Given that Thanksgiving is between Halloween and Christmas, it’s understandable that it’s not always the anticipated holiday. Which is unfortunate due to its historical impact, at least in the USA. Entertainment wise there aren’t as many well talked about films or shows that are centered around this holiday. So, as an ode to this often glazed over holiday —  We’ve dug up a  few movies and specials of the season, setting up a nice spread of media to share with your loved ones for this thanksgiving season.

Here’s a revised version with improved flow and corrected grammar:

The Oldest Harvest

Tracing the origins of Thanksgiving-themed media can be challenging, as the first documented examples are based on release dates rather than definitive records. The oldest known Thanksgiving movie is Charlie Chaplin’s 1925 silent film, The Gold Rush. The earliest Thanksgiving special is the 1944 Looney Tunes cartoon Tom Turk and Daffy. These early productions paved the way for a gradual rise in Thanksgiving-centered content, particularly in television. By the 1990s and early 2000s, many long-running TV series had at least one episode or special dedicated to the holiday.

The Popular Specials

Researching for this article revealed a treasure trove of beloved Thanksgiving media. According to Bazaar, there’s a long list of films that capture the holiday spirit, including A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, and Pilgrim. Additionally, Thanksgiving-themed TV specials have a rich history of being well-received, as noted by TheWrap. Memorable examples come from shows like Friends, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Simpsons. These episodes often blend humor and heart, making them staples for many during the holiday season.

Conclusion

Looking at the wide variety of Thanksgiving-themed shows and movies, it’s clear the holiday has left a lasting impact on media. While sometimes overshadowed by the celebrations it falls between, Thanksgiving remains a meaningful occasion—a time to come together with loved ones, not just for the food but for the connection. Personally, I’m immensely grateful for the abundance of Thanksgiving-themed media that helps us celebrate this special day. So, this Thanksgiving, enjoy your favorite holiday meal alongside your favorite holiday special, surrounded by those you’re thankful for.

Works Cited

Penn, Sarah Bracy, et al. “60 Best Thanksgiving Movies in 2023 – Thanksgiving Movies, Old and New.” Harper’s BAZAAR, 9 November 2023, https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/film-tv/news/g8078/best-thanksgiving-movies/. Accessed 15 November 2024.

Rossi, Rosemary, et al. “40 Best Thanksgiving Episodes and TV Specials of All Time.” TheWrap, 23 November 2023, https://www.thewrap.com/best-thanksgiving-episodes-specials-of-all-time/. Accessed 15 November 2024.