10 Iconic Thanksgiving TV Episodes to Watch for This Holiday
Thanksgiving has inspired some of the most memorable and entertaining episodes in TV history, capturing family dynamics, hilarious mishaps, and heartfelt moments.
Thanksgiving has inspired some of the most memorable and entertaining episodes in TV history, capturing family dynamics, hilarious mishaps, and heartfelt moments. Here’s a list of the top 10 iconic Thanksgiving episodes that are perfect for getting you in the holiday spirit.
1. Friends – "The One with All the Thanksgivings" (Season 5, Episode 8)
No Thanksgiving episode list is complete without Friends. In this episode, the group reminisces about past Thanksgiving blunders. From Chandler’s accidental “I love you” to Monica dancing with a turkey on her head, this episode is loaded with laugh-out-loud moments and ’90s nostalgia. It’s a must-watch for Thanksgiving laughter and love.
2. How I Met Your Mother – "Slapsgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9)
In How I Met Your Mother’s “Slapsgiving,” the holiday tension turns hilarious as Barney nervously awaits a promised slap from Marshall. As Ted and Robin work through post-breakup awkwardness, this episode brings emotional moments mixed with humor and the infamous Slap Bet countdown, cementing its place as a Thanksgiving classic.
3. The Office – "WUPHF.com" (Season 7, Episode 9)
While The Office didn’t focus on Thanksgiving per se, this episode captures the festive spirit through a subplot of the office’s annual hay festival and a sense of family among coworkers. Michael’s loyalty to Ryan, despite his faulty startup, brings the themes of support and friendship, making it a quirky, Thanksgiving-appropriate episode.
4. Gilmore Girls – "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9)
In Gilmore Girls, Thanksgiving turns into a marathon as Lorelai and Rory try to make it to four Thanksgiving dinners in one day. From Sookie’s deep-fried turkey to Lane’s strict family gathering, this episode delivers on the charm, humor, and heartfelt family moments that make Thanksgiving special.
5. Modern Family – "Three Turkeys" (Season 6, Episode 8)
Modern Family’s Thanksgiving goes awry when Phil tries to cook his own turkey, Claire secretly makes a backup, and Jay and Gloria unexpectedly stay home. The chaos of three turkeys, secret dinners, and family mishaps make this episode a laugh-filled reminder of why family Thanksgivings are both hectic and heartwarming.
6. Brooklyn Nine-Nine – "Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 10)
In this hilarious episode, Jake attends Amy’s Thanksgiving dinner, where chaos ensues as the squad tries to make it through the awkward festivities. Jake’s resistance to celebrating Thanksgiving, coupled with Amy’s desire to host a perfect dinner, brings plenty of laughs, making it one of Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s most beloved episodes.
7. New Girl – "Parents" (Season 2, Episode 8)
Jess’s Thanksgiving turns complicated when she invites her divorced parents, hoping to reunite them through a “Parent Trap” scheme. In classic New Girl fashion, hilarity follows as Jess’s roommates get involved, making it a Thanksgiving episode that’s both funny and endearingly awkward.
8. Everybody Loves Raymond – "No Fat" (Season 3, Episode 10)
When Marie decides to serve a “health-conscious” Thanksgiving dinner, the Barone family is less than thrilled. Everybody Loves Raymond captures the humor in family dynamics and holiday traditions, as the family tries to keep the peace while dealing with Marie’s unique twist on the holiday meal.
9. Will & Grace – "Moveable Feast" (Season 4, Episode 10)
Will, Grace, Jack, and Karen attempt to visit multiple Thanksgiving dinners in one day, leading to a string of funny and awkward moments. With classic Will & Grace wit and memorable banter, this episode highlights the theme of chosen family and the lengths friends go to make holidays special.
10. Cheers – "Thanksgiving Orphans" (Season 5, Episode 9)
In this Cheers episode, the gang gathers for a potluck Thanksgiving that quickly spirals out of control. A food fight breaks out, and the episode ends with one of TV’s most iconic pie-throwing scenes. The humor and camaraderie of the Cheers crew make this a Thanksgiving episode for the ages.
Wrap-Up: Thanksgiving TV Classics to Revisit This Holiday
These 10 iconic Thanksgiving episodes highlight everything from heartfelt family moments to hilarious holiday mishaps, providing the perfect holiday binge list. Whether you’re spending Thanksgiving with family or friends, these TV classics are sure to bring laughter, nostalgia, and warmth to your holiday season.
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