Thanksgiving: a time for family, football… and maybe a good laugh? While traditional holiday fare is always an option, this year, why not ditch the gridiron and dive into some hilarious television? Forget the usual Thanksgiving movie marathon; we’ve curated a list of ten fantastic shows, readily available for streaming, guaranteed to make your Thanksgiving dinner even more enjoyable.
1. Friends (1994-2004):
Need we say more? Friends’ Thanksgiving episodes are legendary. From Joey’s infamous raw turkey incident to Brad Pitt’s memorable guest appearance leading the “I Hate Rachel Green Club,” the show consistently delivers side-splitting humor and heartwarming moments. Relive the Geller Cup football game and countless other Thanksgiving shenanigans. Stream it on Max, YouTube, Hulu, The Roku Channel, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, or TBS.2. New Girl (2011-2018):
This quirky comedy brings its own brand of chaos to Thanksgiving. Expect Jess’s dryer-defrosting mishaps (with unexpected consequences!), her attempts at family reconciliation, and a wild woods-based Thanksgiving hunt. The unique characters and surreal humor create a Thanksgiving feast of laughs. Find it on Hulu or Peacock.3. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-2021):
The 99th Precinct family brings their unique brand of comedic chaos to Thanksgiving. Imagine a live turkey trapping the cast in a bathroom, Terry’s epic food challenges, and the precinct descending into anarchy (possibly involving anthrax!). Don’t forget Boyle’s unforgettable Tommy Gobbler costume! Stream on Netflix or Peacock.4. South Park (1997-present):
South Park’s Thanksgiving episodes are anything but ordinary. Prepare for outrageous storylines that defy logic and expectations—think a Game of Thrones-esque war over Black Friday gaming consoles, or the revelation that ancient aliens fought a cosmic war over stuffing mines during the very first Thanksgiving. This show isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s perfect for those who appreciate a good laugh (and don’t mind a little bit of irreverence). Watch on Max, Hulu, Philo, The Roku Channel, or YouTube TV.5. Cheers (1982-1993):
This classic sitcom offers a heartwarming and hilarious portrayal of a bar’s regulars finding family in each other—a perfect reflection of the Thanksgiving spirit. Enjoy their antics and mishaps, culminating in what could only be described as a legendary Thanksgiving food fight! It’s available on Pluto TV, Hulu, Paramount+, YouTube TV, Disney+, The Roku Channel, or Amazon Prime Video.6. Saturday Night Live (1974-present):
With 50 years of hilarious skits under its belt, SNL has a treasure trove of Thanksgiving-themed episodes. Expect satirical takes on family dynamics, wildly imaginative Thanksgiving parade floats, and baking competitions gone horribly wrong. Plus, re-enjoy Adam Sandler’s incredibly catchy Thanksgiving song! Stream on Peacock, NBC, fuboTV, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube TV.7. That ’70s Show (1998-2006):
The Formans and their friends make Thanksgiving a nostalgic and hilarious affair. Relive the classic ’70s vibe and chuckle at Eric and his friends’ inevitable holiday mishaps, which only amplify the comedic brilliance of the show. Find it on Peacock.8. Seinfeld (1989-1998):
While Seinfeld might not have many dedicated Thanksgiving episodes, its unique brand of observational humor makes it the perfect background show for a relaxed Thanksgiving. Episodes like the one featuring Kramer’s accidental destruction of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade float are prime examples of Seinfeld’s signature absurdity.Stream on Netflix or Sling TV.
