Get Ready For Turkey Day: A Countdown of the Best Thanksgiving TV Episodes

We’ve got slightly under two weeks until the big meal. Get in the mood with the best Thanksgiving episodes—or at the very least, create seasonal background noise while you scour Pinterest for stuffing recipes.

Thanksgiving is a thing in the Belcher household. Mr. Fischoeder rents out Bob’s family to impress an old flame. Bob gets weird with his eternal flame, the turkey. Hijinks ensue. Also good: every other Thanksgiving episode.

Streaming on: Hulu

Moving from the absurd to the witty-sublime: The West Wing leaves C.J. Gregg, played by the perfect Allison Janney, with a choice of two turkeys. Who should she pardon, and who will be eaten? As always, the side plots are as hilarious and thoughtful as the main event.

Streaming on: Netflix

It’s tempting to rewatch all of West Wing and spend the rest of the week wishing politics was a series of logical decisions and clever bon mots. Don’t. It will kill the mood. Instead, watch the stunning, quietly hopeful “Thanksgiving”. If you haven’t seen the rest of the show, it’s fine: this episode stands on its own in every sense of the word.

Streaming on: Netflix

Elaine wins her boss the opportunity to hold the Woody Woodpecker balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. You already know this isn’t going to happen. Find out what comedy of errors is going to take the bird down.

Streaming on: Hulu

Jump to a different New York for some sweet to balance Seinfeld’s sour: the precinct’s on the job but manages to celebrate with a reluctant Jake, calorie-conscious Terry, and Boyle Bingo.

Streaming on: Hulu

The boys head to Boston, with Lilith along for the ride. Bebe Neuwirth is, as usual, a delight.

Streaming on: Amazon

Navigating this most American holiday is interesting even when you’ve grown up with stuffing and pie. What will the Wus do when their Cornish game hens show up still clucking?

Streaming on: Hulu

The beginning of Peggy’s ascension, and a scene with Kodak that will make you cry.

Streaming on: Netflix

A Friendsgiving that arguably puts Friends to shame. Debate this with your family; or even better, watch the motley crew leave the bar, fight it out, and make it work.

Streaming on: Amazon

Your mom’s plane just got in. This is what you’re watching.

Streaming on: Netflix

On repeat from now until forever.

Streaming on: Netflix