Thanksgiving is all about good food, great company, and cozy gatherings, but let’s face it, part of the fun is lounging around and watching some classic Thanksgiving-themed TV episodes! From hilarious Friends antics to heartfelt family reunions, many of our favorite shows have crafted memorable Thanksgiving episodes that are perfect to revisit. If you’re ready to enjoy some laughs and maybe even a few tears, here are ten Thanksgiving TV episodes you won’t want to miss.
Friends – “The One With All The Thanksgivings” (Season 5, Episode 8)
No Thanksgiving TV list is complete without a Friends mention. The show gave us several memorable holiday moments, but “The One with All the Thanksgivings” takes the cake—or should we say the turkey? This episode is packed with hilarious flashbacks, including Joey getting his head stuck in a turkey and Monica’s infamous “fat suit.” It’s a playful mix of humor and nostalgia that showcases each friend’s journey over the years, making it a fan favorite.
How I Met Your Mother – “Slapsgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9) – Thanksgiving TV Episodes
If you’re a fan of How I Met Your Mother, you know “Slapsgiving” is a classic. The whole episode revolves around Ted and Robin dealing with post-breakup awkwardness, but the true highlight is Marshall’s countdown to slap Barney, a payoff from an earlier bet. It’s a blend of hilarity and heart, capturing the oddball tradition and charm of Friendsgiving moments that feel almost too real. And let’s be honest, the slap bet has gone down in sitcom history.
Modern Family – “Three Turkeys” (Season 6, Episode 8)
Thanksgiving with the Pritchetts is never simple, and in “Three Turkeys,” things get chaotic in the most entertaining way. With multiple turkeys in the works and surprise guests, Phil and Claire’s plan to keep things low-key predictably falls apart. Watching Jay and Gloria wrestle with a dinner they’re convinced will go wrong is a treat. This episode hits the Thanksgiving sweet spot by showcasing the way things can go hilariously awry, especially when family is involved.
Gilmore Girls – “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9) – Thanksgiving TV Episodes
Only the Gilmores would agree to attend four Thanksgiving dinners in one day. Lorelai and Rory’s day of feasting is full of endearing and awkward moments as they move between homes, enjoying unique food traditions with each group. Gilmore Girls fans love this episode because it highlights the quirky, cozy charm of Stars Hollow, mixed with a hint of family drama. Plus, watching Lorelai tackle deep-fried turkey is just classic Lorelai.
The Office – “WUPHF.Com” (Season 7, Episode 9)
While The Office didn’t focus on Thanksgiving traditions, “WUPHF.com” has that holiday spirit with its funny portrayal of office family dynamics. Michael and the team gather around the hay bales for Dwight’s fall festival, complete with scarecrows, pie, and a dose of absurdity. The storyline gives us a mix of Thanksgiving-themed warmth and classic Office humor as we watch Ryan’s WUPHF.com project unravel. It’s a lesser-known holiday gem with plenty of laughs.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine – “Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 10) – Thanksgiving TV Episodes
For the 99th precinct, Thanksgiving is just another chance to mess things up in style. When Amy hosts her first Thanksgiving, Jake tries his best to ruin it, while Captain Holt provides dry commentary that’s as funny as ever. Watching Jake’s antics and Amy’s desperate attempts to impress Holt make this episode a charming, laugh-out-loud Thanksgiving romp. The episode nails the awkwardness of holiday gatherings and the pressure to make everything perfect—even when it inevitably goes wrong.
New Girl – “Thanksgiving IV” (Season 4, Episode 9)
New Girl brought a unique twist to Thanksgiving with “Thanksgiving IV,” also known as “Bangsgiving.” In classic New Girl fashion, the gang’s celebration spirals into mayhem as each person sets up a secret date for someone else, resulting in hilariously mismatched pairings. This episode is a delight because it captures the characters’ offbeat personalities, offering a fresh and fun spin on Friendsgiving that only New Girl could pull off.
This Is Us – “Pilgrim Rick” (Season 1, Episode 8) – Thanksgiving TV Episodes
Sometimes, Thanksgiving episodes need a dash of emotion, and This Is Us does not disappoint. “Pilgrim Rick” tells the story of the Pearson family’s unconventional Thanksgiving traditions, complete with Pilgrim hats, a gas station pit stop, and a meaningful family bonding session. The episode interweaves past and present, making it an emotional journey that emphasizes family bonds and the importance of creating memories. This Is Us fans love it for its depth, warmth, and the reminder that even imperfect Thanksgivings are special.
Bob’s Burgers – “An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal” (Season 3, Episode 5)
Bob’s Burgers has made Thanksgiving episodes its specialty, but “An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal” remains one of the best. In this bizarre plot, Bob has to pretend Linda is married to his landlord, Mr. Fischoeder, while the kids “play along” in exchange for a fancy dinner. The absurdity of the plot, coupled with Bob’s love for Thanksgiving, makes it a perfect mix of heart and humor. It’s chaotic, ridiculous, and ultimately heartwarming in true Bob’s Burgers style.
Master Of None – “Thanksgiving” (Season 2, Episode 8) – Thanksgiving TV Episodes
Aziz Ansari’s Master of None offers a refreshingly thoughtful take on Thanksgiving with this Emmy-winning episode. Co-written by Lena Waithe, “Thanksgiving” tells the story of Denise’s journey as she comes out to her family over a series of Thanksgiving dinners. The episode beautifully explores themes of family acceptance, tradition, and growth, bringing warmth, humor, and insight into the holiday season. It’s a stand-out episode that proves Thanksgiving TV moments don’t all have to be about slapstick humor—they can be moving too.