Prepare for a different kind of Turkey Day binge.

The 32 best Thanksgiving episodes to watch this holiday season, from Gilmore Girls to Modern Family

Prepare for a different kind of Turkey Day binge.

By Allison Sadlier,

Rachel DeSantis,

Kevin Jacobsen,

and Alamin Yohannes

Alamin Yohannes

Alamin Yohannes is ’s social media director. He has been working at the publication since 2018. His work has appeared on NBC News and Inverse in addition to .

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November 22, 2025 9:00 a.m. ET

Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy on 'Modern Family'; Keiko Agena as Lane Kim on 'Gilmore Girls'; Courteney Cox as Monica Geller on 'Friends'. Credit:

Colleen Hayes/Walt Disney Television via Getty; The WB; Warner Bros./Courtesy: Everett

Thanksgiving tends to get the shaft when it comes to themed-holiday episodes compared to its sister holidays. Sure, it's fun to see our favorite characters dressing up for Halloween or getting festive at Christmas time, but Thanksgiving provides a healthy helping of conflict that's ripe for good TV, as families gather together with the best of intentions despite the dysfunction.

Between earnest family traditions (*Parenthood*, *This Is Us*) and chaotic hijinks (*Gilmore Girls*, *Modern Family*), the best Thanksgiving episodes find creative ways to explore their characters' relationships, especially when their expectations don't align.

Ahead, we explore 32 of our favorite Turkey Day episodes worth binging during the holiday season.**

The Bernie Mac Show (season 3, episode 22): “Thanksgiving”

Bernie Mac as Bernard 'Bernie' McCullough on 'The Bernie Mac Show'. ABC

Vanessa (Camille Winbush) decides she wants to become a vegetarian days before Thanksgiving after her teacher, Mr. Diggs (Don Franklin), tells her about growing up on a farm. Bernie (Bernie Mac) is none too pleased to attend Mr. Diggs' vegan Thanksgiving for Vanessa's sake and naturally gets jealous, not to mention hungry. He enlists Jordan (Jeremy Suarez) to smuggle turkey into the meat-free dinner and Jordan ends up sharing his stash with Mr. Diggs' son who has never had meat in his life.

Where to watch *The Bernie Mac Show*: Netflix

Bewitched (season 4, episode 12): “Samantha’s Thanksgiving to Remember”

Marion Lorne as Aunt Clara and Elizabeth Montgomery as Samantha Stephens on 'Bewitched'. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images

No sitting around full of turkey and stuffing for this crowd. Instead, Samantha (Elizabeth Montgomery) takes everyone back to see the Pilgrims via some witch-y time travel and Darrin (Dick York) ends up on trial for witchcraft.

Where to watch *Bewitched*: Hulu

Bob’s Burgers (season 4, episode 5): “Turkey in a Can”

Louise Belcher (voice: Kristen Schaal), Linda Belcher (voice: John Roberts), Gayle Belcher (voice: Megan Mullally), Mort (voice: Andy Kindler), Tina Belcher (voice: Dan Mintz), Gene Belcher (voice: Eugene Mirman), Bob Belcher (voice: H. Jon Benjamin), and Teddy (voice: Larry Murphy) on 'Bob's Burgers'.

20th Century Fox Film Corp./Courtesy Everett

Thanksgiving episodes have become a yearly tradition on *Bob's Burgers*, but this season 4 gem remains its finest Turkey Day offering. "Turkey in a Can" centers on Bob (H. Jon Benjamin) preparing for the holiday, only to discover someone keeps sabotaging him overnight by dumping each bird in the toilet. Once the mystery is solved, it leads to a surprisingly sweet revelation.**

Where to watch *Bob's Burgers*: Hulu

The Brady Bunch (season 2, episode 4): “The Un-Underground Movie”

Barry Williams as Greg Brady, Robert Reed as Mike Brady, and Florence Henderson as Carol Brady on 'The Brady Bunch'. ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images

Greg (Barry Williams) is making a movie about the first Thanksgiving, but the Bradys don't appreciate his vision and complain. The eldest Brady boy decides he's had enough before the family realizes the error in their ways and make the movie in full Pilgrim garb just as Greg wanted.

Where to watch *The Brady Bunch*: Paramount+

Brooklyn Nine-Nine (season 1, episode 10): “Thanksgiving”

Melissa Fumero as Amy Santiago and Andy Samberg as Jake Peralta on 'Brooklyn Nine-Nine'. Eddy Chen/Fox

Some people celebrate Thanksgiving with family, others with friends, or you can have all your co-workers over. Amy (Melissa Fumero) serves up Thanksgiving dinner for the precinct and everyone gets a taste of her terrible cooking before Captain Holt (Andre Braugher) and Jake (Andy Samberg) ditch to take down a perp.

Where to watch *Brooklyn Nine-Nine*: Peacock

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

(Clockwise from left): Franklin (voice: Robin Reed), Linus van Pelt (voice: Stephen Shea), Sally Brown (voice: Hilary Momberger) Charlie Brown (voice: Todd Berbee), Peppermint Patty (voice: Christopher DeFaria), and Snoopy (voice: Bill Melendez) in ’A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'. ABC

It's the holiday classic for the ages. Charlie Brown (Todd Barbee) and Sally (Hilary Momberger) are supposed to go to their grandparents, but end up getting hoodwinked into inviting the likes of Peppermint Patty (Christopher DeFaria), Franklin (Robin Reed), and Marcie (Jimmy Ahrens).

Where to watch *A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving*: Apple TV

Cheers (season 5, episode 9): “Thanksgiving Orphans”

Ted Danson as Sam Malone, George Wendt as Norm Peterson, and Rhea Perlman as Carla Tortelli on 'Cheers'. NBCU Photo Bank

While it takes place outside of *Cheers*' usual bar locale, "Thanksgiving Orphans" remains a classic. The core cast gathers around the table to trade barbs over a Thanksgiving meal gone wrong and offers viewers a look at a family of friends together for the holiday.

Where to watch *Cheers*: Paramount+

Chuck (season 1, episode 10): “Chuck Versus the Nemesis”

Zachary Levi as Charles 'Chuck' Bartowski on 'Chuck'. NBC

Don't you just hate when your former best friend crashes Thanksgiving dinner to romance your fake-spy-girlfriend? Chuck (Zachary Levi) spends his Thanksgiving watching his girlfriend, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski), debate running away with his nemesis, Bryce Larkin (Matt Bomer) — as if the holidays aren't already stressful enough.

Where to watch *Chuck*: Amazon Prime Video

Everybody Loves Raymond (season 3, episode 10): “No Fat”

Ray Romano as Ray Barone on 'Everybody Loves Raymond'. CBS

After a visit to the senior health fair, Marie (Doris Roberts) decides she and Frank (Peter Boyle) should start eating healthy, and Debra (Patricia Heaton) concurs. The two start scheming a "no fat" Thanksgiving while Raymond (Ray Romano), Frank, and Robert (Brad Garrett) watch in horror as their Thanksgiving dreams turn into a nightmare involving a jiggling tofurkey.

Where to watch *Everybody Loves Raymond*: Paramount+

Felicity (season 1, episode 9): “Thanksgiving”

The cast of 'Felicity'.

During the first season of *Felicity*, the college-set series brought Friendsgiving to TV. Telling the story of a different kind of family celebration, Felicity (Keri Russell) and her new friends came together to seek solace by avoiding the issues waiting for them in their hometowns. While *Felicity's* celebratory meal had its share of drama — and a few curveballs — the episode demonstrated the power of friendship and how it can be vital during the holidays.

Where to watch *Felicity*: Hulu

Fresh Off the Boat (season 2, episode 8): “Huangsgiving”

Constance Wu as Jessica Huang on 'Fresh Off the Boat'. Ron Tom/ABC

Every family has certain traditions that have to be observed every Thanksgiving. For Jessica (Constance Wu), it's a 5 a.m. phone call from her mother telling her whether she or her sister, Connie (Susan Park), will host Thanksgiving. The pressure is on when Jessica is chosen to host Huangsgiving and goes into overdrive.

Where to watch *Fresh Off the Boat*: Hulu

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (season 1, episode 12): “Talking Turkey”

Tatyana Ali as Ashley Banks, Janet Hubert as Vivian Banks, Will Smith as William 'Will' Smith, and James Avery as Philip Banks on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'. NBC

Will (Will Smith) comes to Bel-Air for a new life, but he gets a taste of home early on in its run when his mother comes for a visit. This episode of the beloved comedy's first season centers on Viola Smith (Vernee Watson-Johnson) spending Thanksgiving with her son and family, armed with lots of opinions. Viola criticizes how lazy the kids are, and hilarity ensues when tasked with cooking Thanksgiving dinner.

Where to watch *The Fresh Prince of Bel Air*: Hulu

Friends (season 5, episode 8): “The One With All the Thanksgiving Flashbacks”

Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, and Courteney Cox as Monica Geller on 'Friends'. Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank

The one where the gang looks back on all their terrible Thanksgivings through the years. Chandler (Matthew Perry) remembers his parents telling him they're getting divorced over dinner. Joey (Matt LeBlanc) recalls getting his head stuck in Monica's (Courteney Cox) turkey. Classic. Monica relives the horror of meeting Chandler for the first time when he called her fat, and the following year when she accidentally cut off his toe. Monica puts a turkey on her head to cheer Chandler up, and he ends up telling her he loves her.

Where to watch *Friends*: HBO Max

George Lopez (season 2, episode 9): “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, Honey”

George Lopez as himself, Masiela Lusha as Carmen Lopez, Luis Armand Garcia as Max Lopez, and Constance Marie as Angie Lopez on 'George Lopez'. ABC

Thanksgiving dinners can get awkward around the dining room table, and George (George Lopez) certainly set himself up for one such encounter after he invited his mother's one-night stand from 35 years ago, Lalo (Cheech Marin), and Lalo's partner, Charles (John Michael Higgins). George thinks Lalo might be his father, but Benny (Belita Moreno) and Lalo confirm that they did not actually sleep together, making it impossible for him to be George's dad.

Where to watch *George Lopez*: Peacock

Gilmore Girls (season 3, episode 9): “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”

Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham as Rory and Lorelai Gilmore on 'Gilmore Girls'. Mitchell Haddad/The WB

In true Gilmore fashion, Lorelei (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel) commit to more than one Thanksgiving dinner prompting the mother-daughter duo to rush between their multiple engagements with stops for Lane's (Keiko Agena) tofurkey; Luke's (Scott Patterson) traditional diner dinner; Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) and Jackson's (Jackson Douglas) deep-friend turkey; and Emily and Richard's (Kelly Bishop and Edward Herrmann) formal affair — inspiring comedic chaos.

Where to watch *Gilmore Girls*: Netflix

Gossip Girl (season 1, episode 9): “Blair Waldorf Must Pie!”

Penn Badgley as Dan Murphy and Taylor Momsen as Jenny Murphy on 'Gossip Girl'.

Did we mention Thanksgiving can be stressful — even for the young and the glamorous? In the brilliantly titled *Gossip Girl* episode "Blair Waldorf Must Pie!," everything is messier than usual as Serena (Blake Lively) and her family attend the Humphreys' Thanksgiving dinner, and secret affairs of the past are deduced. Meanwhile, Blair (Leighton Meester) is triggered by her father's absence at the Waldorfs' dinner, resurfacing an eating disorder.

Where to watch *Gossip Girl*: HBO Max**

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Grey’s Anatomy (season 2, episode 9): “Thanks for the Memories”

Katherine Heigl as Izzie Stevens and Isaiah Washington as Preston Burke on 'Grey's Anatomy'.

Thanksgiving is already hard enough; now imagine being a surgical intern and wanting to cook an elaborate dinner for your co-workers who are busy in their own right. Such is the problem Izzie (Katherine Heigl) faces in this fun season 2 episode of *Grey's*, which also includes George (T.R. Knight) being forced to participate in his family's turkey-hunting tradition.

Where to watch *Grey's Anatomy*: Hulu**

How I Met Your Mother (season 3, episode 9): “Slapsgiving”

Josh Radnor as Ted Mosby, Jason Segel as Marshall Eriksen, and Alyson Hannigan as Lily Aldrin on 'How I Met Your Mother'. Monty Brinton/CBS

Slapsgiving continues in the tradition of one of the most hilarious long-running gags on the hit sitcom. Marshall (Jason Segel) won a bet against Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and as his prize, he gets to slap Barney five times. Meanwhile, Ted (Josh Radnor) and Robin (Cobie Smulders) are trying to get over the awkward post-break-up-but-still-friends phase they find themselves in. (Read EW's oral history of the episode here.)

Where to watch *How I Met Your Mother*: Hulu

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (season 9, episode 10): “The Gang Squashes Their Beefs”

Glenn Howerton as Dennis Reynolds, Kaitlin Olson as Dee Reynolds, Rob Mac as Mac McDonald, Danny DeVito as Frank Reynolds, and Charlie Day as Charlie Kelly on 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia'.

Some people gather around close family and friends at Thanksgiving, but that's just not the *It's Always Sunny* gang's style. They invite the various enemies they've made over nine seasons of bad behavior, including standouts like Liam and Ryan McPoyle (Jimmi Simpson and Nate Mooney), Hwang (Shelly Desai), Gail the Snail (Mary Lynn Rajskub), and Cricket (David Hornsby), in the hopes of making amends for their years of bad behavior.

Where to watch *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*: Hulu

Master of None (season 2, episode 8): “Thanksgiving”

Angela Bassett as Catherine, Kym Whitley as Joyce, and Aziz Ansari as Dev on 'Master of None'. Netflix

While exploring the past of chosen family members Dev (Aziz Ansari) and Denise (Lena Waithe), *Master of None*'s "Thanksgiving" episode follows Denise's journey of coming into her own as a queer woman, and dives into her relationship with her biological family, including her mother Catherine (Angela Bassett), in a powerfully emotional story. The episode earned an Emmy win for Waithe and Ansari's writing and a nomination for Bassett's performance.

Where to watch *Master of None*: Netflix

The Mindy Project (season 1, episode 6): “Thanksgiving”

Mindy Kaling as Mindy Lahiri and Ed Helms as Dennis on 'The Mindy Project'. Beth Dubber/Fox

Mindy (Mindy Kaling) goes to her best friend Gwen's (Anna Camp) for a Connecticut Thanksgiving, where she awkwardly runs into Dennis (Ed Helms), her blind date from the pilot, and things quickly go downhill from there. The whole mess culminates with the two BFFs getting in a massive fight and Mindy jumping on top of Dennis.

Where to watch *The Mindy Project*: Hulu

Modern Family (season 6, episode 8): “Three Turkeys”

Sofía Vergara on 'Modern Family'. Colleen Hayes/ABC via Getty Images

Phil (Ty Burrell) and Luke (Nolan Gould) are in charge of prepping the turkey for the main dish — what could go wrong? Claire (Julie Bowen) supplies a secret backup turkey while Jay (Ed O'Neill) and Gloria (Sofía Vergara) decide to serve up a cozy Thanksgiving together after their vacation gets canceled. Naturally, none of these schemes go according to plan.

Where to watch *Modern Family*: Hulu

New Girl (season 2, episode 8): “Parents”

Jamie Lee Curtis as Joan Day, Zooey Deschanel as Jess Day, and Rob Reiner as Bob Day on 'New Girl'. Ray Mickshaw/FOX

Jess Day (Zooey Deschanel) took inspiration from *The* *Parent Trap* in *New Girl*'s great season 2 Thanksgiving episode. All the family dysfunction has a seat at the table, from a scheme to get Jess' parents back together to the battle of the Schmidts, and guest stars that include Jamie Lee Curtis, Rob Reiner, and Rob Riggle, it's no surprise that the half-hour is a fan favorite.

Where to watch *New Girl*: Hulu

The Office (season 7, episode 9): “WUPHF.com”

Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute on 'The Office'. NBC

Two words: hay maze. With Thanksgiving around the corner, Dwight (Rainn Wilson) recreates his childhood memory of his uncle's Hay Place in the Dunder Mifflin parking lot. Determined to overcome his childhood disappointment of never being crowned Hay King, he loses Angela (Angela Kinsey) to her future husband (and Oscar's future lover) Sen. Robert Lipton (Jack Coleman) in the process.

Where to watch *The Office*: Peacock

Parenthood (season 2, episode 10): “Happy Thanksgiving”

(From left to right): Craig T. Nelson as Zeek Braverman, Peter Krause as Adam Braverman, Monica Potter as Kristina Braverman, and Mae Whitman as Amber Holt on 'Parenthood'. Justin Lubin/NBC

The Braverman clan is enormous, and its holiday hour showcases the relatable chaos of a huge family gathering. The awkwardness of brewing issues to the anxiety of getting the meal just right with everyone on edge with their own personal issues, the episode covers a lot of ground with which viewers are familiar. Pandaemonium aside, the Bravermans are a strong family unit and a great reminder of why we choose to return home.

Where to watch *Parenthood*: Amazon Prime Video (to buy)

Seinfeld (season 6, episode 8): “The Mom and Pop Store”

Michael Robello as Pop, Michael Richards as Cosmo Kramer, and Elsa Raven as Mom on 'Seinfeld'. J. Delvalle/NBCU Photo Bank

While this episode may be the only one not to feature a family-filled day of stuffing and turkeys (you'll have to see "The Butter Shave" to get your bird fix), this *Seinfeld* classic features the second-most Thanksgiving-y thing: the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) wins Mr. Pitt (Ian Abercrombie) a spot holding Woody the Woodpecker in the parade, everyone is invited to Tim Whatley's (Bryan Cranston) night before Thanksgiving party except Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld), and George (Jason Alexander) buys Jon Voight's car. In true *Seinfeld *fashion, each event comes together in the end in the cringiest way possible.

Where to watch *Seinfeld*: Netflix

That ’70s Show (season 1, episode 9): “Thanksgiving”

Topher Grace as Eric Forman and Jenny Maguire as Kate on 'That '70s Show'. 20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Eric (Topher Grace) gets antsy when Laurie (Lisa Robin Kelly) brings her flirty college friend home for Thanksgiving, who ends up kissing him. Donna (Laura Prepon) is none too pleased when she finds out, while Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) frets over the impending arrival of Red's mother. The kids end up forgetting to pick her up (a blessing in disguise) before Donna and Eric make up. Essentially, it's your typical *'70s Show* holiday.

Where to watch *That '70s Show*: Peacock

This Is Us (season 1, episode 8): “Pilgrim Rick”

(From left to right): Lonnie Chavis as Randall Pearson, Milo Ventimiglia as Jack Pearson, Parker Bates as Kevin Pearson, Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson, and Mackenzie Hancsicsak as Kate Pearson on 'This Is Us'. Ron Batzdorff/NBC

In flashback, Jack (Milo Ventimiglia), Rebecca (Mandy Moore), and the Big 3 get stranded on the way to Rebecca's mom's house and begin a tradition of their own, one that involves a killer hat and convenience store hot dogs. And, in the present day, the family attempts to keep the tradition alive — even without Jack.

Where to watch *This Is Us*: Hulu**

Veep (season 5, episode 5): “Thanksgiving”

Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer (center right) on 'Veep'.

For some families, arguing about politics is practically a Thanksgiving tradition. This season 5 installment of *Veep* may not be an escape but it does demonstrate the absurdity of American politics, with President Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) pardoning turkeys at the White House ahead of a salmonella outbreak. But this is the least of her concerns as she undergoes eye surgery and can't be seen in public for a while, leading to hilarious chaos.

Where to watch *Veep*: HBO Max**

The West Wing (season 3, episode 8): “The Indians in the Lobby”

Martin Sheen as President Josiah Bartlet on 'The West Wing'. NBC

As President Bartlet (Martin Sheen) rings up the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line for tips, CJ (Allison Janney) spends the day before Thanksgiving with a group of Native Americans who say they will stay in the lobby of the White House in protest over the land legislation for which they've already waited 15 years.

Where to watch *The West Wing*: HBO Max

What I Like About You (season 4, episode 9): “Ground-Turkey-Hog Day”

Amanda Bynes as Holly Tyler on 'What I Like About You'. Warner Bros.

Vic (Dan Cortese) goes on a Thanksgiving date with an ex after she beats Val (Jennie Garth) in a charity date auction. Lauren (Leslie Grossman) goes to meet her married online boyfriend and finds out it's Val's ex Rick (Edward Kerr) so it's up to Holly (Amanda Bynes) and Co. to keep Val occupied as her romantic life goes up in flames. In a Thanksgiving miracle, Vic and Val finally kiss and decide to postpone the annulment of their marriage.

Where to watch *What I Like About You*: Amazon Prime Video (to buy)

WKRP in Cincinnati (season 1, episode 7): “Turkeys Away”

Richard Sanders as Les Nessman on 'WKRP in Cincinnati'.

"Turkeys Away" is not only regarded as *WKRP in Cincinnati'*s most iconic episode but one of the best Thanksgiving episodes in television history. After WKRP radio station manager Arthur Carlson (Gordon Jump) comes up with a harebrained promotion to drop live turkeys from a helicopter outside a shopping center, the stunt turns disastrous and grimly hilarious, ending with Carlson's famous line: "As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."**

Where to watch *WKRP in Cincinnati*: Apple TV (to buy)

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Source: “EW TV”