Five Classic TV Specials To Dig Into For Thanksgiving

As Thanksgiving approaches, it is only right to keep the family entertained with shows made just for the holiday. Old sitcoms like The Simpsons, Frasier, and Friends featured special episodes with a twist for the season.

Beyond the turkey and pies, Thanksgiving is a perfect time to see your favorite characters enjoy the time. As families across the United States prepare to unite and spend time together, it’s the perfect moment to highlight five outstanding Thanksgiving-themed episodes from classic television.

‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ (1973)

This is the third of three seasonal one-offs from the Emmy-winning animation based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, which airs on ABC every November, features Charlie Brown hosting Peppermint Patty and friends with the help of Snoopy, Woodstock, and Linus. The guest considered Charlie’s spread of buttered toast, jelly beans, and pretzels distasteful and basic, leading to a fallout.

RELATED: ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving’ Will Be Free To Watch For Everyone This Year

‘The Simpsons: Bart vs Thanksgiving’ (1990)

Bart learns the importance of family after running away from home because Lisa scolded him for running her homemade dinner table centerpiece. He ends up in a soup kitchen, where he watches neighbors and other families share the joy of Thanksgiving at their tables. He then sneaks home and apologizes to Lisa for being destructive.

Marge’s family, including her mother, Jacqueline Bouvier, and twin sisters Patty and Selma were present as well to constantly dunk on her hosting abilities, which some viewers may sadly relate to.

‘Master of None: Thanksgiving’ (2017)

In this episode, Catherine welcomes Denise’s girlfriend, Michelle as their Thanksgiving guest many years after her daughter first opened up about her sexuality. She was able to accept and embrace Denise thanks to her aunt Joyce, grandmother Ernestine, and Dev.

Since Dev never grew up celebrating Thanksgiving, she spends the time at Denise’s house, where she first confessed to being a lesbian in 1999.

‘Friends: The One With All the Thanksgivings’ (1998)

The group attempts to console Ross Geller as he mourns his divorce by recounting memories of their worst holiday experiences. Phoebe narrates how she lost her arm during the Civil War as a nurse in her past life. Monica also recalled overhearing Chandler call her “fat” during Thanksgiving of 1987.

‘Frasier: A Lilith Thanksgiving’ (1996)

Psychiatrist Frasier and his ex-wife Lilith attempt to get Frederick into Boston’s exclusive Marbury Academy as they invite the headmaster, Dr. Campbell, over for dinner. They end up ruining his Turkey, but Niles’ backup roast saves the day.