat a frozen meal, prepared with love and care. Then, when time came (as adult) I realized my mom's food was really much better.

Just posting this comment so in the future when I click on this video again I can be surprised to find out I've already watched it.

The 1950s the trays were all 3 portion trays and much thicker. When my mother passed away in 1997, she still had a stack of them in her house. TV dinners were a special treat growing up.

If you wanted to keep diving into frozen meals, it'd be neat to see the history of Kid Cuisine.

I remember having TV dinners using our TV trays watching a show or two. Some of the best memories growing up.

The banquet chicken pot pie was my favorite as a kid. The crust never cooked properly so it would still be doughy but tasted delicious mixed with the filling 😊

We were a family of 10. My mom was a stay-at-home mom. So TV dinners were considered too expensive compared to the 5 course meals my mom whipped up from scratch. But I did feel they were a treat. And occasionally got my very own. Eating them made me feel like I was participating in a broader national conversation.

The woman narrator doesn’t bother me, I just like the familiar tone of this guy

The plates those Le Menu dinners came on were the bomb. I mean indestructible. I never actually ate one but I had a friend who was addicted to them. He and his wife ate them almost every day and just threw out the plates. One day I asked them not to throw the plates out and save them for me so I acquired a dozen or so of them. 40 years later I still have several of them left and still use them every day, usually to feed the dogs chicken and rice which I warm in the microwave. Best disposable piece of kitchenware ever.

It was a big day when we had the old TVs dinners in foil. We talked about it the next day at school. They tasted better back then. They were very good meals and made allot of people happy.

The little warm cherry desert in some of the old TV dinners 😋 was awesome

I remember growing up, my mother would make TV dinners when she was tired from a long hard day at work. It made it so much easier and convenient for her. Of course there was no dirty dishes for us children to wash! Win-win. Ironically enough, I now take care of my mother (she is ill) and she loves the Hungryman dinners. I just made her one (turkey) for lunch!

TV dinners were the best thing ever growing up in the 60s and 70s. My sister and I would choose the one we wanted based on the dessert. Eating them on our TV trays on the weekends was something we looked forward to as a treat.

I've inherited a book on freezing foods from my mother that she used my entire childhood to blanche and freeze many different foods from vegetables, meat, fruit, everything you can think of. It was published by the Birds Eye Company, who didn't make TV dinners but were the premier company for frozen vegetables.

Swanson's Salisbury Steak frozen dinner will always be the best frozen dinner, because the flavor could never duplicated.😁

The Mexican Style dinner with enchiladas, rice, and refried beans was my fav. That started to get hard to find by the end of the 90's before it seemed to disappear from the shelves.

They have come a long way in taste since the 70’s. I can’t believe how much better the texture and taste of today’s TV dinners are compared to the ones I tried a long time ago!

My mom was a great cook and loved cooking but occasionally we have frozen TV dinners and I so looked forward to them and thought of them as a treat. As a 50's kid they seemed futuristic and exotic. The turkey dinner was my fav.

“The freezing compartment of our refrigerator” so wonderfully dates that Swanson commercial to a specific time and place.

I was the only latchkey key kid in my neighborhood, my grandmother made a huge Sunday meal and I would have leftovers, but she got tv meal for the rest of the week, with the Libbey meals, and awesome pot pies etc I was pretty well fed, sadly, they have fallen in quality and variety There was once an awesome tuna pot pie, a delicious ham steak with sweet potatoes Turkey with all the fixings, Luckily I learned to cook by 10, and made all my food afterward

I was born in 1963 so I've eaten tons of swanson frozen TV dinners over the years. We had 4 tray tables in our home as we used to call them. Great 👍 for TV viewing and eating. Life without those tables would have been unimaginable to me.

I wasn’t alive in the 70s but I wish we could go back in time. The world just isn’t the same anymore

In the 70's, my mom had to go back to work so that the family could make ends meet. On thursday night, she usually had to work late. I was a young teenage boy with no skills for cooking, but I could put a few frozen tv diners in the oven, so I could feed my two brothers and me. So that was usually what we ate on thursday night for a few years. Salisbury steak was my favorite. Back then, it came with mashed potatoes, corn, and a delicious brownie. The last time I saw a salisbury steak at the grocery store, they had changed the corn fo green beans (meh!) and the brownie was replaced with an apple cobbler (double meh!).

Hungry Man TV dinners are a lifesaver for me when my stove broke down and I couldn't cook for my packed lunch. It's cheaper than ordering takeout from an app and is way more filling!

Swanson Mexican TV dinners were my all time favorite. They’re long gone and I do miss them.

Worked 1 year beginning mid-1976 at the Campbell Soup Swanson's T.V. Dinners plant in Modesto, Ca. Good career for someone who just wanted to put in their 20 or so years working almost like a robot before retiring. We were actually in a local butcher's union. We had good wages and benefits. Even a cafeteria inside the plant where they had short order cooks who could whip-up a nice meal for you at lunch break. The best part for me was the company store we had on site where there was steep discounts for not only t.v. dinners, but other Campbell Soup products- at that time Campbell's owned many companies includes Herfy's (some restaurant chain, I believe)- we could buy frozen hamburger patties, Pepperidge Farms (we could buy their products well discounted), and some others that I am not remembering off the top of my head. I worked my way up to barbeque beans cook while there. Me and the other cooks shared our makings with each other, so we did not often go to the cafeteria. By the way, the best t.v. dinners were the Sirloin Steak and Chopped Beef. The meat was pure, uncut with soy. I really tasted great fresh off the cook. Made some good friends there, but after a year of that work I just could not see sticking around for another 19 or so.

When my dad would go out of town for work, my mom would get us TV dinners. I usually got the fried chicken one. That brownie tho, 5-year-old me loved that, even when the corn and taters spilled over.

I vaguely recall having some oven cooked ones in the foil tray as a kid. They were definitely kind of a treat. They seemed better than their later microwave counterparts. I think there was more and better quality food in them too. They were also harder fought for and required patience because the time it took to turn a block of ice into a hot meal in the oven. You were more grateful when they were done. The microwave changed all that.

Meatloaf+tater tots+green beans+brownie+CBS Sunday night lineup = best way to prepare for Monday morning in 1980

Oh these were a treat for my brothers and I... I was blessed to have our grandma live with us (Spanish multi-generational household) and she would do all the cooking for the family while parents worked and us kids were in school. So we always had home cooked meals BUT on the rare ocassion where the adults needed a break, we would get the Swanson TV dinners. What a treat! My fav was the salisbury steak! As I got older I graduated to the Swanson Hungry Man version! Ahhh the 80's!! Magical time! (as kids... Reaganomics sucked for the adults!!)

Lol, you got me with "crusty edges" - I loved those! ETA - $.98 in 1954 would be about $11 today - guess those Stouffer meals aren't so pricey after all.

My mom would make TV Dinners for us (Mom, 3 kids - 1970's) when my dad was out of town on business. I suspect that my dad was not a big fan of them, but us kids thought they were great - not to mention super easy dinner for my mom! I think that Swanson should come out with Retro-TV Dinners - try to recreate the recipes and packaging! I have seen plenty of other 'throwbacks': Chef Boyardee, Dorito's, Mountain House, etc... I think it would be a hit!

When I was a young deputy sheriff in a very rural county with a small jail, we fed our prisoners TV dinners. They were quick and easy to fix, wholesome, and much cheaper than contracting with the local restaurant. After we arrested the owner of that restaurant the dinner deal kind of fell apart anyway so TV dinners saved the day!

I miss the 1980's to 90's brand "Le Menu" - they were quite pricey at the time, but were actually "quality" meals with better ingredients. Some of the sauces employed red & white wine and "real butter". I still have some of the thick plates with lids. They are heavy-duty and extremely sturdy, and forever reusable.

Wait.. Did.. Did I just see 'Chum King'? That just made my entire day. Not kidding.

I miss the tiny dessert that used to be in them. The hungry man meals are still almost edible, but the now missing dessert used to add a little something to the experience.

I was a kid in the 70’s and tv dinners were a kind of treat. I remember them fondly. Does anyone else remember they had special ones geared for kids, with kid sized portions and treats? I vaguely do.

I really miss Swanson dinners.. they were so good especially the desert !

I absolutely loved TV dinners as a kid. I could tell that they were unhealthy and didn't even really taste the way a "real" version of that meal would. But I still loved them.

I really like the Lean Cuisine dinners. My favorites are the Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy and a side of mac and cheese, and the lemon pepper fish with sides of broccoli and lemon herb rice.

Swanson, hands down, on a TV tray. Also miss the Swanson pot pies as well. They were the best.

I remember the Swanson. TV dinners back in the late 70’s/early 80’s. The aluminum pan that you had to bake in the oven. It was nice.

You’re more accurate than History channel! I’ve ate TVdinners since childhood & as handicapped adult they are simple, affordable but not healthy or flavorful.

That Star Wars burn was brutal. Nice one! 😅

The old SWANSON TV dinner was really good. I wish they would reissue it as a classic!

Always have loved them. I was born in 52. As much as I hated waiting for the aluminum plate dinners to defrost and cook, they were wonderful. Kinda miss those pans... Thank You for this "delicious" history

I remember having TV dinners with my brothers and my family when we were little. We would often have Tyson's TV dinner or Banquet, or even Kid Cuisine! And I think I remember seeing the Le Menu ads on TV too! So many memories! :)

I'm fascinated with pre packaged food! Which is why I love watching MRE meal reviews on RU-vid. I don't know what it is about them, as I've never eaten one and my mom always makes everything from scratch so the idea of just heating up a meal and having it be completely ready just blows my mind. I should make myself some TV dinners

I remember being ten years old with a Swanson's fried chicken TV dinner watching the Six Million Dollar Man. It didn't get much better than that.

It’s so interesting learning how “tv dinners” came about. I eat lean cuisine occasionally. Banquet spaghetti & meatballs was awesome in the early 2000s

People still eat frozen dinners even now which is pretty crazy. It's rare to find a gimmick like this that's so long lasting

Stouffer's TV dinners blows away all those other TV dinners by a long shot. They are closest to home made.

I grew up with the fried chicken, mash potato, corn and a brownie... Loved it lol

when i was growing up in the 70s, having a tv dinner was a treat , we loved them, and those Banquet cream pies you could get for a dollar- wish they still made those

Mmm. I remember the slight metallic taste of those old Swanson TV dinners. Yum! I loved the Le Menu dinners. Those were quite tasty. Those microwaveable plates were indestructible, too. I used those for years when I needed to microwave anything. I probably still have them in a box somewhere.

I remember my mom making me one of those TV dinners in the 70s. God Swanson was good back then, I think they tasted better than the new Swanson stuff. Stoffers is the closest thing to a real meal today.

lol. I loved this one! I've eaten most of these (probably ALL) that were produced after 1960 and could taste them as they were being described. Appreciated the history, too. I remember all the Swanson, Hungry Man, and Banquet dinners, and remember getting excited about the Le Menu dinners I could get a great price on with coupons and multi-purchase discounts. THANKS!

I miss the Great Starts breakfast meals. I used to have one every morning before school. Something about the fake eggs that always came out of the microwave still half cold, and the formed "hashbrown" patty... it still holds a special place in my heart. I wish they would bring them back lol.

A great video as always! Honestly, certain TV dinners feel like a comfort food to me. Can I suggest a history video about eggs? Eggs are so versatile, I’m sure it’s got plenty to talk about.

Never had a lot of these as a kid, though they were an occasional treat. Specifically the kid ones with the penguin on them. But I did and do live as a bachelor, and there are days when I just cannot bring myself to cook. In these circumstances I find that turkey is the most reliable of all tv dinners. Beef varies wildly in quality and taste and the chicken is almost always fried and gets soggy easily. But slices of turkey? You always know what you are getting and can reasonably guess at how it will turn out.

One of the gifts we got at our 1957 was a set of TV trays. We never bought any TV dinners, but one of the reason they became so popular was the introduction of home freezers in the 60’s.

A+ video! Had no idea that TV Dinners had so much of a selection! Fantastic video!

Sometimes there’s not enough time to cook, or everyone is worn out and tired, or whatever. TV Dinners are always a good, filling, quick and easy meal to have on hand. We keep Turkey, Salisbury steak, and fried chicken in the freezer just in case 😊

I've heard the other story a few times now and this adds a whole new layer to it! Wonderful!

When mom and dad went out in the 70s on a weekend, all of us kids had TV dinner night and movies. That was good times.

As we didn't live anywhere near a fast-food place, TV Dinners were just that. Something to get on the table fast that tasted a little different than Mom's home cooking. Really do miss that On Cor Veggie Lasagna.

I love that your editor just straight up put in Disney star wars footage when you talk about a big conglomerate buying a past product and the resulting quality downgrade, no clever joke or one liner, just straight footage that's all that's needed 😂 😂, shots fired shots fired 🚒 🏥 🔥 awesome video as always!!

Came for the history, stayed for the snark. Love it. 😄

Man I still remember in the 80’s and early 90’s when getting TV Dinners was a treat. We would get excited for them. So good. Great memories.

Oh my gosh, so much nostalgia, I remember Libby Land, we used to fold up the cardboard box to get the scenic background it came with....so much fun. What a great video, thank you so much.

I enjoyed the chicken pot pies or fettuccini Alfredo dinners when I was growing up and my mom was away. I loved a frozen burrito or similar in college and I’m actually cooking now. My family isn’t dead yet so I guess I’m doing okay but I still appreciate the microwave help.

I really hope this sub channel sticks around. One of my favorite YT food channels

I work at a hotel full time so frozen and ready to heat in the microwave meals make my life 100% easier when getting ready. I do ofc have a home cooked meal at least 5 times a week, but most of the week I have to have food that I don’t need an oven for. I REALLY enjoy the H-E-B Ready Meals that you can keep refrigerated OR frozen! So many yummy varieties. Ty to the inventors!

I always loved TV dinners, way back in 70’s there were some for kids I can’t remember the name of them, today I still get Hungry Man Once in a while I love them.

My parents would leave me tv dinners in the fridge if they left to go somewhere. I still love that stuff from time to time especially the fried chicken ones it's kinda crazy how they get crispy in a microwave.

That man who made this idea is the best man ever! And now is my new best friend. Thanks I love my frozen dinners so much so tysm ❤

TV dinners as a kid were a treat!! I especially loved the fried chicken!! Nowadays I eat frozen meals at work cuz it's easier than bringing from home. My faves are the Marie Callander meals. They seem more home-made. There used to be a company that made Chicken a la King in a frozen pouch that I loved as a teenager but you can't find it anywhere now. You should continue this by showing the history of going from the frozen meals to the shelf stable ones that Hormel makes. Those are so good!! I get the beef & potato ones alot at work!!

some parts of those old dinners were delicious. Wish we could still buy such gems!

I was raised on TV dinners and pot pies. It certainly explains a lot.😜

That sly book of boba fett reference 😂😂

As a kid in the 70s, I loved getting the occasional TV dinner when my parents went out, sitting in the living room with the little folding TV tray table and watching whatever I wanted. Loved the turkey. Surprised to hear they only took 15 minutes to cook. It seemed like an hour, and of course the cobbler desert always wrecked your mouth it was so hot.

I grew up on TV dinners in the 60's and 70's. I word - YUMMY 🤤🤤

That was a true walk down memory lane.. Sitting in front of the console tv and eating real chicken tv dinners.. Now tv dinners are just processed to death with no real flavor and full of preservatives..😑

Never had TV Dinners before. But I think I am willing to give it a try.

I was born January 1967 and I remember those foil packaged tv dinners. My parents had them for us kids for Saturday night dinner since they were going out with friends

My grandmother wasn't much of a cook, and she would do frozen dinners for me and my sister when we stayed with her in the 1970s. And for herself, of course. As a grown-up, I bought plenty of frozen dinners for myself in the late 80s early 90s. Usually Banquet, because they were cheaper than the Swanson brand. But by then, I couldn't wait for them to cook in the oven, and would microwave them; the aluminum trays were gone by this time. Much faster. I also did a lot of pot pies back then, too.

I used to LOVE those Swanson dinners. My favorite was the fried chicken dinner. Oh and the Patio enchilada meal was good too.

I remember these. I used to have them all the time, and they are REALLY good.

I remember the "Mexican" TV dinners being surprisingly good in the 80s -- this makes me want to go get a few, if I can find some version of them. I've not really looked much at the frozen section in a while, but perhaps I'll look to see if I can find anything similar.

The vintage offerings packaged on aluminum trays need to come back. The beans and hot dogs meal was great.

As a child, I remember growing up eating Swanson's Turkey dinner when my Mother had to work. I did learn how to bake the dinner in the oven and never burned the house down.

I loved your video presentation! It brought me down memory lane and fully informed me! I know I date myself because I still call the frozen dinners "TV dinners" Thanks again!

Growing up, I ate Stouffer's, and Banquet if money was tight. Today, I still eat Stouffer's sometimes, but now I prefer Marie Callender's.

One time us kids talked Mom into buying TV dinners. They were so terrible, we never got them again. 😂

Mama made home cooked meals 99% of the time but she did throw tv dinners in as a treat every once in a while. In fact, I wouldn't touch corn until I tried the tv dinner corn which was suprisingly sweet. That's when I learned to like it. Same goes for turkey. I'd gnaw on a turkey leg at Thanksgiving but the sliced turkey and gravy tv dinner showed me just how tasty they could be. Thanks Swanson. You did good.

My FAVORITE TV Dinner growing up as a Kid in the 1970's - the Swanson Fish & Chips entree. Just two wedges of fish and some fries - ALWAYS hit the spot. My TV Dinner Heart died when they disappeared. :(

I don't think I had a favorite TV dinner, they were all novelty items, since my Mom cooked most of the meals. (We were pretty poor early in life, too, lol.) I did try a couple a few years back, and honestly thought they were terrible. If I had to choose one today, it'd be Salisbury steak, if that one's still available. I'd rather bake up a frozen pizza for those times I'm too lazy to cook. Still probably more healthy than fast food, though. (Not that I have anything against fast food. Still gotta have that fat and sodium every once in a while. 😁)

Idea for a new video: How Oreo are actually a knock off, and what other products like that where the copy actually became the more popular product!