Which Thanksgiving TV Episode Is the Biggest Turkey?
by urbanemovies | created - 08 Nov 2020 | updated - 04 Feb 2023 | PublicWhich of these select American televised Thanksgiving-themed episodes is the biggest turkey* of them all?
* turkey (slang) - little appeal; dud; flop; loser; poor and unsuccessful theatrical production
Vote in the companion poll: Best Thanksgiving TV Episode
Discuss the topic here.
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1.
Into the Dark (2018–2021)
Episode:
Pilgrim
(2019)
TV-MA | 80 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
A woman invites re-enactors to produce an authentic first Thanksgiving for her family and friends. However, things take an unexpected turn when the actors refuse to break character.
Director: Marcus Dunstan | Stars: Reign Edwards, Kerr Smith, Courtney Henggeler, Peter Giles
Votes: 1,898
from the streaming series, Into the Dark (2018)
2.
The Cleveland Show (2009–2013)
Episode:
Turkey Pot Die
(2012)
TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Adventure, Comedy
Cleveland and Cleveland Jr. try to rescue Lester's Thanksgiving turkeys, and Donna and Rallo enter a float in the Stoolbend Thanksgiving parade.
Directors: Anthony Agrusa, Albert Calleros, Anthony Lioi | Stars: Mike Henry, Sanaa Lathan, Kevin Michael Richardson, Reagan Gomez-Preston
Votes: 205
from the broadcast series, The Cleveland Show (2009)
3.
Perfect Strangers (1986–1993)
Episode:
Wild Turkey
(1991)
TV-PG | 23 min | Comedy, Family
Larry gets a deal on 58 wild turkeys and has a plan to sell them for Thanksgiving, so he brings them home to live in the backyard! But when Jennifer's engagement ring goes missing the turkeys take the blame.
Director: Judy Pioli | Stars: Bronson Pinchot, Mark Linn-Baker, Rebeca Arthur, Melanie Wilson
Votes: 59
from the broadcast series, Perfect Strangers (1986)
4.
Family Guy (1999– )
Episode:
Into Harmony's Way
(2013)
TV-14 | 21 min | Animation, Comedy
Fame gets to Peter when he forms a song writing team with Quagmire.
Directors: Brian Iles, Dominic Bianchi, James Purdum | Stars: Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Mila Kunis
Votes: 1,965
from the broadcast series, Family Guy (1999)
5.
Caroline in the City (1995–1999)
Episode:
Caroline and the Balloon
(1995)
TV-14 | 21 min | Comedy, Romance
All the gang get together to walk a 'Caroline in the City' balloon in the Thanksgiving Day parade. Unfortunately, Shelly's actions result in the balloon being released and subsequently causing havoc.
Director: Tom Cherones | Stars: Lea Thompson, Eric Lutes, Malcolm Gets, Amy Pietz
Votes: 64
from the broadcast series, Caroline in the City (1995)
6.
13 Reasons Why (2017–2020)
Episode:
Let the Dead Bury the Dead
(2019)
TV-MA | 71 min | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Clay is released on bail, Ani puts a plan to exonerate him into action, and the truth about Bryce's murder finally comes to light.
Director: John T. Kretchmer | Stars: Dylan Minnette, Grace Saif, Christian Navarro, Alisha Boe
Votes: 2,705
from the streaming series, 13 Reasons Why (2017)
7.
Into the Dark (2018–2021)
Episode:
Flesh & Blood
(2018)
TV-MA | 93 min | Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Kimberly, a teenager suffering from agoraphobia, has not left the house since her mother's unsolved murder. On the eve of Thanksgiving, she begins to suspect that the safe harbor of home and her doting father may be a dangerous mirage.
Director: Patrick Lussier | Stars: Dermot Mulroney, Diana Silvers, Tembi Locke, Meredith Salenger
Votes: 2,693
from the streaming series, Into the Dark (2018)
8.
Supergirl (2015–2021)
Episode:
Call to Action
(2018)
TV-PG | 42 min | Action, Adventure, Drama
As everyone gathers for Thanksgiving, Kara is feeling down after her televised debate with Ben Lockwood; James and Lena argue about the best way to handle the Children of Liberty.
Director: Antonio Negret | Stars: Melissa Benoist, Mehcad Brooks, Chyler Leigh, Katie McGrath
Votes: 1,439
from the broadcast series, Supergirl (2015)
9.
Bull (2016–2022)
Episode:
Thanksgiving
(2017)
TV-14 | 43 min | Comedy, Crime, Drama
As Thanksgiving approaches, Bull releases his team to enjoy the holiday with their families, only to find himself working a case solo when he agrees to help a boxer who is being tried for ... See full summary »
Director: Leslie Libman | Stars: Michael Weatherly, Freddy Rodríguez, Geneva Carr, Jaime Lee Kirchner
Votes: 471
from the broadcast series, Bull (2016)
10.
Roseanne (1988–2018)
Episode:
Home Is Where the Afghan Is
(1996)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Drama
Thanksgiving for the Conners starts on a sour note with the news Dan won't be able to make it home for the holiday. However, Roseanne is thrilled she can afford to have the meal catered ... See full summary »
Director: Gary Halvorson | Stars: Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert
Votes: 239
from the broadcast series, Roseanne (1988)
11.
American Dad! (2005– )
Episode:
Kung Pao Turkey
(2013)
TV-14 | 22 min | Animation, Comedy
Stan feels like he's being run out of his own home when Francine's parents come to visit at Thanksgiving, and Francine's mother tries to setup Haley with an eligible Chinese bachelor.
Directors: Rodney Clouden, Ron Hughart, Brent Woods | Stars: Seth MacFarlane, Wendy Schaal, Scott Grimes, Rachael MacFarlane
Votes: 702
from the broadcast series, American Dad! (2005)
12.
Home Improvement (1991–1999)
Episode:
Thanks, But No Thanks
(1998)
TV-PG | 23 min | Comedy, Family
When Tim finds out Marty is separated from his wife and living in the back of Harry's hardware store, Tim invites Marty and his children to stay with him and Jill. Tim turns out to be a great father to Marty's twins. Marty gets jealous.
Director: Peter Bonerz | Stars: Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Earl Hindman, Debbe Dunning
Votes: 204
from the broadcast series, Home Improvement (1991)
13.
Teen Titans Go! (2013– )
Episode:
Thanksgiving
(2014)
TV-PG | 12 min | Animation, Short, Action
Robin invites Batman to thanksgiving dinner, but the other titans invited some friends, or more.
Directors: Luke Cormican, Peter Rida Michail | Stars: Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Khary Payton, Kevin Michael Richardson
Votes: 175
from the cable series, Teen Titans Go! (2013)
14.
Mike & Molly (2010–2016)
Episode:
Mike Cheats
(2011)
TV-14 | 19 min | Comedy, Romance
Mike cheats on his diet and gets caught.
Director: James Burrows | Stars: Billy Gardell, Melissa McCarthy, Reno Wilson, Katy Mixon Greer
Votes: 169
from the broadcast series, Mike & Molly (2010)
15.
Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)
Episode:
What's in a Name
(1999)
TV-PG | 44 min | Drama, Romance
Janet goes into premature labor near the end of the honeymoon and gives birth to a baby girl, while Steve maintains a vigil through the week as he worries about the safety of Janet and ... See full summary »
Director: Christopher Hibler | Stars: Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling
Votes: 93
from the broadcast series, Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990)
16.
Family Matters (1989–1998)
Episode:
Chick-a-Boom
(1996)
Not Rated | 22 min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Myra inadvertently sprinkles Urkel's mini fireworks on stuffed chickens she made for dinner in an effort to help Carl impress his boss.
Director: Joel Zwick | Stars: Reginald VelJohnson, Jo Marie Payton, Darius McCrary, Kellie Shanygne Williams
Votes: 100
from the broadcast series, Family Matters (1989)
17.
According to Jim (2001–2009)
Episode:
Thanksgiving Confidential
(2002)
TV-PG | 20 min | Comedy, Romance
Cheryl and Jim are organizing the school's Thanksgiving Day play, and when they are alone on the set, they decide to get intimate. Andy and the PTA President walk in on them, and the story gets spread. Cheryl is dismissed from the play.
Director: Philip Charles MacKenzie | Stars: Jim Belushi, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Larry Joe Campbell
Votes: 167
from the broadcast series, According to Jim (2001)
18.
Spin City (1996–2002)
Episode:
Balloons over Broadway
(2000)
TV-14 | 30 min | Comedy
The staff tries to appease Native Americans by having an appropriate float in the Thanksgiving parade, but things go awry. Paul's visiting mother doesn't know that Claudia has left him and he is afraid to tell her.
Director: Ted Wass | Stars: Charlie Sheen, Heather Locklear, Richard Kind, Alan Ruck
Votes: 114
from the broadcast series, Spin City (1996)
19.
The Drew Carey Show (1995–2004)
Episode:
Mimi's Day Parade
(1996)
TV-PG | Comedy
Drew's hopes of a relaxing holiday weekend are crushed when Mr. Wick makes Drew in charge of Winfred-Louder's Thanksgiving Day parade. Crunched for time, Drew has to make a deal with Mimi ... See full summary »
Director: Gerry Cohen | Stars: Drew Carey, Diedrich Bader, Kathy Kinney, Christa Miller
Votes: 123
from the broadcast series, The Drew Carey Show (1995)
20.
Mad About You (1992–2019)
Episode:
The Thanksgiving Show
(1998)
TV-PG | 22 min | Comedy, Romance
At Mabel's checkup, the doctor says it is possible Mabel is allergic to something, possibly to Murray. Paul & Jamie host Thanksgiving dinner and invite a collection of random friends and acquaintances. The charades game does not go well.
Director: Gordon Hunt | Stars: Paul Reiser, Helen Hunt, John Pankow, Louis Zorich
Votes: 112
from the broadcast series, Mad About You (1992)
21.
7th Heaven (1996–2007)
Episode:
Thanks and Giving
(2006)
TV-G | 42 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Ruthie's run-in with airport security delays the family's return home. Angered that her one-way ticket triggered a search during a layover in New York, Ruthie sarcastically remarks, "I'm a ... See full summary »
Director: Keith Truesdell | Stars: Stephen Collins, Catherine Hicks, Beverley Mitchell, Mackenzie Rosman
Votes: 61
from the broadcast series, 7th Heaven (1996)
22.
Alice (1976–1985)
Episode:
Who Ordered the Hot Turkey?
(1978)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
The turkeys Mel bought are hot even before they're put in the oven.
Director: William Asher | Stars: Linda Lavin, Vic Tayback, Beth Howland, Philip McKeon
Votes: 76
from the broadcast series, Alice (1976)
23.
90210 (2008–2013)
Episode:
Smoked Turkey
(2011)
TV-14 | 42 min | Comedy, Drama, Romance
Dixon tries to pursue a relationship with a resistant Adrianna, while Ivy and Raj's arguing takes a toll on their relationship. Liam plans a holiday dinner for the gang, and an unexpected ... See full summary »
Director: Jerry Levine | Stars: Shenae Grimes-Beech, Tristan Mack Wilds, AnnaLynne McCord, Jessica Stroup
Votes: 131
from the broadcast series, 90210 (2008)
24.
Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989–1993)
Episode:
The Big Sleep... Not!
(1992)
TV-PG | Comedy, Drama, Family
Vinnie has insomnia. Doogie has no social life.
Director: Stephen Cragg | Stars: Neil Patrick Harris, Max Casella, Belinda Montgomery, Lawrence Pressman
Votes: 38
from the broadcast series, Doogie Howser, M.D. (1989)
25.
Chicago Hope (1994–2000)
Episode:
Tantric Turkey
(1998)
TV-14 | Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Thanksgiving at Chicago Hope. Billy's mom shows up for Thanksgiving and goes into labour. A 13 year old Buddhist Llama is admitted under Dr. Yates with cardiac concerns and anxiety. Aaron ... See full summary »
Director: John Heath | Stars: Christine Lahti, Adam Arkin, Eric Stoltz, Peter Berg
Votes: 32
from the broadcast series, Chicago Hope (1994)
26.
Ed (2000–2004)
Episode:
Something Old, Something New
(2000)
Comedy, Drama
Ed looks forward to celebrating Thanksgiving, deciding to host everyone at the bowling alley. He defends his client Gavin, injured by a cantaloupe while continuing down memory lane by firing the cannon at the football game.
Director: Lawrence Trilling | Stars: Tom Cavanagh, Julie Bowen, Jana Marie Hupp, Josh Randall
Votes: 123
from the broadcast series, Ed (2000)
27.
Suddenly Susan (1996–2000)
Episode:
Cold Turkey
(1996)
TV-PG | 30 min | Comedy
Susan decides to host a Thanksgiving party to her workmates. Luis is videotaping the event for his relatives. Then Susan notices that the oven is broke. Against all odds, she manages to get... See full summary »
Director: Rod Daniel | Stars: Brooke Shields, Nestor Carbonell, Kathy Griffin, Judd Nelson
Votes: 34
from the broadcast series, Suddenly Susan (1996)
28.
Sister, Sister (1994–1999)
Episode:
Thanksgiving in Hawaii: Part 1
(1995)
TV-G | 21 min | Comedy, Drama, Family
Terrence and his new girlfriend show up at the Hawaiian condo where Lisa is staying.
Director: Jack Shea | Stars: Tia Mowry, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Jackée Harry, Marques Houston
Votes: 52
from the broadcast series, Sister, Sister (1994)
29.
This Is America, Charlie Brown (1988–1989)
Episode:
The Mayflower Voyagers
(1988)
Unrated | 24 min | Animation, Comedy, Family
The Peanuts gang tells the story of the 1620 Mayflower voyage from England to the new world detailing the hardships they faced, how the Natives helped them survive, and ending the following autumn in a feast of Thanksgiving.
Director: Evert Brown | Stars: Erin Chase, Frank Welker, Brandon Stewart, Gregg Berger
Votes: 448
from the broadcast mini-series, This Is America, Charlie Brown (1988)
30.
The Magical World of Disney (1954–1997)
Episode:
The Thanksgiving Promise
(1986)
Unrated | 90 min | Adventure, Drama, Family
A teenage boy is torn between his love for an injured Canadian goose that he has found and his agreement to fatten and kill it for an approaching Thanksgiving dinner for his neighbors.
Director: Beau Bridges | Stars: Beau Bridges, Millie Perkins, Courtney Thorne-Smith, Ed Lauter
Votes: 189
from the broadcast series, Disneyland (1954)
31.
Kevin Can Wait (2016–2018)
Episode:
Cooking Up a Storm
(2017)
TV-PG | 21 min | Comedy
After Kevin insists he can handle cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner for his family and Vanessa, he realizes he's in over his head and secretly asks his flirtatious neighbor Wendy for help.
Director: Andy Fickman | Stars: Kevin James, Leah Remini, Taylor Spreitler, Ryan Cartwright
Votes: 213
from the broadcast series, Kevin Can Wait (2016)
32.
My Two Dads (1987–1990)
Episode:
Thanks for the Memories
(1989)
TV-G | 23 min | Comedy, Family
Joey and Michael are trapped in an elevator leading them to recall interesting moments of the last several years. Nicole, Margaret, and Shelby have trouble holding off eating dinner until the guys are freed.
Director: Patrick Maloney | Stars: Paul Reiser, Staci Keanan, Florence Stanley, Chad Allen
Votes: 44
from the broadcast series, My Two Dads (1987)
33.
Silver Spoons (1982–1987)
Episode:
Village of the Darned: Part 2
(1984)
TV-G | Comedy, Family
The Strattons make an emergency landing on a Caribbean island where they have Thanksgiving dinner.
Director: Jack Shea | Stars: Ricky Schroder, Erin Gray, Franklyn Seales, Alfonso Ribeiro
Votes: 65
from the broadcast series, Silver Spoons (1982)
34.
The Hughleys (1998–2002)
Episode:
Oh Thank Heaven for Seven-Eleven
(2000)
TV-PG | Comedy
As the Hughleys and the Rogers head to a restaurant for Thanksgiving Darryl needs a break from James' complaints. A stop at a store leads to an argument with a clerk, escalating until they are after locked in waiting for police.
Director: Steve Zuckerman | Stars: D.L. Hughley, Elise Neal, Eric Allan Kramer, John Henton
Votes: 10
Another Thanksgiving Episode From a Series Not Listed
(example show from the broadcast series, The Hughleys (1998))
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