Thanksgiving is ideal for gathering with loved ones, but don’t forget to set aside some time to enjoy your favorite TV families as well.

TV episodes centered around Thanksgiving have become a cherished tradition featuring beloved characters, from the Peanuts crew to “Gilmore Girls,” and of course, our iconic New York pals in “Friends.” This year, Thanksgiving falls on November 28, and to celebrate family, delicious food, and gratitude, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 greatest Thanksgiving TV episodes.

10. ‘The Sopranos’ Season 3 Episode 8: “He Is Risen” (2001)

Available on Max

If there’s a fictional family you wouldn’t want to spend Thanksgiving with, it’s HBO’s Soprano family. This dramatic episode exemplifies Thanksgiving the mobster way: filled with a dead stripper, Ecstasy, and a narcoleptic member of a prayer group. Surprisingly, Tony (James Gandolfini) feels he has much to be thankful for.

9. ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Season 2 Episode 7: “Lockdown” (2014)

Available on Netflix, Peacock

It’s universally agreed that nobody wants to work on Thanksgiving. Being stuck in a police precinct while a mysterious package is investigated is a tough situation. “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” takes this classic sitcom setup (where all the action occurs in one location for the entire episode) and puts its own quirky spin on it: a lock-in involving prisoners, attorneys, and cops.

8. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Season 2 Episode 9: “Thanks For the Memories” (2005)

Streaming on Netflix, Hulu

While some Thanksgiving episodes lean towards joyful antics and table banter, others pack an emotional punch. This poignant episode from ABC’s long-running medical drama tugs at the heartstrings. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) dealing with her comatose father, combined with Izzie’s (Katherine Heigl) heartfelt reflection, makes for a truly touching experience: “We have this one day, one day where we get to be like everybody else. One day to be normal. One day where nobody lives and nobody dies on our watch. It’s like a gift.”

7. ‘The West Wing’ Season 2 Episode 8: “Shibboleth” (2000)

Available on Max

<p”In true “West Wing” fashion, Aaron Sorkin expertly blends Thanksgiving themes with the serious topic of Chinese Christian immigrants seeking refuge in the U.S. due to religious persecution. While the episode does touch on heavier issues, it also incorporates a light-hearted moment with the amusing sight of C.J. (Allison Janney) entering her office to find two turkeys hanging about.”

6. ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Season 3 Episode 9: “Slapsgiving” (2007)

Available on Netflix, Hulu

What beats Thanksgiving? Slapsgiving, obviously! In this CBS episode, Marshall (Jason Segel) changes the name of the holiday due to his slap bet with Barney (Neil Patrick Harris). The wait for the slap (and the musical number that follows) keeps the audience engaged despite the breakup drama between Ted (Josh Radnor) and Robin (Cobie Smulders).

5. ‘A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving‘ (1973)

Available on Apple TV+

No holiday is complete without a touch of Linus and Lucy. This time, Peppermint Patty hosts a dinner party. Though not as renowned as the Halloween or Christmas specials, “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” which first aired on CBS, is filled with seasonal warmth and joy.

4. ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Season 4 Episode 8: “Pangs” (1999)

Available on Hulu, Tubi

No “Buffy” Thanksgiving would be complete without the Slayer (Sarah Michelle Gellar) tackling a supernatural threat, dealing with relationship drama, and exploring themes of existential dread, all of which “Pangs” provides. Besides its demon-fighting Thanksgiving shenanigans, this WB episode features a classic quote from Anya (Emma Caulfield): “To commemorate a past event you kill and eat an animal. It’s a ritual sacrifice. With pie.” Happy Turkey Day!

3. ‘Gilmore Girls’ Season 3 Episode 9: “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (2002)

Available on Netflix

The rich blend of family drama and comedy is what endeared WB’s “Gilmore Girls” to audiences, making it perfect for a holiday that showcases both the highs and lows of familial interactions. In Season 3, Lorelai and Rory attend four Thanksgiving gatherings, resulting in plenty of food, amusing interactions, and the necessity to adapt to different groups. It’s humorous, slightly melancholic, and filled with love, just like the best “Gilmore” episodes.

2. ‘Friends’ Season 5 Episode 8: “The One With All the Thanksgivings” (1998)

Available on Max

In a series renowned for its Thanksgiving episodes, it’s hard to pick the best. While all of “Friends” holiday specials rank as classics (think football, Brad Pitt, Underdog, and more), this Season 5 episode, featuring the gang reflecting on their least favorite Thanksgivings, stands out. It showcases top moments from the show, including nostalgic flashbacks and the dynamic between Monica (Courteney Cox) and Chandler (Matthew Perry), complete with one of the most amusing gags in sitcom history: turkeys balancing on heads.

1. ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’ Season 1 Episode 7: “Turkeys Away” (1978)

Available for digital purchase

This beloved sitcom from 1978-1982 aired on CBS and is cherished for its timeless comedic moments in the workplace. One of the most memorable and hilarious scenes comes during a Thanksgiving episode. The key takeaway is the quote: “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.”