Thanksgiving is defined by eating good food, decorating turkey hands, and fall-themed everything. And the most important part of Thanksgiving is being able to engage in all those festivities with your friends and family. Unfortunately, this year’s Thanksgiving will play out a little differently because of the pandemic. No big family gatherings, no pumpkin-spiced baking with all your friends, and no warmth in the idea of everyone getting to spend the day together appreciating one another. Thanksgiving may not be the same this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make the best of it and still celebrate. In order to help get you in the Thanksgiving mood, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 Thanksgiving TV specials you should watch this month! Watching these episodes guarantees that you will get excited to celebrate Thanksgiving this year!
5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Season 1, Episode 10, “Thanksgiving”
You know that watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine is a guaranteed laugh, and it just gets better with Thanksgiving thrown into it! And this episode takes us back to the roots of try-hard Amy hosting a Thanksgiving meal that goes seriously wrong.
4. Friends: Season 5, Episode 8, “The One With All the Thanksgivings”
I think it’s safe to say that everyone loves binging Friends. So, what better way to do so than watching an episode that looks back on all the past Thanksgivings that the gang celebrated? It’s like 10 Thanksgiving episodes in one!
3. Gilmore Girls: Season 3, Episode 9, “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”
This episode is such a classic, feel-good episode that encompasses everything we love about Gilmore Girls. All of the characters contribute to the sense of togetherness that Thanksgiving fosters, as Rory and Lorelai try to fit in multiple Thanksgiving celebrations.
2. New Girl: Season 2, Episode 8, “Parents”
New Girl never fails to pull out the weird but funny dinner parties. In this episode, we get to see Jess’s parents come for dinner and Jess pulls one of her usual crazy stunts. She tries to Parent Trap them, but in the most Jess way possible. Got to love her.Â
1. Gossip Girl: Season 3, Episode 11, “The Treasure of Serena Madre”
Drum roll please! The top watch for this Thanksgiving has to be one of the most dramatic Thanksgiving specials that Gossip Girl has aired. What is a Gossip Girl episode without the secrets and the backstabbing? Oh, and bonus points! There is a dramatic slap in this episode, so you’re in for a real treat.
Although you may not be able to spend this Thanksgiving with all your friends and family, you’ll be able to spend it with your favorite characters, from Blair Waldorf to Joey Tribbiani. You’ll get the chance to celebrate it with five different families, all of which hold a special place in all our hearts. I hope this guide to Thanksgiving binge-watching will brighten up your Thanksgiving celebrations even just a little bit this year. Be grateful for the good laughs and the crazy, funny, dramatic, wholesome Thanksgiving festivities that these shows will celebrate with you!