Thanksgiving shows
These were researched quickly, to provide options. You'll have to preview these before picking ones you want your family to watch.
Dedicated Thanksgiving themed ones will be labeled TXG, the rest are family and friendship focused.
ONLINE CONTENT
Social Media Clips
MOVIES
TV SHOWS
TV shows from 1950 to 80s/90s and select shows thru 2008/2013 (lgbt free).
Thanksgiving shows
Eight Is Enough
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 10): Aired on November 27, 1977. The Bradford family faces various challenges, emphasizing the importance of coming together during the holiday.
Mister Rogers' Neighborhood Thanksgiving Episodes
Episode 1403
Season 13, eps 8-10
cover themes related to gratitude, sharing, and the history surrounding Thanksgiving, including stories about the Pilgrims.
Episode 1365
features a segment about the **Potato Harvest Festival**, which resembles a Thanksgiving celebration, with various characters enjoying the event together.
Season 13 ep 1-5
These episodes build on themes of sharing and friendship, aligning with the spirit of Thanksgiving.
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The Dick Van Dyke Show
"October Eve" (Season 2, Episode 4)
Aired on October 29, 1963. While not strictly a Thanksgiving episode, it reflects themes of family and togetherness.
"The Dinner Party"
(Season 2, Episode 12)
Aired on December 24, 1963. This episode revolves around hosting a dinner party, capturing the essence of holiday gatherings, similar to Thanksgiving.
My Three Sons
"Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 11)
Aired on November 30, 1961. The episode centers around the family's Thanksgiving traditions and the small mishaps that occur during the holiday.
"The Thanksgiving Guest" (Season 3, Episode 4)
Aired on November 29, 1962. The episode showcases the boys preparing for Thanksgiving and the spirit of giving.
Leave It to Beaver
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 11): Aired on November 25, 1958. The boys navigate various Thanksgiving challenges, reflecting on family values.
The Andy Griffith Show
• "The Thanksgiving Story" (Season 1, Episode 12): Aired on November 25, 1960. Andy and Opie prepare for Thanksgiving, dealing with the usual comedic misunderstandings.
Little House on the Prairie
Thanksgiving Episodes
"The Harvest" (Season 1, Episode 12)
Aired on November 10, 1974. This episode focuses on the Ingalls family during the harvest season, emphasizing themes of hard work and community support.
"Thanksgiving" (Season 7, Episode 12)
Aired on November 28, 1980. In this episode, the family faces challenges that test their resilience during Thanksgiving. They learn valuable lessons about gratitude, sharing, and family bonds.
"Dark Sage" (Season 6, Episode 25)
Aired on March 31, 1980. While not specifically a Thanksgiving episode, it conveys important themes of acceptance and community, relevant to the holiday spirit.
Family Ties
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9): Aired on November 27, 1984. The Keaton family deals with the chaos of preparing for Thanksgiving while sharing moments of love and unity.
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 7): Aired on November 23, 1984. The Keatons deal with holiday chaos while highlighting the importance of family unity during Thanksgiving.
Our House
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 10): Aired on November 28, 1986. The story revolves around family bonding and the importance of traditions during Thanksgiving.
Happy Days
• "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" (Season 6, Episode 12): Aired on December 8, 1978. The Cunningham family faces humorous challenges when they host a Thanksgiving dinner.
The Partridge Family
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 10): Aired on November 24, 1971. The family navigates the chaos of preparing for Thanksgiving while ensuring everyone feels included.
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 11): Aired on November 22, 1972. The Partridge family prepares for a Thanksgiving feast with humor and heartwarming moments.
The Waltons
• "The Thanksgiving Story" (Season 2, Episode 9): Aired on November 30, 1973. The Walton family reflects on the challenges and blessings of Thanksgiving during the Great Depression.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
• "The Boat"
Season 3, Episode 10
Aired on November 28, 1972. It howcases themes of friendship and community, which can align with holiday sentiments.
Benson
"The Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 8): Aired on November 28, 1979. This episode humorously addresses various Thanksgiving traditions and family dynamics.
Good Times
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 10): Aired on November 23, 1974. The Evans family faces challenges as they prepare for Thanksgiving, reinforcing themes of love and resilience.
17. The Wonder Years
• "The Wonder Years" (Season 2, Episode 10): Aired on November 25, 1988. Kevin Arnold reflects on his family's Thanksgiving traditions and the changes that come with growing up.
Wonder Woman
• "The Man Who Knew Too Much" (Season 1, Episode 11): Though not entirely Thanksgiving-themed, this episode aired around the holiday and includes themes of loyalty and friendship.
Growing Pains
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 10): Aired on November 24, 1987. The Seaver family has humorous and poignant moments that reflect their gratitude and bonding during Thanksgiving.
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 5, Episode 11): Aired on November 25, 1990. The Seaver family finds humor and warmth while navigating the complexities of the holiday.
Full House
• "The Miracle of Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 8): Aired on November 28, 1987. The Tanner family prepares for their first Thanksgiving without Mom, navigating emotions of loss and love.
Who's the Boss?
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 10): Aired on November 22, 1985. Tony and Angela navigate the challenges of hosting Thanksgiving dinner, leading to comedic and heartwarming moments.
Step by Step
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 10): Aired on November 13, 1991. The blended Lambert-Foster family deals with their usual comedic mix-ups while preparing for Thanksgiving.
Family Matters
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 10): Aired on November 27, 1990. The Winslow family’s preparations lead to comedic misunderstandings and heartfelt moments typical of holiday gatherings.
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 8): Aired on November 20, 1991. The Winslow family addresses various Thanksgiving dilemmas while reinforcing family bonds.
The Muppet Show
• "The Muppet Show: Thanksgiving Special": Several holiday specials include sketches and performances celebrating Thanksgiving, filled with humor and warmth.
Knight Rider
• "Give Me Liberty... or Give Me Death" (Season 2, Episode 6): Aired on November 24, 1983. While more action-oriented, this episode touches on the theme of freedom and appreciation during the Thanksgiving period.
The Facts of Life
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9): Aired on November 26, 1982. The episode highlights the women at Eastland Academy dealing with various Thanksgiving situations while emphasizing friendship.
Diff’rent Strokes
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 11): Aired on November 30, 1978. The episode highlights the importance of togetherness and family bonds during Thanksgiving.
227
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 5): Aired on November 4, 1985. The characters navigate the ups and downs of preparing Thanksgiving dinner, highlighting community and relationships.
19. The Goldbergs
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 8): Aired on November 21, 2014. This nostalgic show highlights the hilarity and heartwarming moments of a family gathering during Thanksgiving.
14. Doogie Howser, M.D.
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 9): Aired on November 21, 1990. Doogie reflects on gratitude and family relations during a Thanksgiving celebration.
A Different World
• "The Thanksgiving Episode" (Season 1, Episode 10): Aired on November 24, 1987. The students at Hillman College come together to celebrate Thanksgiving, focusing on friendship and community.
The Golden Girls
• "Thank You for Being a Friend" (Season 1, Episode 12): Aired on December 3, 1985. While more about friendship, the spirit of Thanksgiving is woven throughout the episode.
Punky Brewster
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 11): Aired on November 28, 1985. Punky and her friends learn about gratitude and sharing during the family-focused holiday.
The Little Rascals (Our Gang)
• While not a traditional series in the same way, various short films feature the gang celebrating Thanksgiving, encapsulating childhood innocence and friendship.
The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• "The Best Thanksgiving Ever": Aired on November 23, 1990. Winnie the Pooh and friends navigate misunderstandings and learn the value of sharing and friendship during Thanksgiving.
Three's Company
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9): Aired on November 28, 1978. The trio experiences comedic misadventures while planning a Thanksgiving feast.
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 8, Episode 8): Aired on November 24, 1983. Jack, Janet, and Chrissy prepare a Thanksgiving feast with comedic results, emphasizing friendship.
MAS*H
• "Turkeys Away" (Season 3, Episode 12): Aired on November 24, 1974. The episode humorously deals with Thanksgiving in a wartime setting, ultimately emphasizing camaraderie and support among friends.
China Beach
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 3, Episode 9): Aired on November 27, 1989. The episode reflects on the themes of sacrifice and gratitude during a wartime Thanksgiving.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
"The Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 12): Aired on November 21, 1990. Will and the Banks family navigate their cultural and familial differences during a holiday meal.
The Thanksgiving" (Season 4, Episode 3): Aired on November 5, 1993. The Banks family gathers for Thanksgiving, and comedic misunderstandings ensue while emphasizing family bonds.
Mama’s Family
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 4, Episode 10): Aired on November 24, 1989. Mama and her family engage in typical antics, providing laughs while solidifying family ties during the holiday.
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 5, Episode 8): Aired on November 28, 1990. Mama and her family endure typical antics, wrapped in humorous Thanksgiving festivities.
Saved by the Bell
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 2, Episode 8): Aired on November 25, 1989. The gang plans a Thanksgiving dinner in a humorous and relatable way, emphasizing the importance of friendship and support.
Family Affair
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 5, Episode 11): Aired on November 23, 1970. The episode highlights the importance of gratitude and familial support through comedic mishaps.
The Burnett and Company
• "Thanksgiving Special": Featuring sketches and performances around Thanksgiving themes, this show highlighted humor while celebrating family and friendships during the holiday.
The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
• "Thanksgiving Special": These variety shows often highlighted Thanksgiving through comedy sketches and musical performances, reflecting on family life.
The Nanny
• "The Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 10): Aired on November 24, 1993. Fran's attempts to celebrate Thanksgiving lead to comedic family situations and misunderstandings.
Psych
• "Punky Brewster" (Season 5, Episode 9): Aired on November 14, 2010. This episode features a Thanksgiving subplot that explores familial bonds and friendships through the detectives’ antics.
Everybody Loves Raymond
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 6, Episode 7): Aired on November 27, 2001. The Barone family navigates their usual comedic chaos as they confront Thanksgiving preparations, leading to heartwarming and humorous moments.
Home Improvement
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 6, Episode 10): Aired on November 30, 1996. The Taylor family faces amusing challenges while preparing for Thanksgiving, highlighting family dynamics and humor.
Malcolm in the Middle
• "Thanksgiving" (Season 1, Episode 10): Aired on November 19, 2000. The family’s chaotic Thanksgiving preparations are filled with humor and relatable family struggles.
