Turkey TV: The 10 Best Thanksgiving Episodes

The 10 best Thanksgiving TV episodes of all time

While Halloween and Christmas episodes may get the most fanfare, Thanksgiving TV moments are often among the most memorable because you have people cooking a huge meal, which can give rise to all sorts of ordeals and mishaps. On top of that, you have people traveling to go be with family, which just begs for both comedy and drama. And then there’s the matter of uniting a bunch of people, many of whom probably shouldn’t be allowed in the same room together..

The best Thanksgiving episodes play on these themes, and others like awkward conversations, family drama, travel woes, and chosen family, capturing everything that’s both horrible and wonderful all at once. And with so many off the clock for the long holiday weekend, it’s the perfect time to binge-watch some great holiday episodes that capture the Turkey Day spirit(s). All of them. The good, the bad, the heartwarming, and the hilarious. So loosen your belt or grab a few leftovers, then get cozy because this is our list of the best Thanksgiving episodes of all time.

10. “Friends” — The One with All the Thanksgivings (1998)

As the episode name suggests, the six friends recount their worst Thanksgiving memories. We see a flashback memory from teenage Rachel. We learn how Joey got a turkey stuck on his head, how Chandler lost part of his toe during a turkey day mishap, and how Monica found herself dancing with a turkey on her head.

Lots of turkey-on-head action in this “Friends” episode, making it a great pick for anyone who’s considering this stunt. Make a good decision and live vicariously by watching “The One with All the Thanksgivings” instead. It’s the perfect balance of nostalgia, physical comedy, and even a romantic moment, if you can believe it! It’s season 5, episode 8.

9. “Modern Family” — Three Turkeys (2014)

In this episode of “Modern Family,” Luke and Phil take charge of preparing Thanksgiving dinner, and they’re determined to prove that they can make it happen, while Claire is very skeptical. In fact, she’s so certain they’re going to fail, she prepares a secret backup turkey. Meanwhile, Phil is developing an affinity for his cooking app’s voice.

Gloria and Jay’s scheduled vacation gets canceled, but they decide to pretend that they’re away so they can enjoy a quiet Thanksgiving alone.

You have multiple turkeys, overlapping deceptions, and a major holiday. What could possibly go wrong, right? Find out for yourself by catching “Modern Family” (season 6, episode 8).

8. “Cheers” — Thanksgiving Orphans (1986)

The “Cheers” regulars find themselves without their usual Thanksgiving plans, so Carla invites everyone to her home for a potluck. But the turkey is taking ages to cook, and patience is wearing thin, so this dysfunctional gathering breaks out into a huge food fight.

Diane arrives at the potluck dressed in a Pilgrim costume. And the episode includes a very memorable gag involving Norm’s wife, Vera, who is rarely ever seen. This episode captures the idea that friends can behave just like family, and that includes childlike behavior! And here’s a fun fact: The food fight scenes actually sparked controversy over food waste when the episode originally aired. Look for “Cheers” season 5, episode 9.

7. “Gilmore Girls” — A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving (2002)

Lorelai and Rory commit to attend four different Thanksgiving dinners in one day, so their stops include the Kim household, Sookie’s house, Luke’s diner, and Emily and Richard’s more formal dinner event.

At these various dinners, they encounter some rather unusual practices. Sookie is horrified when Jackson decides to deep-fry the turkey, while Mrs. Kim serves Tofurkey. And the Gilmore family dinner is host to the usual emotional upheavals. And somehow, amidst all of this, Lorelai discovers that Rory applied to Yale, upsetting her plans for Harvard.

This “Gilmore Girls” episode (season 3, episode 9, to be exact) offers a humorous look at themes like family obligations, family expectations, and the challenging (and perhaps impossible) task of making everyone happy.

6. “How I Met Your Mother” — Slapsgiving (2007)

In this classic episode of “How I Met Your Mother,” Marshall and Lily host their very first Thanksgiving as a married couple. Marshall is a bit more enthusiastic about delivering another slap to Barney as part of their longstanding and ongoing slap bet, so he creates an elaborate countdown to the moment. Meanwhile, Barney begins to feel hunted and gets increasingly paranoid about the impending slap.

Meanwhile, Ted and Robin struggle with a bit of awkwardness as they navigate friendship following their breakup. But at the end, that slap anticipation is really the heart of this episode. In fact, the show’s creators had an actual countdown clock on the show website, ticking down the moments until the episode aired. Look for season 3, episode 9.

5. “Bob’s Burgers” — Turkey in a Can (2013)

As a cook, Bob takes Thanksgiving very seriously, and he is meticulous in his preparation of the turkey. But somehow, the bird ends up in the toilet, not only once, but twice. Someone appears to be sabotaging his favorite holiday!!

Meanwhile, Tina is convinced she should be upgraded from the kids’ table. But Bob and Linda are focused on solving the mystery of the toilet turkey. We won’t spoil it for you, but it involves allergy medication. It’s a great episode about parenting, change, and the importance of family tradition. Look for “Bob’s Burgers” season 4, episode 5.

4. “The Simpsons” — Bart vs. Thanksgiving (1990)

Lisa creates an elaborate Thanksgiving centerpiece honoring women in American history, but it’s accidentally destroyed during an argument with Bart. The family demands an apology, but Bart refuses, runs away, and finds himself at a homeless shelter. The experience changes his perspective.

This episode explores themes of empathy, gratitude, and the meaning of an apology. The episode, which originally aired on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 1990, is definitely considered an “oldie but goodie.” You’ll find it in season 2, episode 7.

3. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” — Two Turkeys (2017)

Jake and Amy decide to bring their parents together for the Thanksgiving holiday, but Jake’s father Roger and Amy’s father Victor become competitive and an increasing rivalry pulls focus from the holiday gathering.

Meanwhile, Captain Holt is determined to find out who stole his special Thanksgiving pie. And so the episode balances two types of holiday chaos: a workplace whodunit mystery and family dysfunction from relatives who are too competitive for their own good. Look for season 5, episode 7.

2. “New Girl” — Thanksgiving (2011)

Jess interrupts the roommates’ cherished tradition of “Dudesgiving” when she invites her crush, Paul, to Thanksgiving dinner. And Jess also insists on preparing a proper Turkey Day feast, despite the fact that she’s fairly clueless in the kitchen. This lands a frozen turkey in the clothes dryer, all in an attempt to thaw it.

Schmidt becomes obsessive about preparing the meal. And then things take a majorly weird twist when Paul discovers something really shocking in the bathroom. This episode is a great blend of good intentions, horrible decisions, and roommates who reluctantly become “family.” Look for “New Girl” (season 1, episode 6).

1. “Saturday Night Live” — A Thanksgiving Miracle (2015)

A Thanksgiving dinner descends into politically charged arguments, and nearly everyone at the table has an opinion, yet nobody seems interested in listening. Then, the youngest provides an unexpected solution: playing Adele’s “Hello.” The entire family is instantly united in a hilariously elaborate lip-sync performance.

This SNL sketch features Matthew McConaughey, Aidy Bryant, Kate McKinnon, and Cecily Strong, and it’s the perfect satirical depiction of holiday conversations that come with a musical escape hatch of sorts. Look for “Saturday Night Live” season 41, episode 6.

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