The Ultimate 2024 Thanksgiving Day Watching Lineup

Thanksgiving Day is a time to gather, eat, and celebrate gratitude. Once the feast is over, what better way to relax than by diving into some incredible TV shows, movies, and classic traditions? This year, I’ve curated a list of 10 must-watch Thanksgiving specials that will bring joy and nostalgia to your holiday.

1. FRIENDS: “The One With All The Thanksgivings” (Season 5)

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Monica, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey in this fan-favorite episode. Watch as the gang reflects on their worst Thanksgivings, leading to hilarious flashbacks, Chandler’s infamous comment about Monica’s weight, and Monica dancing with a turkey on her head. It’s peak Friends humor and nostalgia.

2. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

No Thanksgiving morning is complete without the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year’s event will feature dazzling floats, energetic marching bands, and celebrity appearances. Keep an eye out for this year’s all-new balloons including Disney’s Minnie Mouse, the magical Extraordinary Noorah™ & The Elf on the Shelf®, Gabby, Goku, Marshall from PAW Patrol, and Spider-Man. Don’t miss Santa Claus closing the parade and officially kicking off the holiday season.

3. NFL Thanksgiving Games

Thanksgiving football is a staple, and this year’s games feature the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys in their traditional matchups.

This year’s lineup offers thrilling matchups:

• Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions: Kickoff at 12:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
• New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys: Kickoff at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
• Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers: Kickoff at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

Additionally, the NFL continues its Black Friday tradition with:

• Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders: Kickoff at 3 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video.

Gather your family, grab a snack, and enjoy the adrenaline-filled action, a perfect backdrop for post-turkey lounging.

4. Modern Family: “Punkin Chunkin” (Season 3)

In this heartwarming Thanksgiving-themed episode, the Pritchett-Dunphy-Tucker clan reminisces about the times they defied expectations, leading to both laughter and tender moments. A perfect watch for fans of family comedy.

5. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

This 1987 classic starring Steve Martin and John Candy is the ultimate Thanksgiving travel story. With hilarious mishaps and a touching message about gratitude and friendship, it’s a must-watch for the holiday season.

6. Gilmore Girls: “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3)

Lorelai and Rory are tasked with attending four Thanksgiving dinners in a single day. This episode showcases Gilmore Girls’ signature blend of humor, quirky characters, and heartfelt moments, making it a perfect holiday pick.

7. Seinfeld: “The Mom & Pop Store” (Season 6)

While not directly Thanksgiving-themed, this episode fits the holiday vibe with Jerry and the gang getting caught up in quirky adventures, including a mishap involving a Macy’s Parade float. It’s quintessential Seinfeld humor.

8. The Addams Family (1991 Movie)

For those seeking something outside the traditional Thanksgiving fare, The Addams Family is a quirky and fun choice. With its eccentric humor and lovable characters, it’s a unique option for families looking to shake up their holiday routine.

9. National Dog Show

A Thanksgiving tradition for many, the National Dog Show airs after the Macy’s Parade and features the best of the canine world. It’s a wholesome, family-friendly watch perfect for animal lovers.

10. Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man (2002)

Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man is an excellent choice for Thanksgiving viewing. The film features a pivotal Thanksgiving dinner scene where Peter Parker, Norman Osborn, and their loved ones gather, leading to significant character developments and plot twists. This scene not only adds depth to the narrative but also aligns with the holiday’s themes of family and togetherness.

Bonus Picks:

• How I Met Your Mother: “Slapsgiving” (Season 3): The iconic slap countdown makes this a hilarious Thanksgiving watch.
• The Crown (Season 6): Perfect for binge-watching, this series offers drama and intrigue ideal for winding down your day.
• Charlie Brown Thanksgiving: A heartwarming classic for all ages.

This Thanksgiving, enjoy a lineup filled with laughs, nostalgia, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or trying something new, these picks will make your holiday extra special. So, grab your leftovers, settle on the couch, and let the entertainment begin!