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Thanks

10 Thanksgiving Episodes We're Thankful For

Happy "Slapsgiving!" CBS

It’s Thanksgiving, and nothing brings people together like good food and good TV. And although many people are already watching Christmas content, let’s pause and show our November holiday the love it deserves with classic Thanksgiving television. From feasts to fights … From friendsgivings to Friends-givings ... We’ve collected ten turkey day episodes that you’re bound to enjoy!

So, grab another slice of pumpkin pie, gather the fam, and turn on the TV.

1. Friends “The One with All the Thanksgivings”

Friends has nine great Thanksgiving episodes, but Season 5’s “The One with All the Thanksgivings” really stands out. Despite the majority of the episode being fun flashbacks, Monica and Chandler’s relationship moves forward after Chandler lets something slip. (...years after she cut off his toe.)

2. Master of None “Thanksgiving”

Adapted from writer, Lena Waithe’s, real-life experiences, the Emmy-award winning episode goes from the ‘90s to present day as Denise accepts her sexuality and struggles to come out to her family. On top of the excellent writing, you can also watch amazing performances from Angela Bassett and Kym Whitley.

3. How I Met Your Mother “Slapsgiving”

What makes a holiday more interesting? A bet, of course. While Lily tries to create the perfect first Thanksgiving as a married couple, Robin and Ted aren’t getting along and Marshall taunts Barney to finish the third and final slap of their “slap bet.”

4. The Simpsons “Bart vs. Thanksgiving”

Bart accidentally destroys Lisa’s dinner centerpiece, and being the stubborn brother that he is -- refuses to apologize. He runs away from home only to learn how good he has it and that he hurt his sister’s feelings.

5. Bob’s Burgers “An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal”

With Thanksgiving being Bob’s favorite holiday - every annual November episode makes an impression ... When the Belcher family’s landlord, Mr. Fischoeder, needs to “borrow” Bob’s family to make his ex jealous, Bob gets put on kitchen duty and confides in his only friend -- the turkey.

6. This Is Us “Pilgrim Rick”

As if this show didn’t hit us in the feels every week, let’s throw in a holiday to make us all cry. Why do the Pearsons have hot dogs and watch Police Academy 3 every Turkey Day? In this episode, we learn that a disastrous holiday can become a special tradition, and Randall discovers that Rebecca has been keeping a secret from him for several years.

7. Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Pangs”

If sappy and sitcoms aren’t your style … try this episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy encounters a vengeful army from the Chumash tribe, the original inhabitants of Sunnydale who were wiped out by white settlers. Our Slayer endangers herself as she tries to fight them off, but a certain someone lurks; waiting to help in the fight.

8. Modern Family “Three Turkeys”

Cooking the turkey can be a big undertaking. When Phil takes charge as the Thanksgiving cook, Claire prepares a back-up turkey in case things go awry. Meanwhile, Jay and Gloria try to avoid celebrating with family … and you guessed it, things don’t go as planned.

9. Cheers “Thanksgiving Orphans”

The ultimate chosen family! Carla invites everyone over for a Thanksgiving feast, which devolves into a much-enjoyable food fight. Not only is it a classic holiday episode, but TV Guide ranked it No. 7 on its “100 Greatest Episodes of All Time” list.

10. "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving"

And what’s a holiday without the Peanuts gang? This one may not be as popular as the Halloween or Christmas special, but, "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" still holds its own as Charlie attempts to throw a Thanksgiving dinner for his pals. 

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