The 10 Best Thanksgiving TV Episodes Ever!

Thanksgiving is here! If there’s anything better than spending time with our loved ones and eating pounds of delicious food, it’s got to be binge-watching Thanksgiving episodes from our favorite classic shows.

Some of these episodes were filled with drama juicier than a Thanksgiving turkey, involving both family problems and romantic misunderstandings, while others just give us a cozy nostalgic feeling. In the middle of watching football and cooking your turkey, we recommend that you give yourself a break and enjoy at least one of these episodes. Whether you’re craving families with skeletons in the closet or just want to see a goofy American family have fun and cook their dinner, this list has an episode for you! 

1. "Gossip Girl": Season 3, Episode 11   

If you ever wonder what kind of problems the Manhattan elite could possibly have, then this Thanksgiving episode is for you. During this episode, you’ll see every character, from the Upper East Side it-girl Blair Waldorf to outsider Vanessa Abrams, bring all their issues to Thanksgiving dinner. As Jason Derulo’s “Whatcha Say” plays in the background, these wealthy characters dig into their Thanksgiving feast while throwing constant shade and arguing with each other. You’ll witness dramatic fights play out and explosive secrets be revealed. It’s top-notch entertainment if you’re craving a Thanksgiving dinner with a side of drama and messy millionaires.

2. "Friends": Season 9, Episode 9 

If you’re looking for some family drama with a mix of comedic relief, then this "Friends" Thanksgiving episode is the one to watch. Throughout this episode, the main cast comes together for Thanksgiving dinner at Monica’s. While the gang usually hangs outs at her apartment, this time they’re joined by Ross and Monica’s parents, who provide some of the funniest dialogue you’ll ever hear. You’ll find yourself quoting this episode every holiday season. Through a comedic lens, this episode also explores issues that a lot of families deal with during the holiday season. You’ll see problems like judgemental in-laws and having to pretend to enjoy someone else’s cooking for the sake of protecting their feelings, when in reality it makes you sick. This episode will have you feeling seen while laughing your head off. 

3. "Gilmore Girls": Season 3, Episode 9

It’s not Fall without "Gilmore Girls". If you grew up with an extended family, or if you’re dealing with squeezing multiple relative visits in one day, then you’ll resonate with this Thanksgiving "Gilmore Girls" episode. You’ll see mother-daughter duo Rory and Lorelai Gilmore do their best to accommodate four Thanksgiving dinners in one day. If you also enjoy family drama, specifically arguments between a mother who thinks she knows best and a teenager who just wants to keep her college options open, then you’re in for a treat with this episode. In this episode Rory’s best friend Lane also gets her first kiss, showcasing how magical and cozy young relationships feel during the holiday season. 

4. "Pretty Little Liars": Season 5, Episode 12

For a Thanksgiving episode that serves an entree of murder and a side of mysterious text messages and blackmail, you’ll want to check out this "Pretty Little Liars" episode. While edgier for a Thanksgiving watch, this episode is perfect if you want a distraction from the stress of cooking and cleaning during this very busy holiday. You’ll enjoy watching a group of young women try to navigate a scary situation, keeping themselves and their secrets safe, all while still participating in Thanksgiving festivities. 

5. "The Middle": Season 8, Episode 6

For a wholesome yet chaotic family that faces common problems, such as not liking your child’s significant other, this "The Middle" Thanksgiving episode captures it perfectly. If you’re looking for tension at the dinner table mixed with quirky characters who make dorky yet memorable remarks, this episode will hit the spot. While the drama is portrayed in a tamer manner compared to heavy teen dramas, this episode will still have you entertained and asking yourself “Did she really say that?” every two seconds. Perfect if you want to destress from some of the holiday fun. 

6. "The O.C": Season 1, Episode 11

Take a trip down to the West Coast with this drama filled "The O.C." Thanksgiving episode. Throughout this episode, you’ll be entertained with love triangles, competitive cooks, and heartbreaking reunions. If you ever found yourself fighting with your family over who’s cooking what for Thanksgiving, then you’ll resonate with this episode. Perfect if you want a show to bond over with your sister who you barely get to see now and want to reminisce about the times you lived together under the same roof. This show also deals with emotional issues that a lot of families face during the holiday season, such as navigating life with divorced parents. It’s just the right blend of early-2000s nostalgia mixed with drama -- perfect for a midday Thanksgiving watch.

7. "One Tree Hill": Season 8, Episode 9 

For an episode that features all of the Thanksgiving classics, like the Macy’s Day Parade, football, and turkey, check out this "One Tree Hill" episode. During this episode, you’ll see the main cast trying their best to put on a good Thanksgiving dinner while struggling with making tough decisions, like going back to school to pursue the career you want despite having had a difficult academic past. You’ll also find moments that will remind you of your own friends and family. During one of the most memorable scenes, Alex and Mia break out in an argument while Alex is talking about what she's thankful for. It wouldn’t be a good Thanksgiving episode without some disputing. 

8. "Kenan & Kel": Season 2, Episode 11 

If you’re looking for a good laugh this Thanksgiving, let "Kenan and Kel" light up your living room in this goofy and heartwarming episode. Kenan and Kel find themselves in a bind after Kel eats their entire turkey before Thanksgiving dinner, leaving him and Kenan to work hard to find a replacement. This episode delivers the perfect mix of suspense with a silly twist. Perfect for Millennials who are craving some childhood nostalgia mixed with some comedy. 

9. "Modern Family": Season 6, Episode 9 

When you have a big family, problems are bound to arise on Thanksgiving. Nothing captures what it's like when very different personalities try to spend Thanksgiving together than this "Modern Family" episode. From miscommunications to distrust, this episode has all the family drama you’ve been craving. This show is also revolutionary for its time, given that it featured a same-sex couple and a bilingual family with an age-gap. It’s perfect if your family may look a little different, and you still want to feel represented. If you also experienced a holiday where everything seems to go wrong, from a canceled vacation you were looking forward to or a stubborn child who refuses to listen to you, this episode will make you feel seen this holiday season. 

10. "How I met Your Mother": Season 3, Episode 9 

For those who love Friendsgiving -- the tradition of gathering with our friends on or around Thanksgiving Day -- this is the episode for you. In this episode, you’ll witness a couple, Marshall and Robin, have their first Thanksgiving dinner as husband and wife. You’ll also encounter awkward exes who still have to see each other, since they share the same friend group. A problem that unfortunately is more common than one may think. You’ll also witness a character who knows he’s about to get slapped but doesn’t know when, the perfect way to take your mind off the endless cooking of Thanksgiving. 

Happy Thanksgiving!