The Best Thanksgiving Programs
Thanksgiving Themed episodes from the sitcoms and others. If only network programmers made a priority and aired these memorable episodes on Thanksgiving Day. I know Charlie Brown is still aired but not others here. Some shows aren't shown in rotation in syndication anymore. Too bad, I would love a DVD featuring a Thanksgiving theme of several shows.
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- DirectorBill MelendezPhil RomanStarsTodd BarbeeRobin KohnStephen SheaPeppermint Patty invites herself and her friends over to Charlie Brown's for Thanksgiving, and with Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock, he attempts to throw together a Thanksgiving dinner.You can't have a holiday without a Charlie Brown Special.
- DirectorAng LeeStarsKevin KlineJoan AllenSigourney WeaverIn suburban New Canaan, Connecticut, 1973, middle-class families experimenting with casual sex and substance abuse find their lives beyond their control.Gene Siskel ranked this small gem of a film best of 1997 even outranking the popular "Titanic." This film is set in New Canaan, Connecticut in the November 1973 around Thanksgiving holiday and Black Friday night party. It has an all star cast like Kevin Kline, Sigourney, Weaver, Joan Allen, Tobey Maguire, Cristina Ricci, Katie Holmes, Allison Janney, and others. The film is still one of my favorites to watch around this time of year.
- 1996–200122mTV-PG8.1 (416)TV EpisodeDirectorRobert BerlingerStarsJohn LithgowKristen JohnstonFrench StewartIt's Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, the Solomons don't have a clue what Thanksgiving is. Mrs. Dubcek and her daughter Vicky help them.The Best Thanksgiving Episode ever in my opinion about the aliens learning about the meaning of the holiday.
- DirectorJeff MelmanStarsChristopher TitusCynthia WatrosZack WardErin wants nothing more than a perfect Thanksgiving between her family, the Fitzpatricks, and Titus's family. It doesn't go too well and both families end up in the emergency ward with Erin now feeling she cannot marry Titus.The second best Thanksgiving episode where Titus, Erin, and their families get together and end up in the emergency room.
- DirectorPeter BonerzStarsBob NewhartSuzanne PleshettePeter BonerzEmily's parents and Bob's parents arrive to celebrate Thanksgiving with Bob & Emily. All sets of families have their own idea of traditions and meal fixings. Bob's mother and Emily's father insult each other the day before Thanksgiving.Bob and Emily's parents come together for Thanksgiving. Still a great episode.
- 1972–197830m8.8 (219)TV EpisodeDirectorJames BurrowsStarsBob NewhartSuzanne PleshettePeter BonerzWith Emily out of town, Bob spends Thanksgiving with Jerry and Mr Carlin watching a football game. They proceed to get drunk and try to order Moo Goo Gai Pan from a Chinese restaurant for dinner.Another classic episode where Emily goes away for the holiday leaving Bob and the gang home alone.
- 2002–200721mTV-PG8.6 (87)TV EpisodeDirectorBarnet KellmanStarsGeorge LopezConstance MarieMasiela LushaGeorge thinks he's found his real father when he meets one of Benny's coworkers that she supposedly slept with 35 years ago.An episode where Cheech Marin could be George's long lost father. It's a funny episode overall even if it's a little out there.
- DirectorGerren KeithStarsEsther RolleJa'net DuBoisRalph CarterFlorida and the children are looking forward to James' father's visit. He arrives with a loud-talking woman, and he is not acting like a grandfather typically acts.The show's only Thanksgiving day episode where James Sr's father comes to visit the family with a surprise. Still a touching episode.
- DirectorJay SandrichStarsCharlie SheenJon CryerAngus T. JonesThanksgiving winds up being the least thankful day of the year for Charlie, who has to bribe various members of his household to even come to a traditional turkey dinner. Not only are the usual feuds in evidence (leading to a turkey-carving right out of "Psycho") but Judith's parents are actually sympathetic to Alan and hostile to their own daughter for her "fling" with lesbianism.One of the first Thanksgiving episodes from this series and one of the best when Denise Richards guest appears as an old girlfriend of Charlie's. There are plenty of memorable lines and moments in this episode.
- DirectorAmanda BearseStarsEd O'NeillKatey SagalAmanda BearseIt's Thanksgiving. In Al's childhood, it was a tradition to eat aunt Maddie's potato pie on Thanksgiving, so Al takes a trip with Griff to see aunt Maddie in order to buy some pie. Unfortunately it turns out that she's just died. Jefferson can't find a turkey for Marcy because they've sold out. Then a stray turkey just happens to follow Kelly home. Will Kelly let the others eat it?The series' only Thanksgiving episode and a memorable one where Al goes to find Aunt Mattie's Sweet Potato Pie. Kelly befriends a turkey. Jefferson forgot to order a turkey for Marcy.
- DirectorLee Shallat ChemelStarsThomas Haden ChurchDebra MessingGreg GermannNed and Stacey's first Thanksgiving with Stacey's family turns into a disaster when Stacey pines for an ex-boyfriend, old family feuds resurface, and Ned can't find cranberry sauce for dinner.I wished this series had survived longer. Still it's a memorable episode from this short lived series.
- DirectorJay SandrichStarsBill CosbyPhylicia RashadLisa BonetSondra is introduced, who comes back from college and is planning a trip to Paris for the summer.Sondra comes from Princeton for Thanksgiving. This is a memorable episode when Cliff helps Theo carve the turkey with a Julia Child voice. I didn't get it at the time but I do now.
- DirectorDave PowersStarsVicki LawrenceKen BerryDorothy LymanFamily animosities come to light (and the boiling point) when the Harpers are trapped together due to a Thanksgiving Day tornado.The only Thanksgiving episode from this series has the family in the basement hiding from a tornado.
- DirectorJohn PasquinStarsRoseanne BarrJohn GoodmanLaurie MetcalfThanksgiving at the Conners' brings the usual family strife and hilarity as Roseanne is determined to make her parents stay at a motel and Jackie continues to hide the fact she joined the police.The first Thanksgiving episode where Dan and Roseanne's parents come together to celebrate the holiday. Guest stars Estelle Parsons, Ned Beatty, John Randolph, and Ann Wedgeworth.
- DirectorAndrew D. WeymanStarsRoseanne BarrJohn GoodmanLaurie MetcalfThanksgiving weekend sees another visit by friends and family including Nana Mary and a husband-less Bev.Their second holiday episode with Oscar winner Shelley Winters playing Nana Mary.
- DirectorPhilip Charles MacKenzieStarsRoseanne BarrJohn GoodmanLaurie MetcalfBecky volunteers to take over cooking duties for the Conners' Thanksgiving; Dan and Mark are still at each other's throats; Fred is shocked at the dysfunction of the family he might marry into; and Nana Mary reveals a long-kept secret about Bev's marriage.The third holiday episode with Shelley Winters and Estelle Parsons.
- DirectorGail MancusoStarsRoseanne BarrJohn GoodmanLaurie MetcalfThanksgiving is full of tension and anxiety when Roseanne gets alarming news about her baby from the prenatal clinic. The discomfort is only worsened when Nana Mary arrives with her new husband and upsets Bev, and the rest of the family, by discussing the two abortions she (Nana Mary) had years before.The fourth holiday episode where Shelley Winters and Estelle Parsons reprise their roles as Nana Mary and mother Beverly.
- DirectorGail MancusoStarsRoseanne BarrJohn GoodmanLaurie MetcalfDJ's teacher lets the class design their own Thanksgiving pageant, which turns into a Pulp Fiction spoof that offends many parents. Roseanne invites some new Native American friends over for Thanksgiving.Their fifth holiday episode
- DirectorGary HalvorsonStarsRoseanne BarrJohn GoodmanLaurie MetcalfThanksgiving for the Conners starts on a sour note with the news Dan won't be able to make it home for the holiday. However, Roseanne is thrilled she can afford to have the meal catered instead of spending an entire day in the kitchen. Family squabbles combined with a shocking revelation by Bev nearly ruins the evening. The family must contend with the fact that money does not necessarily buy happiness.Their six and final Thanksgiving episode. The series was never the same without Dan Conner (played by the wonderful John Goodman).
- DirectorPaul BogartStarsCarroll O'ConnorJean StapletonRob ReinerArchie and Mike argue over the religious upbringing of baby Joey during a Thanksgiving Day dinner.Hard to believe that this was the only Thanksgiving episode from one of the best sitcom series to ever grace television.
- DirectorJeff MelmanStarsKelsey GrammerJane LeevesDavid Hyde PierceNiles' plans for a 'rustic' thanksgiving (complete with mints on the pillows) are scuppered when Lilith arranges a meeting with the headmaster of the Marbury Academy, an exclusive school, with the aim of getting Frederick in.The fourth season episode where the gang goes to Boston.
- DirectorKelsey GrammerStarsKelsey GrammerJane LeevesDavid Hyde PierceLilith and Frederick come for Thanksgiving dinner with the Cranes. Frederick manoeuvers Frasier and Lilith into spending an evening together, and they begin to suspect that he is trying to get them back together.The seventh season episode where Lilith and Frederick visit the Cranes in Seattle.
- DirectorJames BurrowsStarsTed DansonShelley LongRhea PerlmanThanksgiving is approaching and no one has anything to do except Diane, who is among a select few graduate students one of her professors has asked to spend Thanksgiving with his family, celebrating in the pilgrim's tradition. Diane suggests that the rest of the gang spend Thanksgiving together in Carla's new home. Carla agrees to a potluck dinner, with Norm in charge of the humongous turkey. Woody, Cliff and Frasier are solo for the day, but Sam is to bring his date Wendy and Norm is to bring his never seen wife Vera. They all vow to make this Thanksgiving the best ever. But some invited guests end up being no shows, and one uninvited guest makes an appearance. The guest list ends up being the smallest of the problems that ultimately befall this Thanksgiving. Regardless, this Thanksgiving does end up being a memorable one for all involved and in some ways the best ever.An unforgettable episode
- DirectorJames BurrowsStarsTed DansonKirstie AlleyRhea PerlmanOn Thanksgiving, all the orphaned bar regulars gather for dinner at Cheers. These include recently-separated Frasier and his son Frederick; Carla and three of her kids--Lucinda, Jesse, and Elvis; a Vera-less and somewhat-confused Norm with his Barcalounger; a Ma-less Cliff; host and hostess Sam and Rebecca; and briefly and unexpectedly, John Allen Hill, whose kitchen, silverware, dishes, and candlesticks the gang are using. Woody is having dinner with the Gaineses; Mr. Gaines recently made Woody sign a power of attorney document, and Sam thinks that the Gaines family is taking advantage of naive Woody. Sam suggests that Woody stand up to Mr. Gaines--say he should be ashamed of himself and give Woody the respect he deserves. Woody does so, but not before he walks in on Mr. Gaines hooking up with his sister-in-law Katherine. When Woody busts out his speech, Mr. Gaines thinks he's blackmailing him, so he goes along with everything, including chumming around together doing Woody's favorite "lower-middle-class activities," as Mr. Gaines calls them. However, Woody saw nothing between Mr. Gaines and Katherine.
- DirectorKen WhittinghamStarsPatricia HeatonNeil FlynnCharlie McDermottWhen Frankie finds out her mother isn't coming for Thanksgiving, she encourages Mike to invite his emotionally distant father and brother. At dinner, Bob's new librarian girlfriend shows more interest in Brick's book collection than Bob.
- DirectorElliot HegartyStarsPatricia HeatonNeil FlynnCharlie McDermottFrankie's parents, Pat and Tag, invite the Hecks to spend a few days at their house to celebrate Thanksgiving together. But the festivities begin to fall apart quickly when Frankie's sister, Janet, and her family also join in, and soon the siblings are at each other's throats over their widely differing parenting techniques. Meanwhile, Mike tries to offer some advice to Axl on how to pick up girls when he witnesses his son trying to impress a pretty mini-mart cashier - and fails miserably; Brick attempts to prove his innocence when he is accused by Janet of damaging her daughter's expensive toy; and Sue is stoked when Frankie, Pat and Janet invite her to take part in their gossip sessions.
- DirectorBlake T. EvansStarsPatricia HeatonNeil FlynnCharlie McDermottFrankie's bickering parents come for Thanksgiving, along with two special guests. Axl's football comeback may be postponed by a broken heart, Sue's mascot head is stolen, and Brick is fascinated by a new book.
- DirectorLee Shallat ChemelStarsPatricia HeatonNeil FlynnCharlie McDermottIt's Thanksgiving, and Axl looks for the right time to say he dropped three classes, Frankie's dad looks for the right time to say he gambled away their vacation money, and many surprise visitors arrive at the last minute.
- DirectorLee Shallat ChemelStarsPatricia HeatonNeil FlynnCharlie McDermottThanksgiving for the Hecks at a local restaurant buffet doesn't go well when Sue feels that Mike doesn't like her boyfriend, Darrin, and Brick invites his quirky girlfriend, Cindy.
- DirectorFrank BonnerStarsMeredith BaxterMichael GrossMichael J. FoxIt's Thanksgiving at the Keatons', but the turkey dinner might have to wait when Steven and Elyse head to an anti-nuclear weapons rally and get arrested - infuriating the kids as well as Elyse's parents.The first Thanksgiving episode where Steven and Elyse get arrested for protesting against nuclear. Ironically, it's their only Thanksgiving episode.
- DirectorMartin ArcherKlay HallJohn RiceStarsMike JudgeKathy NajimyPamela AdlonThe Hills and their friends are all stranded at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport the night before Thanksgiving.Stranded at the airport on Thanksgiving.
- DirectorAllan JacobsenKlay HallStarsMike JudgeKathy NajimyPamela AdlonDuring the Thanksgiving season, John Redcorn tries to get closer to Joseph by teaching him about the plight of the Native Americans.
- DirectorDavid TrainerStarsTopher GraceMila KunisAshton KutcherIt's Thanksgiving day and Eric can't tell Red about failing math or about his secret engagement to Donna. Red may reward Eric's (alleged) maturity at dinner, and Kelso is 'dating' Eric's math teacher. Kitty's Mom and Dad add to the chaos.Their second thanksgiving episode
- DirectorCharles Nelson ReillyStarsBurt ReynoldsMarilu HennerHal HolbrookWood's black-sheep, ex-con cousin Alvin comes for Thanksgiving.
- DirectorDavid SilvermanStarsDan CastellanetaJulie KavnerNancy CartwrightOn Thanksgiving, Bart runs away after refusing to apologize to a distraught Lisa for accidentally destroying her cornucopia.The first Thanksgiving episode in the series.
- DirectorJulius WuDominic BianchiJames PurdumStarsSeth MacFarlaneAlex BorsteinSeth GreenOn the night before Thanksgiving, Peter and Brian get drunk and eat the whole turkey, so they have to get a new one on Thanksgiving Day. With Peter gone, Stewie tries to help Chris take over as the man of the house.
- DirectorWill MackenzieStarsBob NewhartMary FrannSteven KampmannThanksgiving Day finds Joanna preparing dinner for over 100 people and George in charge of a rained-out parade.
- DirectorJerry LangfordJames PurdumPeter ShinStarsSeth MacFarlaneAlex BorsteinSeth GreenJoe's son, who was reported missing in Iraq, suddenly and unexpectedly appears during Thanksgiving dinner, but the story of his disappearance doesn't add up.
- DirectorDavid TrainerStarsTopher GraceMila KunisAshton KutcherLaurie brings a friend home for Thanksgiving which could be a problem. When they arrive it turns out that Kate is hot, and Eric has a hard time controlling himself, much to Donna's concern. Meanwhile Bob offers Red a job.
- DirectorMichael SpillerStarsPatricia HeatonNeil FlynnCharlie McDermottThe Hecks' Thanksgiving plans are thrown into a loop when Mr. Ehlert makes her work a shift at the car dealership on Thanksgiving Day.
- DirectorBill PerskyStarsSusan Saint JamesJane CurtinAri MeyersAllie is set to host a slew of guests for Thanksgiving including Charles' new wife Claire, but when everyone else cancels and Charles is called to work, Allie and Claire get some long-awaited bonding time.
- DirectorDon Roy KingBeth McCarthy-MillerChris McCumberStarsFred ArmisenEdward AsnerDan AykroydKaren is on first visit to new boyfriend's parents when she discovers something odd about his eating habits.
- DirectorRichard KinonStarsElizabeth MontgomeryDick YorkAgnes MooreheadThrough the bumbling magic of Aunt Clara, the Stephens family and Mrs. Kravitz spend Thanksgiving with the original pilgrims in 1620.The Bewitched Thanksgiving episode where Aunt Clara spells the family and Gladys Kravitz to the first pilgrim feast.
- DirectorJack SheaStarsDelta BurkeDixie CarterAnnie PottsOn Thanksgiving Day, Julia and Suzanne's mother Perky visits, along with her friend Bernice Clifton. However, a shadow is cast over the celebration when the women learn that a client was murdered after their delivery man, Anthony, argued with him.Their first Thanksgiving episode.