Discover the Fun of Thanksgiving through TV Shows
How I Met Your Mother (S3, E9)
In the third season of How I Met Your Mother, the term "Slapsgiving" was born. Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Marshall (Jason Segel) play a silly game of "slap bet," where one person slaps the other if they say something incorrectly. This leads to an interesting Thanksgiving day for Barney as he fears Marshall's third slap. Meanwhile, Ted (Josh Radnor) and Robin (Cobie Smulders) share an intimate night on Thanksgiving Eve, complicating their friendship. This episode is a must-watch for fans of the show.
The dynamics between the characters make this Thanksgiving episode truly unique. It shows the lighter side of the characters and how they deal with the holiday in their own ways.
Parenthood (S2, E10)
Parenthood is known for its relatable family stories, and the Thanksgiving episode is no exception. Each of the Bravermans goes through their own challenges while gathering for the holiday. Adam (Peter Krause) struggles with balancing his career and family responsibilities, while Julia (Erika Christensen) tries to show off her domestic side by baking pies. Crosby (Dax Shepard) tries to impress his mother-in-law, and there's some tension with a new guest at the table.
This episode captures the essence of family during Thanksgiving, with all the ups and downs that come with it. It shows the different personalities and relationships within the family.
The Office (S7, E9)
Although not a traditional Thanksgiving episode, one episode in Season 7 of The Office stands out. Dwight (Rainn Wilson) hilariously recreates a childhood memory of a "Hay Place" in the Dunder Mifflin parking lot. Despite Thanksgiving not being the central theme, fans have made it a Turkey Day watch.
Dwight's antics and his attempt to be the "Hay Place King" bring a lot of laughs to the episode. It also shows the different sides of Dwight and his relationships with his colleagues.
Friends (S8, E9)
This entire list could be filled with Friends Thanksgiving episodes, but one stands out for its humor and guest star appearance. Brad Pitt plays Ross's (David Schwimmer) old friend and joins the group for dinner. However, things take a turn when it is discovered that he despises Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), who did him wrong in high school. Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) also bring the funny as they pretend to understand football to get out of helping in the kitchen.
The chemistry between the Friends characters is on full display in this episode. It's a classic Thanksgiving episode that never fails to make viewers laugh.
Gossip Girl (S1, E9)
Gossip Girl has many Thanksgiving-themed classics, and the first season's episode "Blair Waldorf Must Pie!" is a standout. Blair (Leighton Meester) grapples with her father's absence and eats her feelings with pie. Fans also learn about Lily (Kelly Rutherford) and Rufus's (Matthew Settle) past love story and more about Serena's (Blake Lively) wild ways in flashbacks.
This episode gives a glimpse into the lives of the Gossip Girl characters and their Thanksgiving traditions. It's a must-see for fans of the show.
Everybody Loves Raymond (S8, E9)
Everybody Loves Raymond's "The Bird" episode is a gem. The Barone family travels to Thanksgiving with Robert's (Brad Garrett) soon-to-be in-laws. A bird crashes into the window, causing a disaster, and the family clashes over how to handle it. But in the end, they come together for dinner, forgetting about the ordeal.
The humor and the family dynamics in this episode make it a favorite among fans. It shows the real-life situations that can happen during the holiday.
Modern Family (S6, E8)
In Season 6 of Modern Family, Phil (Ty Burrell) and Luke (Nolan Gould) take over the Thanksgiving plans, causing a major shakeup. Claire (Julie Bowen) is not confident in their cooking abilities and prepares a backup turkey. A third turkey enters the kitchen, leading to even more laughs and making this episode a memorable one.
The episode showcases the different personalities and reactions of the Modern Family characters during the holiday. It's a fun and entertaining watch.
That 70s Show (S1, E9)
At the Foreman's during Thanksgiving in Season 1 of That 70s Show, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) prepares a big spread for her family and guests. Her eldest daughter Laurie's (Lisa Robin Kelly) attractive friend Kate, played by Jenny Maguire, causes some trouble for Kitty's teenage son Eric (Topher Grace), who has a crush on Donna (Laura Prepon). More silly exchanges happen between Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Donna's dad Bob (Don Stark), making this episode a classic.
This episode captures the spirit of the 70s and the family dynamics during Thanksgiving. It's a fun and lighthearted watch.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (S1, E12)
In 1990, Will's (Will Smith) mother comes to visit and is frustrated when she discovers the children don't do chores. She forces them to cook the Thanksgiving meal, which doesn't go as smoothly as they hoped. This episode shows the challenges of family and the importance of coming together during the holiday.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air's take on Thanksgiving is both humorous and heartwarming. It's a great episode that captures the essence of the show.
Fresh off the Boat (S2, E8)
The Huangs are hosting Thanksgiving dinner, but things don't go as planned. Jessica (Constance Wu) and Louis (Randall Park) strive to outdo Jessica's sister Connie (Susan Park), and the family scrambles to put dinner on the table. But in the end, they manage to pull it off and have a great evening.
This episode shows the struggles and joys of hosting Thanksgiving in a multicultural family. It's a fun and relatable watch.