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Every year, on the last Thursday in November, millions of Americans gather around the television. While football games are typically the chosen favorite, many animated TV specials are perfect to enjoy after multiple plates of turkey and stuffing. Earlier this month, we gave you an article on regular Thanksgiving TV episodes to give a watch. Now, here’s an even more versatile list. Whether the episodes are catered toward children or adults, the entertainment is enough for all of the family to enjoy! Grab a plate of pumpkin pie (or a glass of wine) and let the festivities begin. Let’s take a look at the best animated Thanksgiving TV episodes you need to watch.
Bob’s Burgers: “Turkey In A Can” – (Season 4, Episode 5)
Famous for its aesthetic of whacky, whimsical humor, Bob’s Burgers is responsible for many Thanksgiving episodes. However, “Turkey In A Can” remains the absolute best. The episode explores a mystery person who keeps putting Thanksgiving turkeys in the toilet. Finally, the ending scene reveals Bob as the actual culprit, who is subconsciously struggling with Tina growing up too fast. The show’s popular one-liners and gag jokes are planted plenty throughout the episode, though its central focus on the heartwarming holiday feeling makes it more special. For that, it’s one of the best animated Thanksgiving TV episodes you need to watch.
Where to watch: Hulu
Rugrats: “The Turkey Who Came To Dinner” – (Season 4, Episode 15)
True ’90s kids know how special Rugrats was in the world of television. The show popularly follows Tommy Pickles, a genius-infant that talks, and his baby friends. Tommy’s mother, Dee Dee, reads a story about Thanksgiving pilgrims to the babies. After Grandpa Lou wins a turkey at his local senior center, the babies come together to try and stop him from cooking it for dinner. While a kids’ show can’t fully detail the horrific events of the Native Americans’ slaughter, it does its best to highlight their importance. Also, the episode was also widely praised for using the term “Native Americans” rather than the derogatory “Indians” term.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Winnie the Pooh: “A Winnie the Pooh Thanksgiving”
Winnie the Pooh’s made-for-TV special is a nostalgic sensation of heartwarming holiday entertainment. Pooh and the gang come together to prepare their own special Thanksgiving dinner. As such, each member brings their own item to the festive dinner. After the dinner is ruined, the group realizes that the true meaning of the holiday is about being thankful for each other and the good things that they have. It’s a heartwarming special that teaches people of all ages that cherishing your family and friends is one of the most important aspects of everyday life.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
King of the Hill: “Happy Hank’s Giving” – (Season 4, Episode 7)
The ever-popular animated sitcom follows the Hills, providing a southern representation of a traditional American family from Texas. While King of the Hill has produced a plethora of Thanksgiving episodes, this special of the entire Hill family stuck in the airport is the best. Hank’s friends initially want him to spend Thanksgiving with them, though he already has plans for the holiday. The Hill family head to the airport to visit Peggy’s family for Thanksgiving, though plans quickly fall through the cracks. Not only is their flight delayed, but then it is effectively canceled. Between a turkey mistaken for a bomb and eating propane-prepared pizza, this holiday episode provokes a particular irreplaceable nostalgia.
Where to watch: Hulu
Hey Arnold!: “Arnold’s Thanksgiving” – (Season 3, Episode 14)
Hey Arnold! is synonymous with animated ’90s sitcoms. It was a show that taught meaningful messages to kids, with many of the endings reflecting characters making wise decisions for the greater good. In the Thanksgiving special, Arnold and Helga are both tired of their family’s dull versions of the holiday. The pair decide to skip dinner with their families and have Thanksgiving with their teacher, Mr. Simmons. While there, they learn that Thanksgiving with his family is somehow worse. In a show full of teachable lessons and warm nostalgia, Hey Arnold! ‘s Thanksgiving episode is a timeless classic.
Where to watch: Hulu
South Park: “A History Channel Thanksgiving” – (Season 15, Episode 13)
Famously known for its outrageous parodies and crude humor, South Park’s Thanksgiving episodes prove to be no different. The characters’ antics steer far away from traditional Thanksgiving family values, and more on profanity and satirical humor. However, these reasons highlight it as an original placement on this list as one of the best animated Thanksgiving TV episodes. The plot follows the boys watching a History Channel documentary on Thanksgiving, in which they believe aliens were involved with the holiday.
Where to watch: fuboTV
The Simpsons: “Bart vs. Thanksgiving” – (Season 2, Episode 7)
Regarded as one of the greatest animated sitcoms ever created, The Simpsons is immensely popular. During its run, the show has produced several memorable Thanksgiving episodes. However, “Bart vs. Thanksgiving” undoubtedly ranks as the best. Amidst the chaos between Bart and Lisa, he ruins her homemade Thanksgiving centerpiece. After being told he’s ruined the holiday, Bart runs away from home. While on the run, he encounters a soup kitchen for the homeless. He eventually returns home after seeing what the holiday is like for people far worse off than he and his family. Despite the show only being in its second season at the time, its hilarious nature makes it highly watchable.
Where to watch: Disney+
Peanuts: “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”
Peanuts’ Charlie Brown offers a variety of holiday-themed specials. In November, the Thanksgiving special is aired annually. The 1973 special follows Peppermint Patty unexpectedly inviting everyone to dinner at Charlie Brown’s house for Thanksgiving. However, he has plans to visit his grandmother for Thanksgiving with his sister, Sally. The gang eventually came together and created their own “Friendsgiving” celebration. With an informative message of good-hearted friend appreciation, it’s not hard to understand why the program is so popular. The special is highly beloved and watched by millions every year. It is a festival form of entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
Where to watch: AppleTV+