The Ultimate Thanksgiving TV Episodes for a Post-Turkey Nap
Streaming Delights The Ultimate Thanksgiving Episodes to Feast Your Eyes On
Top Thanksgiving Episodes to Stream This Year
Ah, the heavenly bliss of a post-Turkey Day food coma nap. Picture this: you’ve just devoured a feast that would make even the hungriest of bears jealous, changed into your favorite pair of after-dinner loungewear (that is, if your elastic waistline can handle it), and snuggled up with your adorable pooch. Can you feel the cozy vibes already? Now, imagine adding the perfect Thanksgiving TV episode to the mix. It’s a match made in heaven! So, grab your pumpkin-spiced latte (or your favorite fall drink) and get ready to dive headfirst into the most delightful, heartwarming, and downright hilarious Thanksgiving episodes that pair magically with a full belly and an accidental cat nap.
Gilmore Girls – “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)
First up, we have the beloved mother-daughter duo, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, serving up some serious Thanksgiving realness. This episode is a whirlwind of four parties and one epic turkey deep-frying mishap. Take a moment to appreciate the comedic genius of Lorelai, getting hilariously drunk after her husband’s turkey deep-frying attempt. Sookie, you are definitely the queen of this episode!
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia – “The Gang Squashes Their Beefs” (Season 9, Episode 10)
Brace yourself for some hilariously messy Thanksgiving shenanigans from the dysfunctional gang of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. In this chaotic episode, they attempt to reconcile with old enemies while desperately trying not to let them ruin their Turkey Day plans. If you’re in need of a Turkey Day disaster to make you feel better about your own, this episode is pure gold.
Friends – “The One with the Thanksgiving Flashbacks” (Season 5, Episode 8)
Ah, Friends, the show that made us all long for a Central Perk hangout with our own quirky crew. In this ultimate blast from the past Thanksgiving episode, we get a glimpse into the hilarious and sometimes embarrassing pasts of our favorite group of friends. From Joey’s head getting stuck in a raw turkey to Monica plotting revenge on Chandler, laughter is guaranteed.
This Is Us – “Pilgrim Rick” (Season 1, Episode 8)
Prepare yourself for a wholesome dose of Thanksgiving feels with the emotional rollercoaster that is This Is Us. In this heartwarming episode, we witness the birth of Thanksgiving traditions and the unexpected detours that life throws our way. Be warned, tears may flow, but they’re totally worth it.
New Girl – “Parents” (Season 2, Episode 8)
Join the quirky and lovable Jess as she attempts a parent trap of her own, inviting her divorced parents to Thanksgiving dinner in the hopes of reconnecting them. With awkward encounters, unexpected smooches, and a dream of creating the perfect family unit, this episode will have you laughing and cheering for Jess’s impossible mission.
How I Met Your Mother – “Slapsgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)
This episode of How I Met Your Mother brings new meaning to the term “awkward Thanksgiving.” Lily and Marshall host their first Thanksgiving, but the perfect gathering quickly becomes a hilarious battle of relationship woes and a legendary slap between Marshall and Barney. Get ready to witness the most epic slapsgiving in television history!
The Mindy Project – “Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 6)
Wouldn’t Mindy Kaling be the ultimate Thanksgiving dinner guest? In this episode, Mindy celebrates the holiday at her friend Gwen’s house, only to discover that her ex-date from a disastrous blind date is also invited. Prepare for messy encounters, awkward moments, and enough laughs to make your pumpkin pie come out of your nose.
Friday Night Lights – “Thanksgiving” (Season 4, Episode 13)
Get ready for some intense Thanksgiving football action with the Taylors in Friday Night Lights. As they host Thanksgiving dinner before a big game, you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat, cheering for the East Dillon Lions. It’s a perfect mix of heartwarming family moments and nail-biting game action.
Riverdale – “Chapter Sixty-Four: The Ice Storm” (Season 4, Episode 7)
While Riverdale’s Thanksgiving feature may leave you feeling a bit melancholy, it’s a heartfelt tear-jerker that shouldn’t be missed. Just make sure you’re caught up on the season or don’t mind some major spoilers. Buckle up for a wild ride!
Gossip Girl – “Blair Waldorf Must Pie!” (Season 1, Episode 9)
Step into the glamorous world of Gossip Girl and witness a Thanksgiving filled with messy family drama. This episode reminds us that, at the end of the day, as long as you have your people by your side, everything will be okay. So, grab your cranberry-scented gossip and settle in for a dramatic feast.
Grey’s Anatomy – “Thanks for the Memories” (Season 1, Episode 9)
If Thanksgiving is your jam, then you’ll relate to Izzie Stevens’ quest for the perfect dinner in Grey’s Anatomy. While her friends find excuses to avoid the festivities, Izzie wonders if they’ll even show up at all. Get ready for a rollercoaster of hilarity, drama, and plenty of Thanksgiving memories.
Modern Family – “Three Turkeys” (Season 6, Episode 8)
Welcome to the wonderful chaos that is Modern Family’s Thanksgiving episode. This classic episode is a joyful mess, guaranteed to have you belly-laughing and shedding a tear or two. If your own Thanksgiving gatherings tend to be a bit on the disorderly side, the nostalgia of this episode will hit you right in the heart.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine – “Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 10)
Calling all Brooklyn Nine-Nine fans! Prepare for an episode that proves your “family” extends far beyond your blood-related relatives. Join the quirky and loveable squad as they navigate Thanksgiving in their own hilarious way. Trust us, this episode will have you in stitches and feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Orange Is the New Black – “F…sgiving” (Season 1, Episode 9)
If you’re looking for a feel-good Thanksgiving episode, Orange Is the New Black is not gonna cut it. This dark and twisty episode perfectly captures the series’ humor and drama. Brace yourself for Piper landing in solitary confinement and losing her visiting privileges on Thanksgiving. It’s intense, mesmerizing, and oh-so-Netflix-worthy.
New Girl – “Thanksgiving IV” (Season 4, Episode 9)
Oh, Schmidt, you dirty dog. In this rare occurrence where every member of the New Girl crew is single, Schmidt comes up with the brilliant idea of hosting a “Bangs-giving” themed gathering. Prepare for an evening of hilarious mishaps and romantic mayhem as the lovable bunch tries to find compatibility within their own ranks.
Friends – “The One with the Rumor” (Season 8, Episode 9)
Step into a parallel universe where Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt reunite for a Thanksgiving episode of Friends. Yes, it’s a dream come true. Although the pair may quarrel in this episode over unresolved hard feelings (cue the drama), their on-screen chemistry is undeniable and oh-so-reminiscent of the good old days.
Glee – “Thanksgiving” (Season 4, Episode 8)
Get ready for a zesty musical mashup and some serious sectionals prep in this unconventional Thanksgiving episode of Glee. With rocky relationships, toe-tapping tunes, and enough high school drama to make your cranberry sauce curdle, Glee brings its A-game to the Thanksgiving table.
Master of None – “Thanksgiving” (Season 2, Episode 8)
Get your tissues ready for this Emmy-winning masterpiece of a Thanksgiving episode. Master of None delivers a thoughtful and empathetic journey through a decade of Thanksgiving memories for the character Denise. Lena Waithe and Aziz Ansari’s excellent writing will have you reflecting on the power of acceptance and the importance of family, both chosen and biological.
Fresh Off the Boat – “Huangsgiving” (Season 2, Episode 8)
Join Jessica’s family in Fresh Off the Boat for their unique Thanksgiving tradition of a 5 a.m. phone call to announce the host. In this hilarious episode, you’ll witness the comedic genius of Jessica as her plans for a perfect Thanksgiving dinner go awry. Get ready for belly laughs that could rival your turkey-induced food coma.
Succession – “I Went to Market” (Season 1, Episode 5)
Prepare yourself for a Thanksgiving dinner with the wealthy and dysfunctional Roy family in Succession. When Cousin Greg’s grandpa Ewan, the grumpy and stubborn brother of Logan Roy, joins the festivities, you know things are about to get interesting. As Kendall plots against his father, expect intrigue and family drama of epic proportions.
One Tree Hill – “Between Raising Hell and Amazing Grace” (Season 8, Episode 9)
Thanksgiving at Nathan and Haley’s house turns into an eventful affair in One Tree Hill. When Brooke’s dinner plans go up in smoke and Skills accidentally orders a live turkey, tensions rise. Amidst the chaos, Haley delivers a heartfelt speech reminding everyone to be grateful. And, of course, what’s a Thanksgiving episode without a good ol’ game of touch football?
The O.C. – “The Homecoming” (Season 1, Episode 11)
Travel back in time to Newport and join the Cohens for a Thanksgiving dinner filled with drama and heartwarming moments. As Kirsten’s father brings a surprise date, Seth juggles between choosing Summer or Anna, and Marissa and Ryan head to Chino, you’ll experience all the old-school O.C. magic. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and Thanksgiving fun.
Dawson’s Creek – “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (Season 3, Episode 8)
Everyone ends up at the Leery’s house for Thanksgiving in this classic episode of Dawson’s Creek. From failed turkey dinners to unexpected guests, tension is in the air. But fear not, there’s plenty of drama and delicious food to go around. Get ready for an evening of laughter, tears, and memories that will warm your heart.
Now that we’ve covered the ultimate Thanksgiving TV episodes, it’s time to kick back, loosen that belt a notch (or five), and indulge in the heartwarming, hilarious, and sometimes tear-jerking moments these shows have to offer. So, grab your remote, gather your loved ones (pets included), and get ready for the ultimate Thanksgiving TV marathon!
And hey, if you have any other favorite Thanksgiving episodes that we missed, let us know in the comments below. Let’s spread the Thanksgiving TV love together!
