Thanksgiving isn’t just about family gatherings and delicious feasts; it’s also the perfect time to curl up on the couch and watch your favorite TV shows that capture the warmth and heartfelt moments of the holiday.
Whether it’s a nostalgic favorite like Seinfeld’s “The Mom & Pop Store” or Modern Family’s unforgettable “Punkin Chunkin,” these 10 must-watch Thanksgiving episodes are sure to bring the spirit of the season to life.
How I Met Your Mother: “Slapsgiving” (Season 3 Episode 9)
This fan-favorite episode combines the slap bet storyline with Thanksgiving festivities as newlyweds Marshall and Lily invite the group to celebrate the holiday.
True to the show’s fashion, what follows is a delightfully humorous and slightly awkward celebration as old flames and new romances intertwine over conversations about their relationships.
The funniest moment comes when Barney anxiously awaits Marshall’s third slap after losing the slap bet—perfectly blending humor with heartfelt moments that tackle friendship and tradition.
Streaming Platforms: Hulu, Netflix, Disney+
This is Us: “Pilgrim Rick” (Season 1 Episode 8)
For viewers looking for an emotional Thanksgiving episode, This Is Us Season 1, Episode 8, “Pilgrim Rick,” is the perfect pick.
This episode doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it’s sure to make you shed a few tears with its heartfelt flashbacks of Jack and Rebecca as they begin their own family traditions before tragedy strikes.
The story beautifully intertwines with the present-day Thanksgiving celebration at Randall’s house, culminating in a shocking revelation that will satisfy your emotional cravings this season.
Streaming Platforms: Disney+, Netflix
Gossip Girl: “The Treasure of Serena Madre” (Season 3 Episode 11)
Another family drama on the list is Gossip Girl’s Season 3 episode, “The Treasure of Serena Madre.”
Filled with revelation after revelation, the tension runs high as Blair suspects Eleanor is pregnant, Vanessa’s estranged mother pays a visit, Rufus discovers Lily has been lying to him, Jenny learns Eric is behind her public humiliation, and Lily finds out Serena is having an affair with Tripp.
The drama culminates at Lily’s Thanksgiving dinner, where everyone storms away from the table in true Gossip Girl fashion—creating one of the series’ most iconic and unforgettable scenes.
Streaming Platforms: HBO Max, Netflix
Gilmore Girls: “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3 Episode 9)
One of Gilmore Girls’ most unforgettable episodes comes in Season 3, Episode 9, “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving.”
Rory and Lorelai may both have insatiable appetites, but they “skip the rolls” this Thanksgiving to make room for four different feasts—enjoying tofurky with Lane and Mrs. Kim, fried turkey with Sookie and Jackson, and additional dinners with Luke and Jess, as well as Richard and Emily.
This episode captures all the holiday feels with its delicious meals, colorful backdrops, and festive charm. However, it also takes a surprising turn when it features Rory’s public display of affection and Lane’s first kiss—moments that make this Thanksgiving truly memorable.
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Full House: “The Miracle of Thanksgiving” (Season 1 Episode 9)
As a family-centric sitcom, Full House delivers one of its best Thanksgiving episodes in Season 1, Episode 9, “The Miracle of Thanksgiving.”
As the family prepares to celebrate their first Thanksgiving without Pam, Danny, Jesse, and Joey want to make it extra special for the girls.
However, their restaurant reservation falls through due to the snow, leaving the family to cook the entire Thanksgiving dinner at home.
This unexpected challenge brings everyone together, resulting in a traditional, home-cooked meal that makes the holiday extra special.
Streaming Platforms: Hulu, Disney+
Seinfeld: “The Mom & Pop Store” (Season 6 Episode 8)
“The Mom & Pop Store” is considered one of Seinfeld’s holiday specials, featuring one of the most popular annual Thanksgiving traditions—the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade—alongside a celebration with Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer.
From Mr. Pitt participating in the department store’s iconic parade to Jerry trying to figure out whether he’s invited to Tim Whatley’s yearly pre-Thanksgiving party, the episode delivers several comedic situations that skillfully blend classic absurdity with holiday spirit.
As a bonus, it also features guest appearances by Jon Voight and Bryan Cranston.
Streaming Platform: Netflix
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: “Talking Turkey” (Season 1 Episode 12)
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air delivers one of its most heartfelt and humorous episodes in Season 1, Episode 12, “Talking Turkey.”
When Vivian worries that her kids have been living too privileged a life, she decides they should prepare Thanksgiving dinner themselves—just as Will’s mom comes to visit.
Of course, everything goes hilariously wrong: the yams burn, the stuffing turns out like oatmeal, and the turkey is still frozen inside.
But despite the chaos, the family ends up laughing it off, sealing the moment with an emotional embrace between Will and his mom—a touching reminder that the power of togetherness can withstand anything.
Streaming Platforms: Hulu, Disney+
Friends: “The One with All the Thanksgivings” (Season 5, Episode 8)
While Friends has several Thanksgiving episodes across its 10-season run, Season 5, Episode 8, “The One with All the Thanksgivings,” stands out by featuring flashbacks to the group’s worst holiday memories, making it especially iconic.
The episode includes some of the series’ most unforgettable moments: Monica dropping a knife, Chandler losing a toe, Monica performing her turkey-head dance, and Chandler blurting out “I love you.”
If this isn’t TV gold, we don’t know what is.
Streaming Platform: HBO Max
Modern Family: “Punkin Chunkin” (Season 3 Episode 9)
Modern Family’s “Punkin Chunkin” might not be the Thanksgiving episode you expected, but this is Jay Pritchett’s family—so a few conflicts are inevitable.
The episode begins with Phil meeting his former protégé, Josh, who has become a billionaire, prompting Phil to reflect on his own life and unfairly blame Claire for stifling his creative endeavors.
Of course, the problems don’t stop there: Jay criticizes Manny’s Thanksgiving centerpiece and Gloria’s parenting style, Mitchell accuses Cam of embellishing his “punkin chunkin” story, and Alex and Haley get into a fender bender.
By the end of the day, however, the family comes together in a final act filled with love and humor.
Streaming Platform: Disney+, Hulu
The Bear: “Fishes” (Season 2 Episode 6)
The Bear’s most iconic Thanksgiving episode, “Fishes,” defies all traditional holiday expectations—from warm family dynamics to cheerful celebrations.
Instead, it presents a highly traumatic and anxiety-inducing Christmas Eve dinner, centered around the traditional Italian-American Feast of the Seven Fishes at the Berzatto family home.
Set as a flashback five years before the series’ main events, the episode offers crucial insight into the Berzatto family—from their deep dysfunction to the root of Carmy’s anxiety and Mikey’s struggles with addiction.
With a star-studded cast and chaotic family drama that culminates in a car crashing into the house, it’s easy to see why “Fishes” has won numerous awards.
Streaming Platform: Disney+
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