Thanksgiving episodes maintain a particular place in TV historical past. They carry collectively household chaos, heartfelt moments, memorable visitor stars, and kitchens on the verge of catastrophe. From sitcom staples to emotional dramas, these episodes seize all the pieces we love (and typically dread) concerning the vacation. Listed here are 10 of the most effective Thanksgiving episodes ever made, spanning many years of tv.
10. Cheers — “Thanksgiving Orphans” (Season 5)
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| Photograph credit score: NBC Common |
Arguably some of the iconic sitcom Thanksgiving episodes ever made, “Thanksgiving Orphans” brings the bar regulars collectively for a potluck dinner once they all discover themselves alone on the vacation. What begins as a candy makeshift gathering evolves into certainly one of TV’s most memorable meals fights. a second of pure comedic chaos that also holds up many years later. The sense of discovered household on the coronary heart of the episode is what makes it a must-watch each season.
9. All people Loves Raymond — “No Fat” (Season 3)
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| Photograph Credit score: CBS |
8. Gilmore Ladies – “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3)
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| Photograph Credit score: The CW |
This episode turns Thanksgiving right into a full-on endurance check for Lorelai and Rory, who pinball between 4 wildly completely different vacation meals. They kick issues off at Mrs. Kim’s, the place a strict vegetarian feast, full with an unforgettable tofurkey, units the tone. Then it’s off to Sookie’s home, the place Jackson’s impromptu deep-fried turkey experiment sends the kitchen spiralling into comedic catastrophe. Their transient second of peace arrives at Luke’s diner, the one cease that isn’t fuelled by panic or poultry-related drama.
In the meantime, Rory is quietly navigating her love-life landmines, attempting to make sense of her emotions for Jess whereas inconveniently bumping into Dean at each flip. By the tip of the day, it feels just like the Gilmore ladies have skilled 4 completely completely different Thanksgivings. Some chaotic, some candy, however all dealt with with the rapid-fire wit that defines the present.
7. This Is Us — “Pilgrim Rick” (Season 1)
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| Photograph Credit score: NBC Common |
One of the crucial emotional Thanksgiving hours in current tv, “Pilgrim Rick” explores how Pearson household traditions are born, typically by means of pleasure, typically by means of trauma. Flashbacks reveal the origins of their chaotic vacation rituals, whereas the present-day storyline delves into secrets and techniques, grief, and connection. The emotional weight of the episode is profound, and the storytelling construction, previous and current intertwining round a single vacation, showcases the collection at its most impactful.
6. Brooklyn 9-9 — “Thanksgiving” (Season 1)
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| Photograph Credit score: FOX Company |
Amy Santiago internet hosting Thanksgiving for the squad for the primary time is a ceremony of passage, one stuffed with colour-coded schedules, extreme preparation, and extra stress than anybody requested for. Jake, who hates Thanksgiving, tries to dodge the whole occasion, whereas Boyle excitedly takes over the cooking like a culinary superhero. Holt and Terry deliver emotional grounding because the group opens up about their private vacation histories. The episode captures early 9-9 completely: goofy, heartfelt, and anchored by the rising sense of household among the many precinct.
5. New Lady — “Parents” (Season 2)
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| Photograph Credit score: FOX Company |
Jess’s plan to “Parent Trap” her divorced mother and pop throughout Thanksgiving is simply the sort of big-hearted, barely chaotic scheme the present excels at. Watching her desperately choreograph their interactions whereas attempting to maintain dinner on observe results in emotional and comedic payoff in equal measure. Schmidt, in the meantime, throws himself right into a traditionally “accurate” Thanksgiving reenactment, offering excellent comedian distinction. Beneath the humour, the episode explores Jess’s eager for household unity and the way sophisticated these emotions may be in the course of the holidays.
4. The Workplace – “WUPHF.com” (Season 7)
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| Photograph Credit score: NBC Common |
Not strictly a turkey episode, however spiritually Thanksgiving-coded: household chaos, questionable life selections, determined monetary choices… it’s all right here. Ryan’s start-up flames out spectacularly, Dwight hosts a “Hay Festival” within the car parking zone, and Michael offers with being the one one who nonetheless believes in Ryan. The entire thing looks like an extended-family vacation gathering, in case your prolonged household labored for Dunder Mifflin.
3. How I Met Your Mom – “Slapsgiving” (Season 3)
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| Photograph Credit score: CBS |
This contemporary basic blends vacation coziness with a looming menace of cartoonish violence, what extra may you need? Marshall is approach too enthusiastic about delivering the subsequent slap within the “Slap Bet,” whereas Lily tries to host a grown-up Thanksgiving that instantly goes off the rails. The episode juggles honest relationship drama (Ted and Robin post-breakup awkwardness) with hysterical operating gags. Truthfully, it’s as iconic to HIMYM as pumpkin pie is to the vacation desk.
2. Buffy the Vampire Slayer – “Pangs” (Season 4)
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| Photograph Credit score: The CW |
Buffy is decided to host a “normal” Thanksgiving for as soon as, naturally, that plan falls aside the second an Indigenous vengeance spirit seems in Sunnydale, forcing her and the Scooby Gang again into disaster mode. The spotlight of the episode is a splendidly over-the-top showdown the place Xander, Anya, and Giles scramble to combat off the arrow-slinging spirit, all whereas Spike sits tied to a chair providing snarky commentary. As a substitute of pure horror, the entire thing leans into comedic supernatural chaos. It wraps up with a clumsy dinner second when Xander by accident reveals that Buffy had an surprising customer she didn’t discover: her brooding ex, Angel.
1. Pals — “The One with the Rumor” (Season 8)
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| Photograph Credit score: NBC Common |
Pals is virtually the blueprint for Thanksgiving TV, and whereas almost all of their vacation episodes are memorable, “The One with the Rumor” stands out for good cause. Brad Pitt guest-stars as Will, a former classmate who arrives at Monica’s dinner holding a decades-old grudge towards Rachel. The reveal of the “I Hate Rachel Green Club,” the chaos of outdated high-school secrets and techniques resurfacing, and the best way the group tries, and fails, to maintain dinner on observe all make this episode a quintessential Thanksgiving basic. It’s humorous, nostalgic, and filled with the acquainted ensemble chemistry that made Pals a long-running powerhouse.
