Joanna’s Holiday Guide: Best Thanksgiving TV Episodes
Thanksgiving television episodes are some of my favorite. Okay, I know I said that in the Halloween episodes guide, let's just say that holiday episodes in general are some of my favorites (get ready for the Christmas episodes guide next month!). Thanksgiving episodes are usually very heartwarming, even for a sitcom most of them will have you tugging at your heart seams; maybe even have you shedding a few tears into your pumpkin pie.
There are so many TV shows to choose from that coming up with ten was difficult. I knew I had to add in at least one "Friends" Thanksgiving episode, even though I hardly watched that show, and for the most part, these are all sitcoms. A majority of these could be found on either Netflix, Hulu or Prime, which should make it easier if you want to quickly find these episodes while having Thanksgiving dinner. Grab some mashed potatoes and enjoy these great Thanksgiving episodes!
- 1
Bob's Burgers
Turkey in a CanSeason 4 Episode 5. Available on Hulu. Thanksgiving is Bob's FAVORITE holiday. When not one but THREE turkey's ends up in the toilet he must find out who the culprit is.
- 2
How I Met Your Mother
SlapsgivingSeason 3 episode 9. This episode is available on Hulu. I used to love this show, until it screwed up with that AWFUL series finale. I can't even rewatch this show without getting upset at that ending. But any chance to see Marshall slap Barney is great, especially in this Thanksgiving special where Marshall & Lily are still newlyweds.
- 3
New Girl
ThanksgivingSeason 1 episode 6. This episode is available on Netflix. This show was my favorite when it ran. Thanksgiving becomes a disaster every year in the loft, this is the first Thanksgiving that Jess shares with the guys, hilarity ensues when the turkey won't fit in the oven.
- 4
That 70's Show
ThanksgivingSeason 1, episode 9. This episode is available on Netflix. Laurie brings a friend home for Thanksgiving. When they arrive it turns out that Kate is hot, and Eric has a hard time controlling himself, much to Donna's concern. Also, they forgot to pick up grandma.
- 5
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The Gang Squashes their BeefsSeason 9, episode 10. This episode is available on Hulu. When some bad blood with old foes compromises their ideal Thanksgiving, the gang decides to make amends by breaking bread with those they've hurt.
- 6
Community
Cooperative Escapism in Familial relationsSeason 4, episode 5. This episode is available on Hulu. While Jeff and Britta spend Thanksgiving with Jeff's newly-discovered father and brother, the rest of the Study Group tries to escape from Shirley's dysfunctional family Thanksgiving celebration.
- 7
Modern Family
Punkin ChunkinSeason 3, episode 9. This episode always gets me teary eyed! Phil is upset that Claire is stifling his creativity, Mitchell doesn't believe Cameron's "punkin chunkin" story, Gloria won't let Jay tell Manny that his Thanksgiving centerpiece is horrible, and Hayley and Alex get in an accident. This episode isn't on a streaming service, but if you find it anywhere let me know!
- 8
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
LockdownSeason 2, episode 7. This episode is available on Hulu. The precinct goes into lockdown mode on Thanksgiving night, and Jake, who was left in charge, is confident in his ability to keep spirits high and avoid chaos. Amy is less confident, as things spiral out of control.
- 9
Roseanne
We Gather TogetherSeason 2, episode 9. This episode is available on Prime Video. Thanksgiving at the Conners' brings the usual family strife and hilarity as Roseanne is determined to make her parents stay at a motel and Jackie continues to hide the fact she joined the police.
- 10
Friends
The One with All the ThanksgivingsSeason 5, episode 8. This episode is available on Netflix. The gang remember and share with each other their worst Thanksgivings.