For those of you who don’t start getting into the Christmas cheer until Thanksgiving has long past but realize that most movies tend to skip that portion of the season all together, here are thanksgiving TV specials to warm our hearts, fill our tear ducts, or make our cheeks rosy red with laughter.
1. "New Girl" Season 1, Episode 6: Thanksgiving
Festive and funny, this episode follows Jess and her friends as she tries to get them into the festive spirit despite their lackluster feelings about the holiday. But food and family isn’t all she’s there for, because she has a hidden agenda of her own--impressing the cute music teacher, Paul.
2. "One Tree Hill" Season 8, Episode 9: Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace
Whether
it’s insane bickering (ie. fighting), competitive football, unexpected
reunions, or gathering at Nathan and Haley’s when all goes wrong, this special
shows one of the truest emotions behind holidays--Chaos!
3. "Hawaii Five O" Season 4, Episode 9: Ha'uoli La Ho'omoaika'i
This episode of the season brings crime mystery and festive cheer, with a touch of dinner disaster, football fun, and a sprinkle of family tragedy. But sadness aside, this episode embraces the best way to spend thanksgiving-- with family.
4. Bob's Burgers" Season 4, Episode 5: Turkey In A Can
As per usual, family disasters is a staple of any holiday and who does family disaster better than the Belchers? While all their holiday episodes are ones to treasure, this season, the holiday brings a funky (and funny) mystery in the mix. Now, the family must find out who put Bob’s precious turkey in the toilet--and ruined Thanksgiving!
5. "How I Met Your Mother" Season 3, Episode 9: Slapsgiving
Thanksgiving
isn’t just about family, it’s also about friends. And what’s friendship
without tormenting your friends with impeding slaps and worrying about
celebrating a holiday with an ex all in one? Ted and the gang always have
a great time, and watching a slap showdown is no exception.
6. "Gossip Girl" Season 1, Episode 9: Blair Waldorf Must Pie
In the Upper East Side, Gossip Girl might be taking a break for the holidays, but drama never takes a break. Whether you’re spending the day uncomfortably with your parents or spending it on your own, this holiday brings secrets, awkwardness, and laughter in it’s wake.
7."That 70's Show" Season 1, Episode 9: Thanksgiving
The original “wacky family fun”, this episode follows Eric’s smooth sailing family dinner being stirred up by his sister’s hot new friend--that, coupled with the fact that no one remembered to pick up grandma, is making thanksgiving one hilariously bumpy ride.
8. "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" Season 1, Episode 9: My First Thanksgiving With Josh!
What
better way to spend the holidays than scheming your way into the heart of
your crush by scoring an invite to his family’s Thanksgiving dinner and
letting your friend secretly watch the whole thing via camera in your
dress? Thanksgiving is all about family, fun, and crazy…With funny songs
and someone else’s family on hand, Rebecca definitely has enough crazy for
all of us.
9. "Boy Meets World" Season 4, Episode 10: Turkey Day
This
episode (and show in general) is an oldie but a goodie, showing that
despite how much the Matthews and the Hunters clash, friendship between
Shawn and Cory will always shine through. This episode will definitely
make any viewer "Aww" out loud!
10. "Supergirl" Season 2, Episode 8: Medusa
If you’re
tired of same-old watching other people have dinner then this is the
episode for you. Sure, there is dinner but it gets derailed by a super villain
in the making—as well as a familiar face from crossover past (Hint: he’s
quite fast!)
11. "Modern Family" Season 6, Episode 8: Three Turkeys
As
much Thanksgiving is about family, with family comes stress. This episode
shows that even when we try to avoid the festive season, the hectic
feeling follows you everywhere. With turkey disasters and hiding from
family, this episode reminds us that the holidays are never a piece of a
cake.
12. "Shameless" Season 2, Episode 9: Just Like the Pilgrims Intended
While
most of these get you into the thankful mood, this episode serves to remind you
that sometimes holidays don’t equate to perfect families. As the Gallaghers
attempt to celebrate, Monica’s mental state will make this day one they (or we)
will never forget.
13. "Grey's Anatomy" Season, Episode: Thanks For the Memories
Most of us don’t
except holiday spirit from a somewhat medical drama, and well neither do
the interns. Hiding from Izzie’s intense holiday dinner preparations, the
interns spend the day at the hospital--except for George, who has a gobble
of a time, turkey hunting with his family (which ends up exactly the way
you think it will!)
14. "Friends" Season 5, Episode 8: The One with All the Thanksgivings
Since F.R.I.E.N.D.S has a Thanksgiving episode every season, you could probably marathon these ones on there own. But if you don’t have that kind of time though, then this would be the one to each. The best of friends, this Thanksgiving calls back on some favored friends episode from before so grab a seat, and watch away.
