Thanksgiving episodes have become a cherished tradition across television, giving writers a chance to explore gratitude, family dynamics, and the inevitable holiday chaos. From sitcoms known for their annual turkey-day shenanigans to dramas that use the occasion to deepen character arcs, these specials offer something for every viewer.
Whether you’re gathering ideas for a festive watchlist or revisiting classics that defined the genre, this collection highlights 20 standout Thanksgiving episodes that continue to resonate and entertain year after year.
Friends — “The One with All the Thanksgivings”
Few sitcoms have shaped the modern idea of a Thanksgiving episode like Friends. This Season 5 entry blends flashbacks, physical comedy, and emotional catharsis as the group revisits their most awkward holiday memories. It remains a fan favorite for its mix of heartfelt character growth and unforgettable sight gags—yes, including the turkey on Joey’s head.
How I Met Your Mother — “Slapsgiving”
This episode from Season 3 turns a running joke—the Slap Bet—into a Thanksgiving tradition. The tension builds hilariously as Marshall prepares to deliver his next sanctioned slap to Barney. Blending warm holiday sentiment with the show’s signature slapstick and wordplay, it’s become one of the series’ most iconic installments.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine — “Thanksgiving”
In its first-season holiday outing, Brooklyn Nine-Nine explores Amy Santiago’s desperate wish for a perfect precinct potluck. Naturally, everything spirals as Jake Peralta avoids family gatherings and Holt reluctantly joins the festivities. The episode balances sharp workplace humor with the cast’s growing camaraderie, setting the tone for later holiday specials.
Modern Family — “Three Turkeys”
Season 6’s “Three Turkeys” leans into chaos as multiple households secretly attempt to host Thanksgiving. Miscommunications pile up: Phil tries to impress with his cooking, Claire meddles from the background, and Gloria and Jay’s plans unravel in real time. It’s a smart, fast-paced look at how traditions evolve when family dynamics shift.
Bob’s Burgers — “Turkey in a Can”
This animated gem follows Bob’s increasingly desperate attempts to protect his Thanksgiving turkey after someone keeps mysteriously tossing it into the toilet. As he unravels, the family’s quirks come into sharper focus, showcasing the show’s ability to balance oddball humor with genuine affection. The resolution is both surprising and sweet, making it one of the series’ standout holiday episodes.
Gossip Girl — “Blair Waldorf Must Pie!”
This Season 1 Thanksgiving episode dives into the complicated history of Serena and Blair through parallel timelines. Flashbacks reveal how past holiday tensions shaped their present-day friendship, adding emotional depth to the show’s signature glamour and drama. Also, Dan and Serena’s past secret relationship comes to light adding to the drama. It’s a strong early example of how Gossip Girl blended teen melodrama with genuinely reflective character moments.
Gilmore Girls — “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”
In classic Stars Hollow fashion, Lorelai and Rory attempt the impossible: attending four Thanksgiving dinners in one day. From Mrs. Kim’s stricter-than-usual holiday rules to Sookie’s deep-fried turkey experiment, the episode highlights the show’s warm humor and fast-paced banter. It’s a celebration of found family, quirky traditions, and the delicate art of pleasing everyone during the holidays.
Grey’s Anatomy — “Thanks for the Memories”
Set early in the series, this episode uses Thanksgiving as a backdrop for the interns’ personal and professional crises. While some characters struggle with family obligations, others escape into work, revealing how each copes with stress and connection. The blend of medical drama and emotional honesty makes it a thoughtful holiday installment in the long-running show.
Gossip Girl — “The Treasure of Serena Madre”
This Season 3 Thanksgiving episode is packed with confrontations, secrets, and one of the show’s most iconic dinner-table blowups. As long-held truths surface, nearly every character faces a personal reckoning that reshapes ongoing storylines. Its mix of sharp dialogue, escalating tension, and holiday spectacle makes it one of Gossip Girl’s most memorable chapters.
The Office — “WUPHF.com”
While not a traditional Thanksgiving episode, this Season 7 entry captures the spirit of workplace gratitude and seasonal reflection. As Ryan’s startup spirals, the office rallies in their own reluctant way, revealing how the Scranton team shows support—however begrudgingly. The subplot involving Dwight’s hay festival adds a festive, autumnal charm that fits neatly into holiday viewing.
Everybody Loves Raymond — “No Fat”
A quintessential holiday-family clash unfolds when Marie attempts to cook a low-fat Thanksgiving dinner. Raymond and Debra get caught in the crossfire of culinary expectations and parental overreach, emblematic of the show’s grounded humor. The episode remains relatable for anyone who has witnessed well-intentioned relatives hijack a holiday menu.
New Girl — “Thanksgiving”
In its Season 1 introduction to holiday chaos, the loft crew scrambles to host a last-minute dinner that quickly devolves into a comedic disaster. Jess’s overly enthusiastic planning collides with Nick’s reluctance and Schmidt’s anxious hosting duties. The mix of mismatched expectations and improvised solutions makes it a standout early episode.
Will & Grace — “Homo for the Holidays”
This Thanksgiving outing explores themes of identity and family acceptance when Jack reveals he has never come out to his mother. The episode balances heartfelt revelation with the show’s trademark witty dialogue. Its blend of humor and emotional resonance has helped it endure as one of the series’ most celebrated holiday installments.
Mad About You — “Giblets for Murray”
A series of small mishaps turns into a full-blown domestic avalanche as Paul and Jamie attempt to prepare a simple Thanksgiving meal. From misplaced ingredients to mounting tension, the episode captures the stress that often accompanies hosting. Yet it ultimately highlights the warmth and resilience that define the show’s central relationship.
Cheers — “Thanksgiving Orphans”
Often cited as one of the greatest sitcom holiday episodes ever made, this Season 5 classic follows the gang as they gather for a potluck dinner after their individual plans fall through. The meal devolves into a legendary food fight that perfectly showcases the show’s sharp comedic timing. Beneath the chaos, the episode highlights the found-family bonds that make Cheers endure.
Frasier — “A Lilith Thanksgiving”
Frasier, Niles, and Lilith join forces in this Season 4 episode to help Frasier’s son secure a spot in an elite private school. Their overeager attempts to impress the admissions board spiral into social blunders and escalating panic. The result is a refined yet chaotic farce that aligns perfectly with the show’s intellectual humor.
The Simpsons — “Bart vs. Thanksgiving”
This early-series standout sees Bart run away from home after inadvertently ruining Lisa’s meticulously crafted Thanksgiving centerpiece. The episode balances satire, heartfelt family tension, and classic Simpsonian visual gags. Its emotional finale helped cement the show’s ability to mix humor with genuine sentiment.
Parenthood — “Happy Thanksgiving”
This Season 2 installment offers a grounded look at holiday dynamics within the sprawling Braverman family. Various siblings juggle personal conflicts, parenting challenges, and relational strains as they gather under one roof. The episode’s realism and empathy reflect the show’s broader commitment to portraying imperfect but loving family connections.
Master of None — “Thanksgiving”
Told across multiple years, this acclaimed Season 2 episode charts Denise’s journey of coming out and finding acceptance within her family. Each Thanksgiving dinner reveals a new stage of growth, both for Denise and her mother. The episode’s nuanced storytelling and cultural specificity earned it widespread praise and a reputation as one of the decade’s most thoughtful holiday narratives.
Black-ish — “Auntsgiving”
In this Season 3 celebration, the Johnsons’ holiday plans shift when Dre’s opinionated Aunt Ruby unexpectedly takes charge of Thanksgiving. Her unfiltered commentary and old-school traditions clash with Bow’s vision for a modern, low-stress gathering, leading to a series of humorous family standoffs. The episode balances sharp cultural insights with warm generational humor, making it a vibrant and memorable addition to the show’s holiday catalog.