woman watching TV alone (Thanksgiving TV episodes and shows)

Whether everyone is happily stuffed with turkey and simply wants to set their brains to neutral — or whether everyone is so over talking to each other and needs something to stare at — there’s a Thanksgiving TV episode for every situation.

Personally, my favorite Thanksgiving television is the uproarious, people-in-absurd-and-awkward-situations kind. The really good episodes manage to get some real feeling in there, too. When you’ve maxed out on family time this Thanksgiving and need to unwind, try one of these 15 Thanksgiving TV episodes. (Oh, and if you’re looking for something that’s kid-friendly, here’s a list for you.)

“Friends”

Just to get this out of the way, one solid pick is all the Thanksgiving episodes of “Friends.” In each of its 10 seasons, “Friends” managed to pull off a great Thanksgiving episode. If you want to pick just one, go with “The One with All the Thanksgivings.” This episode takes place in the eighth season, so you get the highlights of several of the Thanksgiving episodes.

“American Housewife”

Trying to impress the family? Everything going hilariously awry? Try the “Family Secrets” episode of “American Housewife.”

“Everybody Hates Chris”

Competitive siblings, family drama, food plans going down the drain? Try the “Everybody Hates Thanksgiving” episode of “Everybody Hates Chris.” (Sensing a theme?)

“How I Met Your Mother”

If you’ve watched “How I Met Your Mother” with any regularity, you know that the slap bet is a running gag. “Slapsgiving” brings it to a new, hilarious level.

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

Something that comes up a lot in November (Thanksgiving) is kids not being grateful for what they have. Add in the obligatory stressful family visit and food preparation going awry, and you’ve got the Fresh Prince’s “Talking Turkey.”

“George Lopez”

Family is such a huge theme of Thanksgiving. The “George Lopez” episode “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Honey” deals with what it’s like when you’ve never known part of your family.

“The Goldbergs”

Another Thanksgiving tradition (whether watching or attending) is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Goldberg kids try to go see it in “Ho-ly K.I.T.T.” (with a bonus 80s setting!).

“Speechless”

“Speechless” is one of my favorite shows that is currently airing new episodes. The show’s first Thanksgiving episode, “T-H-A– Thanksgiving,” is no exception to its traditionally great episodes.

“New Girl”

For the biggest belly-laughing absurdity, the “New Girl” episode “Thanksgiving” is one of my two all-time go-tos.

“WKRP in Cincinnati”

Finally, possibly the greatest Thanksgiving sitcom episode of all time, the “WKRP in Cincinnati” episode “Turkeys Away.”

“Bones”

Bones is always good for humor, heart, comedy, and intrigue, and the episode “High Treason in the Holiday Season” has it all.

“Chuck”

I recently re-watched the series “Chuck.” Although you get more context if you watch the whole series (except for the last season — you can skip that), “Chuck vs. The Leftovers” is fun with a dash of heart and humor.

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”

I am an unabashed “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fan, and there are so many good moments in the episode “Pangs,” including a discussion of colonialism and its impacts on indigenous peoples. I try to watch it every year.

“Gilmore Girls”

If you’ve ever had to shuttle among houses over the holidays, you’ll be able to identify with Lorelei and Rory in “A Deep Fried Korean Thanksgiving.”

“The West Wing”

One of my favorite moments in “The West Wing” is President Bartlet’s call to the Butterball hotline in “The Indians in the Lobby.”

victoriamorenojackson
Raised in the South, Victoria lives in Norwood with her college sweetheart, son (2010), and daughter (2016). In Victoria’s previous career, she worked as a lawyer, specializing in alternative dispute resolution practice and training. Victoria is happy to announce that she has overcome her goal to MAKE ALL THE THINGS, and given into her love of bag designing and creation to form Subversive Textiles, LLC! When she isn’t working, you’ll usually find Victoria attempting to satisfy her introverted self’s desire to sit cozily inside, devouring media, while crafting. Her outdoorsy, extroverted family makes sure that she doesn’t get too comfortable by regularly expressing their need to be outside and doing things, preferably with other people. Given that her entire family is filled with strong-willed individuals who consider the word “No” as an invitation to begin negotiating, there’s never a dull moment (despite what her son says.) When she isn’t working, you’ll usually find Victoria attempting to satisfy her introverted self’s desire to sit cozily inside, devouring media, while crafting. Her outdoorsy, extroverted family makes sure that she doesn’t get too comfortable by regularly expressing their need to be outside and doing things, preferably with other people. Given that her entire family is filled with strong-willed individuals who consider the word “No” as an invitation to begin negotiating, there’s never a dull moment (despite what her son says.)