THANKFUL: 12 OF THE FUNNY FAMILY THANKSGIVING CELEBRATIONS ON TV

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We all love a good comedy on TV. Or if you’re anything like me you do. Some of the funniest ones perhaps revolve around the one day of the year when a perfect turkey is the centerpiece of anyone’s table. As we approach our Thanksgiving of 2021, I decided to just chill and instead of something perhaps more interesting, I’m taking a look at some (new to me and) favorite Thankgiving TV episodes. Just for giggles.

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Some of these episodes I’ve seen from shows I started to watch (but never finished), others I’ve never seen because I already watch way too many shows and who needs another one? But most important, all of these feature Thanksgiving in some way, though it’s usually in a humorous kind of light. Meaning, there’s often nothing that the writer’s get right about the day, however sometimes, the episode will end with the high of the importance of family. In the end, that’s not nothing.

Thanksgiving is, for me, the forgotten middle child sandwiched between Halloween and then Christmas. Everyone seems to forget about this day, so in a humorous way, I thought I’d celebrate it by looking at some TV episodes that do.

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FAVORITE THANKSGIVING TV EPISODES

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1: AMERICAN HOUSEWIFE

Season One, Episode 6

Follows a stay at home mother of three who’s not the average suburban mom. In this episode, Katie must mentally prepare to host her uptight and disapproving mother for Thanksgiving! Find American Housewife (at publication) with Hulu.

2: CHUCK

Season One, Episode 10; Season Two, Episode 8

The former NBC show is about Zachary Levi’s nerd character who works at a big box store before accidentally “falling” into spycraft. In the first season Thanksgiving, Chuck, Sarah and Co. gather for the day whereas in the second season, Chuck is dating recurring guest star Jordana Brewster’s Jill, his ex. Will this end well… or badly?

3: CYBIL

Season Two, Episode 7

Hoping to have her scattered and busy family all together, Cybil is disappointed when they all have plans. The down on her luck actress takes a job for Thanksgiving only to later discover her entire, mis-matched family is gathered at her house.

4: FAMILY MATTERS

Season Eight, Episode 11

It’s been years since I watched Family Matters and even at that, I cannot remember if I saw this episode. But it sounds as if it’s typical Urkel and Family Matters style about some mini fireworks and chickens! Find Family Matters (at publication) on Hulu

5: GILMORE GIRLS

Season Three, Episode 9; Season Six, Episode 10

Most know this iconic show follows the fast-talking, coffee guzzler mother daughter duo, Lorelai and Rory. In the season three episode, the women try to fit in four Thanksgiving dinners that go awry. In season six, Lorelai’s boyfriend struggles to find a way to tell her a rather (BIG) secret he just learned. Find Gilmore Girls (at publication) with Netflix

6: HAPPY ENDINGS

Season Three, Episode 4

Follows a group of best friends who struggle with the ups and downs of not only friendship, but romance and relationships. In this, Dave wants to host Thanksgiving only to have it end perhaps not so well (and with some silly antics, too).

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7: LIFE UNEXPECTED

Season Two, Episode 10

Complicated best describes this unusual “drama” that introduces us to a sassy and independent teen who tracks down the parents who gave her up for adoption. Both living separate lives this brings them back together with messy results. In this episode, ‘Thanks Ungiven,’ characters all have secrets they worry about discovery from or try to keep that, a secret. Find Life Unexpected on Paramount+ .

8: NEW GIRL

Season One, Episode 6; Season Two, Episode 8

A quirky schoolteacher ends up rooming with three bachelors in the immediate aftermath of her breakup. These episodes are all about New Girl chaos. One is about Jessica bringing a new boyfriend home and another involves Jessica’s parents.

9: RAISING HOPE

Season One, Episode 9; Season Two, Episode 7

On a whim, I binge-watched this entire quirky family show about a kid with few prospects who, after one night together, learns he’s a father. The catch? His one night stand turned out to be a serial killer who’s sentence is death.  In season one, Jimmy determines to give his baby daughter a good first Thanksgiving and tries to do so by including the (crazy) maternal grandparents. In the second season, Jimmy and his entire family fake being better off than they are in an attempt to impress Burt’s (Jimmy’s dad) parents.

10: REBA

Season Four, Episode 9

Reba McIntire stars as the titular character about a woman who gets a divorce and must navigate life sharing custody with her husband and his new wife, along with her teenage daughter having a baby. In this episode titled ‘Thanksgiving,’ Reba and her husband’s wife argue over who gets to host the holiday.

11: SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH

Season Four, Episode 9

This popular teen show ran for a number of years and chronicles the teenage (obviously!) Sabrina’s journey to learn and embrace her “gift” of being a witch. In this Thanksgiving themed episode, our heroine struggles to see Harvey, her ex, dating someone new. Or is he?

12: THE WALTONS

Season Two, Episode 10

Winning of Golden Globes and a popular 1970s TV show, the story chronicles the lives of the titular family as they navigate the difficulties of life during the 1930s. This double episode features Thanksgiving as its centerpiece and involves a challenge the eldest son has to overcome.

There’s countless additional TV shows with Thanksgiving episodes like Cougar Town; Home Improvement; Mike & Molly; Sister, Sister; What I Like About You; and more!

What TV episodes do you love that show off Thanksgiving? Have you seen any of these? Did you like them or see them as annoying? Do you like flustered seasonal episodes like these or find them boring? Which of these are your favorites? Which ones did I miss? Comment all the comments below! Let’s chat.

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