As a person who comes from a big family, it’s going to be weird to have a small Thanksgiving celebration this year (I can’t wait until the time when I get to write an opening line to an article that doesn’t talk about the way things are different this year). Anyways, since things are going to be different, this is the perfect opportunity to binge some Thanksgiving episodes of my favourite shows, to remind me of what this season normally looks like and what Thanksgiving is all about.
So, for anyone who is feeling the same way I am, I’ve composed a list of some of the best Thanksgiving episodes, which you can watch to help get you in the mood for Thanksgiving… or as Boyle would say, Turkey Day!
Dawn of the Peck (Bob’s Burgers, S5E4) – Prime Video
After a swarm of turkeys and other farm birds escape containment, the inside of Wonder Wharf becomes an apocalyptic wasteland in which the Belchers and their friends must survive dangerous one-eyed turkeys and killer amusement park rides.
This is one of the funniest episodes of television, possibly ever. Between Teddy’s compression socks, Mickey’s terrified rambling and Bob dancing to Donna Summers, this might just be my perfect Thanksgiving.
The One With All The Thanksgivings (Friends, S5E8) – Netflix
Everyone re-lives their worst Thanksgivings after Monica’s dinner puts everyone in a food-coma. While reminiscing, we learn about some rather unfortunate mishaps in the past that put some relationships within the group in question.
I’ll never know why it wasn’t Chandler’s fingertip that was cut off, since Matthew Perry is actually missing the tip of one of his fingers, but other than that, excellence. Watching Phoebe’s traumatic experiences in the wars, and Joey’s head stuck up a turkey’s ass always makes me laugh.
Parents (New Girl, S2E8) – Netflix
When Jess enacts a scheme to try to Parent Trap her mom and dad, Nick’s attempts to distract Jess’s mom goes a little too far. Meanwhile, Schmidt and his cousin have to fight to determine who’s the “One True Schmidt”, and Cece and Winston take their responsibility as judges very seriously.
For some reason, Nick’s relationship with Jess’s parents never fails to make me laugh. Watching him struggle with the discomfort of being attracted to Jess’s mom cracks me up every time. And Schmidt vs Schmidt is classic Schmidt hilarity times two. Also, Jamie Lee Curtis is in this episode!
Slapsgiving (How I Met Your Mother, S3E9) – Netflix
When Marshall and Lily host their first Thanksgiving, fate, and the group, work against Lily’s perfect plans. Marshall’s psychological torture of Barney over “Slapsgiving,” and Ted’s jealousy over Robin’s older boyfriend, just might drive Lily over the edge.
Any episode with a slap (or the promise of a slap) is a guaranteed favourite of mine. (That and Robin Sparkles are surefire ways to get me laughing at HIMYM). Combine that with Robin’s old-man-boyfriend, and this is a Thanksgiving to remember.
Ava (Brooklyn 99, S3E8) – Netflix
Terry has to go interview a perp before going on a vacation with his very pregnant wife and leaves Jake in charge of keeping her company while he’s away. When Sharon goes into labour in the precinct, and the Thanksgiving scramble causes seven thousand things to go wrong, Jake and Gina need to help keep Sharon comfortable while they wait for Terry to return.
I think the only thing funnier than Captain Holt is Petty Captain Holt. This episode has so many disasters and one-liners, and every character is in peak form: Gina is hilariously selfish, Amy is appropriately flustered (and attracted to Charles) and Holt, as I said, is SO. FANTASTICALLY. PETTY. The best part? Bearded Ron Swanson as Holt’s ex-boyfriend. Perfect casting if I’ve ever seen it.
There you are. Hopefully, this is a well-rounded list of light and funny Thanksgiving episodes that can remind you of the joys of Thanksgiving, and get you ready for Turkey Day, no matter how that looks for you.
Happy Thanksgiving!