Let's Eat Dinner Together: A Deep Dive into the JTBC Reality Hit
In the landscape of South Korean television, few programs capture the essence of human connection quite like Let's Eat Dinner Together (also known as Dining Together). This engaging blend of reality show, variety show, and documentary follows a unique premise: attempting to connect with strangers through the universal language of a shared meal.
Airing on JTBC and JTBC2, the series became a staple of Korean broadcasting during its run from October 19, 2016, to February 26, 2020. Led by veteran entertainers Lee Kyung-kyu and Kang Ho-dong, the show explores the spontaneous social dynamics that occur when guests attempt to join local households for dinner.
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Key Facts
- Original Network: JTBC and JTBC2
- Starring: Lee Kyung-kyu and Kang Ho-dong
- Total Episodes: 164
- Original Run: October 2016 – February 2020
- Genres: Reality, Variety, and Documentary
- Primary Language: Korean
Show Format and Rules
The show operates under a specific set of constraints designed to maintain the authenticity of the social interactions. The core mission involves the hosts visiting various locations to find residents willing to share a meal with them.
The Rules of Engagement
To ensure the spontaneity of the encounters, the production follows strict guidelines:
- No Pre-arrangements: Hosts are prohibited from informing anyone before 18:00 that they will be visiting later. This prevents pre-arranged families from participating, ensuring all interactions are genuine.
- Persistence Limits: While the hosts are encouraged to seek out dinner companions, they are permitted a maximum of three attempts if a person refuses the invitation. (Note: In the very first episode, the rule was even stricter, stating they should not insist if refused).
Production and Broadcast History
The series was a massive undertaking by JTBC, involving a large writing team including Shin Yeo-jin, Kwon Kyung-hyun, Ha Kyung-hwa, Nam Eun-kyung, Yang Soo-hwa, Jo Hye-joo, Shin Yoo-jin, and Yoon Da-jeong. Executive producer Yoon Hyun-joon oversaw the production alongside a dedicated team of producers.
Throughout its multi-year run, the show's schedule was occasionally impacted by major national events and holidays. For example, broadcasts were canceled or replaced with special programming due to the 2018 South Korean local elections, the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and various traditional holidays like Chuseok and Seollal.
Viewing Statistics and Ratings
Let's Eat Dinner Together maintained a consistent presence in the ratings. The show saw significant peaks, particularly in 2017 and early 2018, where it frequently challenged top-tier programming in its time slot.
| Year | Episode Range | Notable Peak (AGB Nationwide) |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 – 11 | 4.915% (Ep. 11) |
| 2017 | 12 – 62 | 6.755% (Ep. 42) |
| 2018 | 63 – 110 | 6.820% (Ep. 67) |
| 2019 | 111 – 157 | 4.235% (Ep. 155) |
| 2020 | 158 – 164 | 3.939% (Ep. 164) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main genres of the show?
The show is categorized as a reality show, variety show, and documentary.
Who are the main stars of the program?
The program stars well-known South Korean entertainers Lee Kyung-kyu and Kang Ho-dong.
How many episodes were produced in total?
There are a total of 164 episodes in the series.
Why were some episodes not broadcast as scheduled?
Broadcasts were sometimes canceled due to major sporting events (like the FIFA World Cup or AFC Asian Cup), national elections, or traditional holidays like Chuseok and Seollal.
What is the main rule regarding dinner invitations?
Hosts cannot tell anyone before 18:00 that they are coming, and they can only insist a maximum of three times if a resident refuses the invitation.