19 Thanksgiving TV Episodes Worth Watching Again

Photo: Danny Feld/NBCU Photo Bank

Give thanks to the small screen — a constant source of joy everyThanksgivingseason!

Unsure where to start your binge-watch over the holiday weekend? Like your Thanksgiving feast, there are plenty of options available to satisfy your cravings.

01of 19

Friends

NBC

“The One with All the Thanksgivings” (Season 5, Episode 8)

Friendshas its own separate listof classic Thanksgiving episode moments, so how do we pick a favorite? While it’s hard to beat Rachel’s (Jennifer Aniston) infamous savory-sweet trifle, we have to give the edge to the episode where viewers get a glimpse into the friends' past lives as they reflect on their worst memories of the holiday.

02of 19

Gossip Girl

‘Gossip Girl’, “Blair Waldorf Must Pie!".The CW

The CW

“Blair Waldorf Must Pie!” (Season 1, Episode 9)

Though we can’t forget theiconic Thanksgiving dinner scenefrom season 3, this season 1 episode served us plenty of drama to feast on, including Serena and her family spending their holiday with the Humphreys, Blair’s (Leighton Meester) emotional meltdown over her AWOL dad and Nate’s (Chace Crawford) intense family dinner. We barely needed to hear from the voice of Gossip Girl to stir the pot even more.

03of 19Cheers’Cheers', “Thanksgiving Orphans”.NBCU Photo Bank"Thanksgiving Orphans” (Season 5, Episode 9)Most big city dwellers know the feeling of being an orphan on Turkey Day. When Diane (Shelley Long) suggests the Cheers bar regulars — most of whom do not have any plans — have their own potluck dinner in Carla’s (Rhea Perlman) new abode, Norm (George Wendt) arrives with a raw turkey, and Diane comes dressed as a pilgrim while some don’t show up. When watching the football game fails to be a distraction from the slow-cooking turkey, their built-up frustrations come to a head at the dinner table, just like a real family, which results in the episode’sclassic food fight scene.

03of 19

Cheers

‘Cheers’, “Thanksgiving Orphans”.NBCU Photo Bank

NBCU Photo Bank

“Thanksgiving Orphans” (Season 5, Episode 9)

Most big city dwellers know the feeling of being an orphan on Turkey Day. When Diane (Shelley Long) suggests the Cheers bar regulars — most of whom do not have any plans — have their own potluck dinner in Carla’s (Rhea Perlman) new abode, Norm (George Wendt) arrives with a raw turkey, and Diane comes dressed as a pilgrim while some don’t show up. When watching the football game fails to be a distraction from the slow-cooking turkey, their built-up frustrations come to a head at the dinner table, just like a real family, which results in the episode’sclassic food fight scene.

04of 19

Peanuts

‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’.CBS

CBS

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

With Charlie having two separate dinners on his plate, the core drama of the episode comes from a mischievous Snoopy (Bill Melendez), who conjures up a nontraditional menu consisting of toast, popcorn and jelly beans (then secretly saves the turkey for himself and Woodstock). Is it just us, or are we oddly okay with the original meal?

05of 19

Modern Family

‘Modern Family’, “Punkin Chunkin”.Richard Foreman/ABC/Getty

Richard Foreman/ABC/Getty

“Punkin Chunkin” (Season 3, Episode 9)

This episode boils down to a heated family dispute that divides them into two teams — the “Realists” vs. the “Dreamers” — as they put Cameron’s pumpkin-launching tale to the test. It sounds like a recipe for disaster, but don’t worry, Haley (Sarah Hyland) already has that covered with crashing her mom’s car.

06of 19The O.C.“The Homecoming” (Season 1, Episode 11)There is no better season of television than season 1 ofThe O.C.Marissa Cooper’s (Mischa Barton) meltdown in Tijuana, Mexico, on episode 7, chugging vodka in the bathroom of a charity fashion show in episode 10 — if only our high school lives were so glamorous.On this episode, we see Seth’s (Adam Brody) relationships with both Summer (Rachel Bilson)andAnna (Samaire Armstrong) burn along with the turkey as he tries to juggle dating them at the same time. (Byeee Anna, it’s Seth and Summer forever!) Meanwhile, Marissa tags along with heartthrob Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie) to his hometown in Chino, California, where he pays a visit to his imprisoned brother, Trey (Bradley Stryker), who asks for his help settling a debt.

06of 19

The O.C.

“The Homecoming” (Season 1, Episode 11)

There is no better season of television than season 1 ofThe O.C.Marissa Cooper’s (Mischa Barton) meltdown in Tijuana, Mexico, on episode 7, chugging vodka in the bathroom of a charity fashion show in episode 10 — if only our high school lives were so glamorous.

On this episode, we see Seth’s (Adam Brody) relationships with both Summer (Rachel Bilson)andAnna (Samaire Armstrong) burn along with the turkey as he tries to juggle dating them at the same time. (Byeee Anna, it’s Seth and Summer forever!) Meanwhile, Marissa tags along with heartthrob Ryan (Benjamin McKenzie) to his hometown in Chino, California, where he pays a visit to his imprisoned brother, Trey (Bradley Stryker), who asks for his help settling a debt.

07of 19Gilmore Girls’Gilmore Girls', “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”.Warner Bros./Everett Collection"A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)Agreeing to have dinner with Lorelai’s (Lauren Graham) parents and three other people, Rory (Alexis Bledel) and Lorelai come up with a strategy of “skipping the rolls” to make more eating room for Luke’s (Scott Patterson) personalized plates, Mrs. Kim’s (Emily Kuroda) Tofurkey, and Jackson’s (Jackson Douglas) deep-fried turkey (much to the aversion ofMelissa McCarthy’s Sookie).In the world ofGilmore Girls, where it’s eternally autumn, Thanksgiving arrives with all of the show’s cozy charm, as the classic episode also features Kirk’s (Sean Gunn) new cat, Rory and Jess’s (Milo Ventimiglia) honeymoon-like moments and Lane’s (Keiko Agena) first kiss.

07of 19

Gilmore Girls

‘Gilmore Girls’, “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”.Warner Bros./Everett Collection

Warner Bros./Everett Collection

“A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)

Agreeing to have dinner with Lorelai’s (Lauren Graham) parents and three other people, Rory (Alexis Bledel) and Lorelai come up with a strategy of “skipping the rolls” to make more eating room for Luke’s (Scott Patterson) personalized plates, Mrs. Kim’s (Emily Kuroda) Tofurkey, and Jackson’s (Jackson Douglas) deep-fried turkey (much to the aversion ofMelissa McCarthy’s Sookie).

In the world ofGilmore Girls, where it’s eternally autumn, Thanksgiving arrives with all of the show’s cozy charm, as the classic episode also features Kirk’s (Sean Gunn) new cat, Rory and Jess’s (Milo Ventimiglia) honeymoon-like moments and Lane’s (Keiko Agena) first kiss.

08of 19How I Met Your Mother’How I Met Your Mother', “Slapsgiving”.Monty Brinton / CBS / Courtesy Everett"Slapsgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9)ThisHow I Met Your Motherepisode launched a hilarious yet painful running joke. After winning a bet with Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) about Robin’s (Cobie Smulders) hidden secret, Marshall (Jason Segel) cashes in on the right to slap the ladies' man multiple times, with Lily (Alyson Hannigan) stepping in as the slap bet commissioner. Marshall saves his third slap for a grand Turkey Day face-off and continues the holiday ritual in the following years.“Slapsgiving” also introduces the bittersweet exchange between the recently uncoupled Ted (Josh Radnor) and Robin, who both share a salute when someone drops military ranks into the conversation. After all, Thanksgiving is all about tradition, right?

08of 19

How I Met Your Mother

‘How I Met Your Mother’, “Slapsgiving”.Monty Brinton / CBS / Courtesy Everett

Monty Brinton / CBS / Courtesy Everett

“Slapsgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)

ThisHow I Met Your Motherepisode launched a hilarious yet painful running joke. After winning a bet with Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) about Robin’s (Cobie Smulders) hidden secret, Marshall (Jason Segel) cashes in on the right to slap the ladies' man multiple times, with Lily (Alyson Hannigan) stepping in as the slap bet commissioner. Marshall saves his third slap for a grand Turkey Day face-off and continues the holiday ritual in the following years.

“Slapsgiving” also introduces the bittersweet exchange between the recently uncoupled Ted (Josh Radnor) and Robin, who both share a salute when someone drops military ranks into the conversation. After all, Thanksgiving is all about tradition, right?

09of 19Full House"The Miracle of Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 9)Our first Thanksgiving with the Tanner family was as expected — a roller coaster of emotions. With the first holiday spent without his late wife, Danny (Bob Saget) collaborates with Uncle Joey (Dave Coulier) and Uncle Jesse (John Stamos) to prepare an extra special dinner for his daughters. However, things don’t go as planned when the evening leads to a frozen turkey and a botched pumpkin pie.ThisFull Houseepisode is a prime example of classic late ’80s sitcom hilarity, yet it doesn’t shy away from its signature soapy moments, gracefully navigating the theme of grief during the holiday season.

09of 19

Full House

“The Miracle of Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 9)

Our first Thanksgiving with the Tanner family was as expected — a roller coaster of emotions. With the first holiday spent without his late wife, Danny (Bob Saget) collaborates with Uncle Joey (Dave Coulier) and Uncle Jesse (John Stamos) to prepare an extra special dinner for his daughters. However, things don’t go as planned when the evening leads to a frozen turkey and a botched pumpkin pie.

ThisFull Houseepisode is a prime example of classic late ’80s sitcom hilarity, yet it doesn’t shy away from its signature soapy moments, gracefully navigating the theme of grief during the holiday season.

10of 19Everybody Loves Raymond’Everybody Loves Raymond', “No Fat”.CBS"No Fat" (Season 3, Episode 10)We love it when a sitcom serves as a historical insight into the trends of the times, and nothing says “1998” like an entirely fat-free Thanksgiving — including steamed veggies and turkey-molded tofu (cue the laugh track). The mastermind behind this health-conscious feast is matriarch Marie (Doris Roberts), who is set on whipping up a menu that will promise a longer life for her and her husband, Frank (Peter Boyle). While their guests applaud their newfound nutrition journey, hunger quickly pushes them to consider Robert’s (Brad Garrett) dog, Starsky, as a more appetizing alternative.

10of 19

Everybody Loves Raymond

‘Everybody Loves Raymond’, “No Fat”.CBS

“No Fat” (Season 3, Episode 10)

We love it when a sitcom serves as a historical insight into the trends of the times, and nothing says “1998” like an entirely fat-free Thanksgiving — including steamed veggies and turkey-molded tofu (cue the laugh track). The mastermind behind this health-conscious feast is matriarch Marie (Doris Roberts), who is set on whipping up a menu that will promise a longer life for her and her husband, Frank (Peter Boyle). While their guests applaud their newfound nutrition journey, hunger quickly pushes them to consider Robert’s (Brad Garrett) dog, Starsky, as a more appetizing alternative.

11of 19The Sopranos’The Sopranos', “He Is Risen”.HBO"He Is Risen" (Season 3, Episode 8)This episode ofThe Sopranosis proof that not even mobsters are immune to petty family holiday drama. From Tony (James Gandolfini) ordering Carmela (Edie Falco) to uninvite Ralphie (Joe Pantoliano) and Rosalie (Sharon Angela) from their festive gathering to Jackie Jr. (Jason Cerbone) making an entrance and asking Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) out in front of everyone.Our favorite moment? Tony throwing food across the table at Janice’s (Aida Turturro) narcoleptic boyfriend Aaron (Turk Pipkin) — whose evangelical beliefs inspire the episode’s title. “He Is Risen” is packed with loads of drama and conflict that reaches far beyond the dinner table.

11of 19

The Sopranos

‘The Sopranos’, “He Is Risen”.HBO

HBO

“He Is Risen” (Season 3, Episode 8)

This episode ofThe Sopranosis proof that not even mobsters are immune to petty family holiday drama. From Tony (James Gandolfini) ordering Carmela (Edie Falco) to uninvite Ralphie (Joe Pantoliano) and Rosalie (Sharon Angela) from their festive gathering to Jackie Jr. (Jason Cerbone) making an entrance and asking Meadow (Jamie-Lynn Sigler) out in front of everyone.

Our favorite moment? Tony throwing food across the table at Janice’s (Aida Turturro) narcoleptic boyfriend Aaron (Turk Pipkin) — whose evangelical beliefs inspire the episode’s title. “He Is Risen” is packed with loads of drama and conflict that reaches far beyond the dinner table.

12of 19

Parenthood

Justin Lubin/NBC/Getty

“Happy Thanksgiving” (Season 2, Episode 10)

13of 19

Seinfeld

Michael Robello, Michael Richards and Elsa Raven onSeinfeld.J. Delvalle/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal

“The Mom & Pop Store” (Season 6, Episode 8)

However, what makes this episode a Thanksgiving classic is Elaine’s (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) storyline, in which we learn that her boss, Mr. Pitt (Ian Abercrombie), has tasked her with winning him a spot to hold the Woody Woodpecker balloon in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

14of 19This Is UsRon Batzdorff/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal"Six Thanksgivings" (Season 3, Episode 8)Over the six seasons ofThis Is Us, the Pearson family had several memorable — and, of course, dramatic — Thanksgivings. The best of the bunch happens on season 3, which depicts the family members celebrating the holiday in conventional and unconventional ways across several timelines that span past and present.“Six Thanksgivings” treats viewers to fresh insights, from Miguel’s (Jon Huertas) parenting to Jack’s (Ventimiglia) experiences in the Vietnam War to William’s (Ron Cephas Jones) first meeting with boyfriend Jessie (Denis O’Hare). In trueThis Is Usfashion, the episode culminates in a beautiful montage, emphasizing how Thanksgiving is about connecting with loved ones.

14of 19

This Is Us

Ron Batzdorff/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal

“Six Thanksgivings” (Season 3, Episode 8)

Over the six seasons ofThis Is Us, the Pearson family had several memorable — and, of course, dramatic — Thanksgivings. The best of the bunch happens on season 3, which depicts the family members celebrating the holiday in conventional and unconventional ways across several timelines that span past and present.

“Six Thanksgivings” treats viewers to fresh insights, from Miguel’s (Jon Huertas) parenting to Jack’s (Ventimiglia) experiences in the Vietnam War to William’s (Ron Cephas Jones) first meeting with boyfriend Jessie (Denis O’Hare). In trueThis Is Usfashion, the episode culminates in a beautiful montage, emphasizing how Thanksgiving is about connecting with loved ones.

15of 19Dexter’Dexter', “Hungry Man”.Showtime"Hungry Man" (Season 4, Episode 9)Okay, so one serial killer going undercover to another serial killer’s dysfunctional family Thanksgiving meal might not be the heartwarming fodder we are looking for this time of year — but it’s morbidly fascinating television nonetheless. On this episode, football player Jonah (Brando Eaton) tells Dexter (Michael C. Hall) about his dad’s (John Lithgow) abusive tendencies and invites him over for dinner, unwittingly aiding Dexter’s investigation of the “family man” moonlighting as The Trinity Killer. When the moment of gratitude arrives, and no one utters a word about their dear patriarch, the knives come out — and not just to carve turkey.

15of 19

Dexter

‘Dexter’, “Hungry Man”.Showtime

Showtime

“Hungry Man” (Season 4, Episode 9)Okay, so one serial killer going undercover to another serial killer’s dysfunctional family Thanksgiving meal might not be the heartwarming fodder we are looking for this time of year — but it’s morbidly fascinating television nonetheless. On this episode, football player Jonah (Brando Eaton) tells Dexter (Michael C. Hall) about his dad’s (John Lithgow) abusive tendencies and invites him over for dinner, unwittingly aiding Dexter’s investigation of the “family man” moonlighting as The Trinity Killer. When the moment of gratitude arrives, and no one utters a word about their dear patriarch, the knives come out — and not just to carve turkey.

16of 19South Park’South Park' “A History Channel Thanksgiving”.Comedy Central"A History Channel Thanksgiving" (Season 15, Episode 13)As can be expected, everyone’s favorite irreverent animated children used Thanksgiving to make an important social commentary on the evolution of the History Channel. ParodyingAncient Aliensand the 2011 filmThor, this episode sees the boys watching a documentary stating that aliens were present at the original Thanksgiving feast. On it, we learned that “Professor of Thanksgiving” is our dream job title and that “massive stuffing shortage” is the scariest sequence of words in the English language.Looking for an escape from the conventional family-themed Thanksgiving programming?South Parkserves up a healthy portion of absurdity that’ll make you belly laugh while stuffed with leftovers.

16of 19

South Park

‘South Park’ “A History Channel Thanksgiving”.Comedy Central

Comedy Central

“A History Channel Thanksgiving” (Season 15, Episode 13)

As can be expected, everyone’s favorite irreverent animated children used Thanksgiving to make an important social commentary on the evolution of the History Channel. ParodyingAncient Aliensand the 2011 filmThor, this episode sees the boys watching a documentary stating that aliens were present at the original Thanksgiving feast. On it, we learned that “Professor of Thanksgiving” is our dream job title and that “massive stuffing shortage” is the scariest sequence of words in the English language.

Looking for an escape from the conventional family-themed Thanksgiving programming?South Parkserves up a healthy portion of absurdity that’ll make you belly laugh while stuffed with leftovers.

17of 19GleeGLEE ‘Thanksgiving’ (Season 4, Episode 8).Jordin Althaus/Fox/courtesy Everett"Thanksgiving" (Season 4, Episode 8)If the chaos of mashing up Scissor Sisters' “Let’s Have a Kiki” with the show tune “Turkey Lurkey Time” from the musicalPromises, Promisesdoesn’t screamGlee, then we’re in the wrong choir. On this episode, the New Directions alumni return to William McKinley High to lend a helping hand to interim coach Finn (Cory Monteith) in prepping the current glee club for Sectionals. Naturally, this reunion stirs up a bubbling pot of unresolved tensions, including yet another clash between Santana (Naya Rivera) and Quinn (Dianna Agron).Since it’sGlee, “Thanksgiving” takes you on a rollercoaster as it goes from serious teen issues to a surreal rendition ofPsy’s “Gangnam Style” — ensuring you get a bit of everything on your plate. For the grand finish,Sarah Jessica Parkermakes a guest appearance!

17of 19

Glee

GLEE ‘Thanksgiving’ (Season 4, Episode 8).Jordin Althaus/Fox/courtesy Everett

Jordin Althaus/Fox/courtesy Everett

“Thanksgiving” (Season 4, Episode 8)

If the chaos of mashing up Scissor Sisters' “Let’s Have a Kiki” with the show tune “Turkey Lurkey Time” from the musicalPromises, Promisesdoesn’t screamGlee, then we’re in the wrong choir. On this episode, the New Directions alumni return to William McKinley High to lend a helping hand to interim coach Finn (Cory Monteith) in prepping the current glee club for Sectionals. Naturally, this reunion stirs up a bubbling pot of unresolved tensions, including yet another clash between Santana (Naya Rivera) and Quinn (Dianna Agron).

Since it’sGlee, “Thanksgiving” takes you on a rollercoaster as it goes from serious teen issues to a surreal rendition ofPsy’s “Gangnam Style” — ensuring you get a bit of everything on your plate. For the grand finish,Sarah Jessica Parkermakes a guest appearance!

18of 19New GirlNew Girl ‘Thanksgiving’ (Season 1, Episode 6).Greg Gayne / Fox / Courtesy: Everett"Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 6)After inviting her crush Paul (Justin Long), a fellow middle-school teacher, over for dinner on what Schmidt (Max Greenfield) dubs the “least sexy holiday of the year,” Jess (Zooey Deschanel) convinces her roommates to cancel their “Dudesgiving” plans of idle football watching and put together a traditional meal for their first Thanksgiving together at the loft.However, when their turkey — affectionately named “Hanksgiving” — ends up still being frozen on the big day, the gang uses unconventional measures to defrost it faster, such as giving it a hug and putting it in the dryer. Amid the pandemonium, this episode teaches us that sometimes the best holidays are the ones where not everything goes to plan.

18of 19

New Girl

New Girl ‘Thanksgiving’ (Season 1, Episode 6).Greg Gayne / Fox / Courtesy: Everett

Greg Gayne / Fox / Courtesy: Everett

“Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 6)

After inviting her crush Paul (Justin Long), a fellow middle-school teacher, over for dinner on what Schmidt (Max Greenfield) dubs the “least sexy holiday of the year,” Jess (Zooey Deschanel) convinces her roommates to cancel their “Dudesgiving” plans of idle football watching and put together a traditional meal for their first Thanksgiving together at the loft.

However, when their turkey — affectionately named “Hanksgiving” — ends up still being frozen on the big day, the gang uses unconventional measures to defrost it faster, such as giving it a hug and putting it in the dryer. Amid the pandemonium, this episode teaches us that sometimes the best holidays are the ones where not everything goes to plan.

19of 19

The Big Bang Theory

‘The Big Bang Theory’, “The Thanksgiving Decoupling”.Cliff Lipson / CBS / courtesy Everett

Cliff Lipson / CBS / courtesy Everett

“The Thanksgiving Decoupling” (Season 7, Episode 9)

So Penny persuades her simpleminded husband to come over on the holiday to nullify the marriage. The real gag is catching the rare spectacle of drunk Sheldon, who burps the number of Pi and throws up on the clown decorations in the bathroom. Bazinga!

source: people.com