More movies and TV shows that have name-checked Kiwanis from the 1990s through today
By Erin Chandler
Almost two years ago, we posted a list of popular movies and TV shows that referenced the Kiwanis family — and about one year ago, we posted the sequel, with more Kiwanis mentions in media from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s.
Now it’s time to tune in for Kiwanis in Fiction III: Return of Kiwanis.
The following Kiwanis mentions in movies and TV from the 1990s through today were all spotted and suggested by Kiwanis staff members and readers like you.
“The Simpsons” (1989-present)
Suggested by Kiwanis staff member Jennifer Morlan-Horner.
In season 29, episode 20 of “The Simpsons,” the Simpson family takes a trip to Denmark. Near the end of the episode, a woman who had previously been attracted to Homer Simpson (Dan Castellaneta) forgets all about him to swoon over another set of tourists: members of the fictional Kiwanis Club of Cheeseburg, Ohio, U.S.
“Defending Your Life” (1991)
Suggested by Frank Sambets, Rusty Thomas and Kevin Kamper in comments on the Kiwanis International Facebook page
Following his death, Daniel Miller (Albert Brooks) finds himself in Judgment City, an afterlife metropolis where the recently deceased reside in hotels while awaiting final judgment. Daniel’s hotel isn’t as fancy as the one where love interest Julia (Meryl Streep) is staying, but he’s in good company: A sign in the lobby reads, “WELCOME KIWANIS DEAD.”
“Frasier” (1993-2004)
Found by author
In part one of this series, we learned that Niles Crane (David Hyde Pierce) is a former Key Club member — but that is not the show’s only connection to the Kiwanis family. In season five, episode 20, Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) learns that his godfather’s brother was not only a member of a Kiwanis club in Seattle, Washington, U.S., but was so beloved by his fellow Kiwanians that they celebrated his life via a keg party following his wake.
“The Sopranos” (1999-2007)
Suggested by Marin Valk in comments on the Kiwanis International Facebook page
In season six, episode six of “The Sopranos,” mobster Vito Spatafore (Joseph R. Gannascoli) flees his home in New Jersey, U.S., in fear of retaliation after he is seen in a gay bar. He takes refuge in the fictional town of Dartford, New Hampshire — a place that radiates safety, care and community, thanks in part to the Kiwanis logo attached to its welcome sign.
“Parks and Recreation” (2009-2015)
Suggested by Kiwanis staff member Samantha Wagner
Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) is a dedicated, enthusiastic public servant in her fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, U.S. — so it’s no surprise that she is also a member of her local Kiwanis club. Leslie can be seen wearing a Kiwanis pin while infiltrating the city hall “boys’ club” in season one, episode four. Maybe the Kiwanis Club of Pawnee helped build some of the playgrounds Leslie oversees as a member of the parks and recreation department.
“Letterkenny” (2016-2023)
Suggested by Kiwanis staff member Lauren Hack
The 5,000 people in the fictional town of Letterkenny, Ontario, Canada, have a lot of problems — but at least they have a Kiwanis club to help solve them. When the hockey players (Dylan Playfair and Andrew Herr) attempt to recruit farmer McMurray (Dan Petronijevic) to their new BROdude energy drink club in season eight, episode four, McMurray reveals he is already a member of several clubs, including Kiwanis and Canadian service organization Kin Canada.
That’s all, folks! Or…is it?
We doubt this is the last we’ll see of Kiwanis in popular media. So if you want Kiwanis in Fiction to stretch beyond a trilogy and become a series, let us know the next time you hear the Kiwanis name or see the Kiwanis logo onscreen. Email shareyourstory@kiwanis.org or post on the Kiwanis International group Facebook page.