Television and movie characters have been battling illness for years, that's nothing new. But think about it: how often do you see a television or movie character dealing with an intestinal condition? Below is a list I've compiled of Crohn's/Colitis/IBD symptoms and diagnostic tests in the entertainment world. Help make the list better by sending me new additions or addendums. Be sure to put IBD TV in the subject line.
The Drew Carey Show:
Drew's Stomachache (episode 111): When Drew and Kate prepare to go on their first date, he begins to experience severe stomach pains, which he assumes are the result of stress over Steve and Mimi's upcoming wedding. The pains grow so severe that he has to go to the hospital. Drew's stomach (played by Max Wright, the father from Alf and the boss from Norm) appears to him in a dream and explains that he should cut back on stress and watch what he eats.
Futurama
Parasites Lost (episode 33): When Fry eats an egg-salad sandwich from a vending machine at a gas station bathroom, he begins to exhibit strange symptoms -- he becomes stronger and smarter. Professor Farnsworth makes a diagnosis and concludes that Fry had ingested "intelligent worms" that have set up shop in his body. Includes a colonoscopy sequence: Dr. Zoidberg tells Fry he has to have a camera put into his intestines. Fry opens his mouth for the camera to enter; Zoidberg says "Guess again."
King Of The Hill
Hank's Unmentionable Problem (episode 4E07): Hank is greatly embarrassed when word of his irregularity spreads throughout the community. This episode features a sigmoidoscope and possible colon removal.
Newsradio
Various Episodes - On several occasions Bill recommends his "colon cleaning guy" to Dave.
Seinfeld
The Pilot (episode 63): Kramer is unable to get to the bathroom and he "misses his chance." He spends the rest of the show trying to get "unclogged".
The Simpsons
Round Springfield (episode 2F32): After Bart eats the special prize in a box of Krusy-O's Cereal (a jagged metal Krusty-O) he has to have emergency surgery. Includes a press conference held by Krusty the Klown where he proclaims there's nothing wrong with the cereal. After he eats a single bite of it, he collapses to the ground, proclaiming the breakfast treat is "shredding his insides".
Make Room For
Lisa (episode AABF12): When Homer agrees to allow an OmniTouch cellular
phone tower to be placed on the roof of his house, Lisa begins to grow
increasingly irritable. Seeking a solution to her tension and stomach aches,
Homer takes her to a New Age store, where the salesperson recommends Sensory
Deprivation.
Special thanks to Matt the Webmaster and Aaron
for contributing to this page.
Extra special thanks to the writers, actors, and producers of these shows for
having the "guts" to feature IBD in their series' plots.
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