Must-Watch Thanksgiving Episodes for TV Enthusiasts on Turkey Day

Spend your Thanksgiving rewatching some of the most unforgettable holiday TV episodes. We've compiled a list of must-watch episodes, from Marshall Erikson's legendary "Slapsgiving" song on How I Met Your Mother to Chandler Bing's accidental "I love you" confession to Monica while she's wearing a turkey on her head in Friends. Keep scrolling for a guide to the most unforgettable Thanksgiving episodes from popular sitcoms.

‘Full House’: The Miracle of Thanksgiving

Season 1, Episode 9

Full House aired for eight seasons but only featured one Thanksgiving-themed episode. In this episode from season 1, the Tanner family tries to celebrate their first Thanksgiving after the passing of Danny's wife, Pam. DJ and Stephanie take on the responsibility of cooking the turkey and pie, which leads to disastrous results. However, through the chaos, the family learns the valuable lesson that the holiday season is not about perfection, but about cherishing time spent with loved ones.

In Season 1, Episode 6 of New Girl, Jess tries to create a memorable Thanksgiving dinner when she invites her work crush, Paul (played by Justin Long), over. However, Jess's lack of cooking experience and last-minute preparations lead to a series of hilarious mishaps, including attempting to cook a turkey in the dryer and stumbling upon a dead body. This holiday episode is packed with humor.

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’: Thanksgiving

Season 1, Episode 10

Another infamous Thanksgiving dinner is showcased in Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Amy takes on the role of host in the first season, inviting her colleagues from the precinct to her apartment. Fortunately, her disastrous cooking is not the highlight of the evening, and the group discovers the real meaning of Thanksgiving.

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‘Friends’: The One With All the Thanksgivings

Season 5, Episode 8

Revisiting old Thanksgiving memories, the group reflects on Monica's stunning transformation after overheard Chandler's hurtful comment about her weight, as well as the time she accidentally cut off Chandler's toe. In an attempt to raise his spirits, Monica tries to cheer Chandler up by balancing a turkey on her head, complete with sunglasses.

Season 4, Episode 10

The Hunters and the Matthews begrudgingly share a holiday meal, finding little common ground. In a surprising turn of events, Shawn and Cory help their parents bond over the shared value of welcoming people from all backgrounds.

‘How I Met Your Mother’: Slapsgiving

Season 3, Episode 9

As Lily strives for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, Barney is preoccupied with the looming third slap from Marshall. After the dinner is over, Marshall finally delivers the slap and then proceeds to serenade Barney with "You Just Got Slapped," a tune that is sure to linger in your mind.

Season 1, Episode 9

Flashbacks reveal how Serena and Dan first met on Thanksgiving Day when Serena, inebriated, narrowly avoided being hit by a cab. Meanwhile, in the present, Blair enjoys celebrating with both her parents and later engages in a playful water fight with Serena and her then-boyfriend, Nate.

‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’: Pangs

Season 4, Episode 8

Buffy strives for the ideal Thanksgiving, unaware that Angel has discreetly come back to Sunnydale to watch over her. Meanwhile, Spike is confined to a chair, battling hunger throughout the episode. As a bonus, don't miss out on watching Angel's "I Will Remember You" afterwards - it's a continuation of this episode, where Buffy pays him a visit in Los Angeles on the spinoff.

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‘Friends’: The One With the Rumor

Season 8, Episode 9

In a Thanksgiving episode of the show "Glee," the previously overweight character Will, played by Brad Pitt, joins the group for dinner and discloses that he and Ross were once in a club called "The I Hate Rachel Green Club" during high school.

Season 4, Episode 8

Kurt and Rachel opt to stay in New York City for the holiday, and are joined by Rachel's on-again off-again boyfriend, Brody. They are in for a surprise when Sarah Jessica Parker's character, Isabelle Wright, pays them an unexpected visit and they all end up having a "kiki."

‘Full House’: The Miracle of Thanksgiving Season 1, Episode 9

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‘Dawson’s Creek’: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner

Season 3, Episode 8

This episode is often overlooked, as it is the only instance where the entire group of friends and their families gather around a table together. Tensions rise as Dawson offends Jen's mom and Pacey and Jen's relationship takes a new turn. The episode concludes with a cozy bonfire, despite the chilly November weather in Massachusetts.

In Season 6, Episode 8, Bryan Cranston made a memorable appearance on Seinfeld. The episode revolves around George's purchase of a used car that he thought belonged to Jon Voight. He eventually learns that the previous owner is not Angelina Jolie’s father but a man named John Voight, who happens to be a friend of Dr. Whatley, played by Cranston.