Back in the early days of Peloton, I didn’t even know how to pronounce Peloton. Now, product placements for Peloton seem to be popping up everywhere.
But Peloton has officially reached cult status with its appearance on The Simpsons. However, that’s not the only place in pop culture that references Peloton.
Here’s my list of pop culture references and if you have any to add (I’m sure I left some out), please let me know in the comments section at the end of this post.
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Peloton on TV
Over the last couple of years, Peloton has grown in popularity. Look out for it to appear in more shows (and possibly movies).
I’ve listed these in order of episode airing date.
1. Dead To Me
This Netflix show features Christina Applegate riding out her emotions on a Peloton bike. You can even see it in the trailer for season 1. The actual episode is Season 1, Episode 4 (2019).
She’s a real-life user and an OG. See this Twitter post from 2017.
2. Curb Your Enthusiasm
In Season 10, Episode 1 “Happy New Year,” Larry David can be seen on his Peloton bike (it’s at 31:28 if you wanted to fast forward to that part) doing a scenic ride.
This episode aired January 19, 2020 on HBO Max.
3. Saturday Night Live
On its February 13, 2021 episode, SNL mocked the Peloton with the Pelotaunt. If you’re a Peloton fan, it’s worth watching.
Decked out in Peloton apparel, these riders prefer negative reinforcement rather than inspirational quotes from the instructors.
4. And Just Like That (Sex and the City Reboot)
In the first episode, Big suffers a heart attack on his Peloton while riding with instructor, Allegra, played by real instructor Jess King.
After the backlash (Peloton denied knowing the usage of its bike in the episode), Peloton came back with this commercial (way better than this cringy Peloton ad).
Granted, John, aka Mr. Big, was a heavy cigar smoker and drinker throughout the series which likely contributed to his heart disease more than cardio exercise. In fact, Peloton stated that cardio exercise probably increased his heart health, which I tend to agree with.
It aired on December 9, 2021 on HBO Max.
5. Emily in Paris
While it’s not an actual Peloton, the Pelotech clearly resembles one.
In Season 2, Episode 7 entitled “The Cook, the Thief, Her Ghost, and His Lover,” Sylvie, Emily, and the rest of the Savoir team pitch a fitness company that brings on-demand and live indoor cycling classes to consumers’ homes.
This episode aired on Netflix on December 22, 2021.
6. The Family Guy
On the episode entitled “Mister Act,” which aired on January 9, 2022, Peter gets Lois a Pedalton exercise bike.
Lois starts the episode on the Peloton-like bike with instructor Cody Spraytan (who looks nothing like Cody Risgby). However, he tells a very similar story of the embarrassing way he met Adam Levine.
Watch the full episode below.
7. Billions
Soon after Peloton’s PR nightmare, Billions featured one of its characters, Mike “Wags” Wagner, suffering from a minor and not fatal heart attack right after working out on the bike.
This episode ran on January 22, 2022, Season 6.
8. The Simpsons
On October 2, 2022, The Simpsons aired an episode entitled “One Angry Lisa.”
Marge wants a Peloton. Instead, Homer buys her a Pedalon. Homer has trouble putting it together so Marge assembles it on her own. (Side note, did you know you now have the option of self-assembly if you purchase your Peloton on Amazon or at Dick’s?)
Marge starts crushing on her instructor, making Homer jealous.
You can watch the full episode below.
Check out this website if you like finding other product placements on TV shows.
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Peloton in Books
1. When Life Gives You Lululemons
3 women team up to bring a bad man down in the suburb of Greenwich, Connecticut.
And there’s a nod to instructor Denis Morton with his long hair (old Denis), square-shaped jaw, and his country rides.
2. Troubles in Paradise
Book 3 in the Winter in Park series
Active Peloton member and author Elin Hiderbrand included the Peloton in her book Troubles in Paradise, part of the Winter in Paradise trilogy.
Michelle Platt is a content creator and certified personal trainer. Proving it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, she’s a former attorney and teacher who loves to do the research so you don’t have to. She takes a deep dive into each topic and writes about her wellness journey here. She loves trying out new workouts, fitness tips, healthy foods, and products to share with you. This native New Yorker recently made the move to the suburbs of Minneapolis, where she lives with her husband, two kids, and two dogs.