The 13 Best Thanksgiving TV Episodes of All Time, Ranked

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As a die-hard fan of classic sitcoms and someone who cherishes every morsel of humor, I wholeheartedly concur with this list. Each one of these episodes has left me giggling, guffawing, or flat-out rolling on the floor in stitches over the years.

Holiday specials can be some of the best episodes of a television series. Whether long-running or short-lived, it’s not uncommon for them to celebrate anything and everything from the Fourth of July to Festivus. With a mix of celebratory filler and a good enough plot, they can become the fan favorite of just about any TV series. Now that Halloween has come and gone it’s time to focus on the American holiday of family gatherings, balloon-filled parades, gluttonous shindigs, and endless shopping. That’s right, it’s time to talk turkey… or, in this case, Thanksgiving.

Although Thanksgiving isn’t frequently featured in movies, filmmakers like Eli Roth have taken advantage of this holiday for horror films, such as the gory slasher movie Thanksgiving in 2023. However, on television, Thanksgiving is a well-liked theme because it provides an opportunity to bring together a group of characters in one setting and create tension. Series like How I Met Your Mother, New Girl, and Bob’s Burgers have made Thanksgiving episodes a tradition, just as The Simpsons and Brooklyn Nine-Nine do for Halloween episodes. With Thanksgiving coming up soon, here is a list of the top Thanksgiving episodes in TV history, ranked.

13 Bob’s Burgers

“Gayle Makin’ Bob Sled” (Season 6, Episode 4)

In the cartoon series focusing on a family managing a burger restaurant called Bob’s Burgers, there are many heartwarming scenes to be found. Although it may be better recognized for its Halloween specials, it’s not surprising that their Thanksgiving episodes rank among the finest as well.

In the movie “Gayle Makin’ Bob Sled“, the story primarily revolves around their journey. The adventure kicks off when Bob, a devoted family man, goes above and beyond to retrieve Gayle, Linda’s sister, before Thanksgiving dinner. Due to unforeseen circumstances, his car gets stuck in snow. With no other choice, they must walk back and travel on a sled, with an amusing twist: Gayle uses Bob as the sled. Despite being stranded, Bob maintains his strong connection to the kitchen by frequently phoning Linda for instructions on how to perfectly prepare the turkey for their upcoming meal.

What Makes It Great?

This episode beautifully illustrates a family uniting for the holidays despite their challenges. Bob and Gayle don’t always see eye to eye, but being forced to spend time together truly encapsulates the spirit of the season. It’s no secret that Bob is particular about his culinary creations, so letting go of control to his disorganized spouse must have been quite a struggle! The plot seems to be naturally unfolding… Stream it on Hulu.

12 Modern Family

“Three Turkeys” (Season 6, Episode 8)

Modern Family is widely praised for its unique mix of heartfelt moments and laughter, and this beloved sitcom never shies away from pulling out all the stops when it comes to their special episodes during holidays. In season six’s “Three Turkeys“, a whirlwind of hilarity and mayhem unfolds as Claire allows Phil to take charge of preparing the turkey for Thanksgiving, despite her secretly making an extra one as backup just in case – a classic control-freak move. Simultaneously, Gloria and Jay attempt to find some tranquility on the holiday by staying home and pretending they’re in Mexico, but their plan falls apart when the Dunphys arrive to utilize their kitchen.

What Makes It Great?

Watching Gloria side-splittingly try and hide their turkey (and mistakenly taking Phil’s) makes for some good old-fashioned TV hijinks, and so does the fact that the couple accidentally left their son Joe behind in the house during their hasty getaway. The big and blended family face one disaster after another throughout the fun and zany episode, as Cam and Mitch dress-up in Gloria’s dresses to teach Lily a lesson and Phil’s turkey is inadvertently smuggled inside a suitcase. “Three Turkeys” brilliantly captures all how hectic and wholesome Thanksgiving can be. Stream on Peacock.

11 ​​​​​New Girl

“Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 6)

I can’t help but sing praises for the pilot Thanksgiving episode of “New Girl,” titled simply as “Thanksgiving.” This first outing stands out among the five festive episodes that graced the show’s seven-season run, because it marks our first holiday celebration together. Jess, ever the thoughtful one, goes above and beyond to make this occasion memorable, even when Nick, Winston, and Schmidt voice their reluctance to join in her antics. This episode reaches its climax with a hilarious twist – a dryer fire – that ensues after we, in our wisdom (or lack thereof), decide to thaw the turkey in the most perilous manner imaginable.

What Makes It Great?

Modern-day TV series have become excellent venues to highlight contemporary traditions such as Friendsgiving, which seems just as significant as the classic Thanksgiving these days. The show we’re discussing perfectly encapsulates this trend. Just like always, Jess is her peculiar self, striving to make everything flawless for the special occasion – yet, she may be stretching herself a bit thin here. Fortunately, she has a few surprisingly grounded roommates on hand to help her relax and step in if things get too hectic. Watch it on Hulu.

10 It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

“The Gang Squashes Their Beefs” (Season 9, Episode 10)

In the TV show “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” the rowdy gang from Paddy’s Pub is up to their old tricks once more in the episode titled “The Gang Squashes Their Beefs.” This time, instead of their usual chaos, they attempt something unusual – making amends with those they’ve wronged. They invite their adversaries for an unprecedented Thanksgiving dinner, where the tension remains palpable throughout. The climax of this unexpected feast is a fire that erupts during the wild gathering, engulfing Mac and Dennis’ apartment.

What Makes It Great?

Whenever The Gang attempts a supposedly generous act, it invariably leads to a disastrously comedic turn of events, exposing their hidden self-centered intentions. Suspicious characters such as the McPoyles, Gail the Snail, and Rickety Cricket mysteriously show up for dinner, causing The Gang to hilariously take things at face value. For instance, Charlie prepares squash and beef for dinner, while Mac brings a hatchet and pail of dirty water to literally “bury the hatchet.” The climax unfolds with the despicable friends standing in their apartment hallway as their adversaries are cornered inside with a raging inferno, demonstrating that their quarrels are too enormous to ever be resolved. Watch now on Hulu.

9 Cheers

“Thanksgiving Orphans” (Season 5, Episode 9)

One way to rephrase the given text in a natural and easy-reading manner is:

What Makes It Great?

Following a pre-feast unwind involving football and some friendly banter, everyone gathers in the dining room to find that the turkey is surprisingly not yet cooked, despite the sides being perfectly set on the table. As Carla and Norm begin squabbling over who’s responsible for the undercooked bird, a spontaneous food fight erupts, with everyone letting off steam in an amusing manner. This classic scene encapsulates the hidden wishes of numerous families during their major meals, as stress and emotions can sometimes escalate and creativity flourishes. Stream now on Paramount+.

8 Gilmore Girls

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

In typical fashion, the heartwarmingly peculiar Thanksgiving episode of Gilmore Girls is named “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving.” The storyline is straightforward – Lorelai and Rory attend four separate dinners during the day. Lorelai remains unfazed by the idea, confidently expressing that this is what they’ve been looking forward to all along.

Initially, they visit Lane’s, a place where they consume tofu turkey. Following this, Sookie’s is next on the list, where Jackson publicly deep-fries their turkey amidst his extended family. Later, they drop by Luke’s diner, finding a group of people there celebrating the day. The evening concludes at the grandparents’ house. It’s during this last meal that Lorelai learns Rory has applied to more universities than just Harvard, which nearly spoils the occasion.

What Makes It Great?

During Thanksgiving, large meal servings often coincide with numerous dinner invitations. Although having a multitude of friends and relatives might initially appear as an enviable predicament, it also underscores the importance of self-care during the celebrations. Keep in mind that this series was progressive for its era by portraying various traditions within this imaginary town. This only serves to illustrate that there are numerous methods of commemorating such occasions. Stream now on Netflix.

7 How I Met Your Mother

“Slapsgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)

If you’re a devotee of “How I Met Your Mother,” you’re familiar with the Slapsgiving tradition. This special Thanksgiving episode delves into how this custom originated, with Marshall establishing guidelines against Barney. The amusing and enjoyable episode is brimming with laughter and heartfelt moments, as Ted and Robin grow more intimate while creating their inside joke.

What Makes It Great?

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the quirky origins of holiday traditions, even if they seem a bit peculiar at first glance. Take Slapsgiving for instance – it might sound like just an excuse to sneak an extra piece of pie, but it adds a dash of fun and playfulness to what could otherwise be a stiff and formal occasion. Check it out on Hulu.

6 Everybody Loves Raymond

“No Fat” (Season 3, Episode 10)

Another oldie but goodie classic comes from the vaults of the sitcom classic Everybody Loves Raymond. Featuring the comedy of Ray Romano, it’s no wonder this Italian-American family had its own plethora of Thanksgiving Day episodes. This one, however, takes the cake… literally.

In this story, following some concerning health updates from the local senior health fair, Ray’s mom, Marie, elects to prepare a nutritious holiday meal instead. This decision results in the infamous ‘Tofurkey’, which remarkably resembles the traditional turkey, even down to the application of beet juice and Worcestershire sauce for coloring. In an expected twist, each member of Ray’s family takes turns devouring this peculiar dish, one agonizing bite at a time. Fortunately, their meal was cut short by the unexpected arrival of a delivery containing traditional Thanksgiving food.

What Makes It Great?

If there is one lesson to learn from this episode, it’s that family traditions, both old and new, are what you make of them. Finding a place that would deliver a four-course meal on Thanksgiving Day in 1998 might not have been easy, but it would not be nearly so unheard of today. Still, in ordering this backup, Ray accidentally upsets his mother by dishonoring her desire to do better for herself and her family. By the episode’s heartwarming end, however, each one of them sneaks back to Ray’s house at the stroke of midnight for the restaurant leftovers, proving that some habits just die hard. Stream on Peacock.

5 Gossip Girl

“The Treasure of Serena Madre” (Season 3, Episode 11)

Elite Daily has compiled a list of every Thanksgiving-themed episode from the legendary TV show “Gossip Girl”, arranged according to their level of drama. Notably, the episode titled “The Treasure of Serena Madre” is included on this list. This particular episode continues to be shared as a meme, with the catchphrase “Mmm Whatcha Say”, across various social media platforms. In this episode, Serena’s affair with the congressional representative becomes public knowledge; Eric expresses his dislike for sweet potatoes; Jenny embodies typical teenage angst; and Rufus remains clueless about all the drama unfolding around him.

What Makes It Great?

In contrast to other episodes on this list that mainly focus on humorous holiday moments, this one intertwines traditional holiday activities with its intense emotional aspects. As numerous formal dinner gatherings might confirm, it doesn’t take much to ignite a conversation bomb when family members who barely know each other come together. The fact that these characters share even more common ground only makes the situation more intriguing. Stream now on Netflix.

4 Will and Grace

“Moveable Feast: Part 1 & 2” (Season 4, Episode 9-10)

The sitcom “Will & Grace” was exceptionally progressive in numerous aspects, and the Thanksgiving special titled “Moveable Feast: Part 1-2” is one such example. In this episode, Will, Grace, Jack, and Karen desire a low-key Thanksgiving with their chosen family, but they must first make brief stops at different family gatherings to make it happen. Time constraints force them to navigate the tri-state area while using an egg timer for fairness. The hasty departures leave them uneasy about their relationships with loved ones, causing them to return twice to rectify any issues.

In the meantime, poor Rosario, Karen’s maid, is stuck alone for hours with a recently prepared bird, waiting for their return. Initially taking small bites and making minor repairs, it eventually turns into a situation where she’s unable to resist, leading to an unforgettable scene in the episode – the hungry gang walking in to find Rosario unconscious beside what remains of the carcass. To be honest, considering the circumstances, who could blame her?

What Makes It Great?

On a festive holiday, the cast attempts to mend and rebuild relationships with long-lost family members within a 24-hour period. A brief visit may seem manageable, but the travel time consumed most of their day. Choosing instead to stay home and avoid their obligations might have spared them a chaotic day (to put it mildly, like Rosario in this situation).

As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you this episode is jam-packed with special appearances, from Nick Offerman to Debbie Reynolds. It even showcases one of Reynold’s iconic moves as Grace’s flamboyant mother, making it an absolute must-see! Don’t miss it on Hulu.

3 This Is Us

“Pilgrim Rick” (Season 1, Episode 8)

The inaugural Thanksgiving episode of “This is Us” stands out as its finest. Much like an impactful drama that deserves its share of tissues, there’s a wealth of events condensed into the 45-minute span. In this particular installment, Randall takes center stage. He learns that his adoptive mother had been acquainted with his biological father throughout her life yet never facilitated a meeting between them. This revelation leaves Randall understandably upset, causing Rebecca to grapple with finding the right words. The siblings, Kevin and Kate, watch on in astonishment as the tension escalates, particularly at the dinner table where some of their adoptive father’s cherished traditions are observed.

What Makes It Great?

As a film enthusiast, let me share my thoughts about “Pilgrim Rick,” a captivating tale that delves into the intricate dynamics of families during festive times. The drama that unfolds is a testament to how challenging it can be to guard a secret as momentous as this one. Yet, its eventual disclosure only adds to the intensity of the narrative. This emotional rollercoaster serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering open and honest connections, no matter the repercussions. Catch it on Netflix.

2 Friends

“The One Where Ross Got High” (Season 6, Episode 9)

Leaving out “Friends” from at least one item on the list wouldn’t be right, given that it boasts some iconic Thanksgiving episodes. These episodes gain their popularity due to the series’ distinctive setting. In all, there are a grand total of 10 such episodes.

Among the notable episodes for this list is “The One Where Ross Experienced Marijuana Use“. In this episode, an argument between Ross and Monica escalates rapidly. They reveal secrets to their parents, each secret more surprising than the last. Meanwhile, in a classic turn of events, Rachel unintentionally prepares a dessert that turns out to be less than delightful.

What Makes It Great?

At a family gathering, it can be tough to keep quiet about something secret when it’s constantly on your mind. And let’s face it, the abundance of Tryptophan and alcohol at the table doesn’t make it easier! This entertaining episode is filled with one joke after another that, hopefully, will bring as much laughter to your holiday as it does to you. Watch now on Max.

1 WKRP in Cincinnati

“Turkeys Away” (Season 1, Episode 7)

Despite being off the air for quite some time, the Thanksgiving episode of “WKRP in Cincinnati” remains iconic. It skillfully blends the nation’s fascination with bargains and their affection for turkeys. The memorable episode is famously known as “Turkeys Away“, where the station manager gives the green light to release live turkeys from a helicopter, creating an eerie advertising stunt. The outcome is both chaotic and comical.

What Makes It Great?

This clip from the episode inevitably makes the rounds on YouTube every holiday season and with good reason. It’s the perfect example of how well-meaning intentions can go terribly, horribly, yet wonderfully awry during the season. This is why WKRP in Cincinnati takes the top spot on this list as what is quite possibly one of the funniest Turkey Day episodes ever created. Buy on AppleTV

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2024-11-25 00:07