TV Thanksgiving episodes

 Thanksgiving that holiday the middle of Halloween and Christmas/New Years. A day of giving thanks for what you have, although we love our spread, big plates, and football it doesn't get a ton of love. Some folks find the holiday boring, others are just waiting to fully kickoff the Christmas season, then there are those that try to educate you on why you shouldn't celebrate the holiday as you try to enjoy your meal in peace.

For reasons like that, there aren't many movies considered Thanksgiving classics, but there are several TV shows that have produced classic Thanksgiving episodes. 

Thanksgiving is covered a bit more in TV land as opposed to film. Likely because in the TV landscape, November is also sweeps month. A big money making time for networks. Since the actor's strike just ended a couple weeks and there won't be any  Thanksgiving episodes this year. I figured I'd share some good depisodes. 

This article covers some of  to me the best Thanksgiving episodes in TV. So there are likely damn good episodes of sitcoms or dramas I've never seen that's not on this list.

5. Boy Meets World-Turkey Day

Everyone's favorite 90's teen sitcom Boy Meets World taught us some important life lesson's in this season 4 episode. It provided some insight into Cory and Shawn's friendship that for as long as they have been friends, their families likely never meet before this day. 

Cory and Shawn win a turkey and stuffing as a reward for donating the most cans in their class. They decide to have their families come as one for Thanksgiving and break bread together. Problem is the social class difference between the two sides may derail that plan. With a lot of bickering over small differences in taste occurring between the families. 

Eventually the adults get it together when Cory and Shawn have their own moment discussing what they are thankful for. A light episode with laughs, it also has a strong message.

4. Living Single-Thanks For Giving

This season 2 episode of Living Single features a Friendsgiving dinner before that was a thing as the focal point of the episode. Highlights include the debut of Heavy D as a frequent guest star on the series, as a love interest of Regine. The rest of the episode focuses on Khadijah being on edge wondering if her beau Scooter will propose to her, while also getting jitters about him taking a job in Tokyo.

This episode is hilarious and touching at the same time, and is a shining example of why the show is a 90's sitcom classic.

3. Fresh Off The Boat-Huangsgiving

The season 2, episode 8 of Fresh Off The Boat focused on the Huang family hosting Thanksgiving after Jessica's overbearing mom decided who was hosting that year. Determined to outdo her sister Connie who hosted in previous years, Jessica and Louis devise a plan for Huangsgiving to make it the best holiday dinner yet.

With ideas like switching up the menu (I personally am never opposed to that). The Huang's plan to serve individual cornish hens as opposed to Duck, which they serve instead of Turkey. To me that is interested as I'm always curious what Thanksgiving meals look like for other cultures. Of course nothing goes as planned, and it's revealed Connie and her husband Rick are divorcing. Throwing some plans out the window, and Rick and Louis to get pissy drunk. In the end it all come's together and proves the holidays are all about family.

2. This is Us-Pilgrim Rick

First thing's first, damn I really miss this show and this episode is a big reason why. Tugging at our heart strings in this season one episode. It follows the big three getting prepared for turkey day while reminiscing about how they're annual tradition of watching Police Academy 3 and the Pilgrim Rick hat for Thanksgiving came to be.

Per usual it's because Jack saved the day one year when holiday plans were derailed and he had to make the best out of a tough situation. Besides the feel good moments of family traditions, Randall also learns in this episode that Rebecca and William had met previously...the show wasted no time bringing out the heavy hitters.

The episode is about traditions, which many people consider Thanksgiving and most holidays in general to be about. Now that I have a child of my own I look forward to finding something that can be our yearly tradition for the holidays.

1. Martin-Feast or Famine

In this season 3 Thanksgiving epsiode, Martin ever the over confident big mouth boasts that he and the fellas could make a better dinner than the ladies. Gina and pam take them up on the challenge and a battle of the sexes for Thanksgiving dinner ensues. Martin, Cole, and Tommy have some unconventional  methods for they cook the dinner. Leading to a hilarious scene featuring some underwear.

Meanwhile Gina and Pam are aided by Mama Payne and her friend Florine (Millie Jackson) who take a liking to Pam over Gina. Who is still trying to get on Mama Payne's good side, they end up doing a rendition of Pass The Peas . The episode ends with a faceoff dinner, but everyone suspecting some fraudulent activity.

Leave it up to Bruh Man to end the episode on a high note lol.

Welp here's my 5 favorite Turkey Day episodes. Hope everyone eat's good, enjoys time with friends and family and relaxs. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

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Streaming Wishlist: BET Plus Load These Shows

BET Plus debuted in 2019, like it's cable network counterpart. It carved its niche catering to Black audience. Partnering with Tyler Perry, the app Primarily features original dramas producing by Perry. Along with movies and sitcoms that can be found on the network as well.

At one time we had BET Plus (honestly may still have it), I did check out The Ms. Pat show but other than that and  revisiting a sitcom here and there I really don't use it. Not much on there really captured my attention.

In my opinion the app is just another one lacking in honoring the classics that built the brand that is BET. Here's some programming I would love to see on the service. 

106 and Park 

You can't start this list without making 106 and Park the first choice. Every weekday evening from the fall of 2000 'til 2014 when it became apparent music videos weren't as popular and BET was headed in another direction. 106 and Park was the place to be for the culture. Free and AJ initially held down the fort taking us on the journey.

Every weekday at 6 we could not wait to see what videos where going be in the top ten countdown. Who was coming to sit on the couch, freestyle Friday, live performances and impromptu moments. 23 years later 106 and Parks legacy is cherished by many who grew up during its heyday.

Video Soul

The show that put BET on the map. Donnie Simpson's star grew as the host of video soul and many artist success grew after they appeared on the show.

The show was revived for BET Plus earlier this summer, but I didn't hear much chatter about it. Which means it didn't work for some reason. BET Plus needs to look back to go forward in this case.

For those of us who were to young or weren't born during the show's heyday. This is a perfect opportunity to remind folks what this show did for the culture, why it meant so much to us and why it was BET's first major hit.

Teen Summit

This show just may have been ahead of its time. Airing  from 1989 to 2002 and featured real life everyday teens, seeking guidance and talking through issues teenagers face. 

Bringing this show back would show today's teenagers the problems they face. Are the same problems teens from previous years faced. Maybe just maybe they'd start believing their parents were no different from them.

All Previous BET Awards

The BET Awards has been running for 22 years now, but it's just not the same.  I honestly thought BET Plus would have showcased the original from 2001-on but  to no luck. I've only seen the 2017 and 2019 ones available, which is a crime. All 22 editions each providing moments for the culture over the years should be available.

Moments like Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar performing Freedom at the 2016 BET Awards. 50 Cent shooting his shot and later booking Vivica A. Fox, Michael Jackson surprising James Brown as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Fugees reuniting, even the cast of the Five Heartbeats performed with After 7. All moments that should be accessible to be replayed over and over again.

Check out this promo from the 2005 awards show where of all people, Will and Jada were the hosts and eh some of the jokes sure didn't age well. And a foreshadowing of Will "defending" Jada years later.

Comic view 

Like HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Comic View introduced us to many of today's comic legends. Of course much cleaner versions of them, but even without cursing they had us laughing our asses off. I use to love those compilation episodes featuring the best of the best because you could not stop laughing for the whole 45 minutes.

A Who's who of comedies appeared on the show such as D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, Sommore, Leslie Jones, Bruce Bruce, Lil' Duval, Mo' Nique,  Rickey Smiley, Sheryl Underwood, Don D.C. Curry, J. Anthony Brown, Arnez J., Michael Blackson, everyone's favorite white comic Gary Owens. And of course Kevin Hart back in the 2000's right before he really took off.

Let's Stay Together 

Back in 2011 when BET kept The Game alive, they also aired an original series called Let's Stay Together. Starring Kyla Pratt and RonReaco Lee (Tyreke in Sister Sister), the series followed a group of friends in different stages of relationships who depend on one another for support.

The show ran for four seasons and was actually funnier than its given credit for. While writing this now that I think about it, it was similar to another criminally underrated sitcom. For Your Love that use to air on the WB in the 90's.

Rap City

Rap City was the show to tune into to catch the hottest mainstream and underground rappers and music videos out. 

The show initially featured the host traveling to different cities covering their hip hop scene. It then moved to an taped studio format in the basement. That's when it became famous for the freestyle booth that former host Tigger use to join in with show guests. That segment is where rappers were able to prove who was a real rapper and could think of anything off the top of their dome.

Even with Big Tigger hinting that an revival is on the way. Rap City was a video time capsule of hip hop history from the late 80s to the early 2000s. Its time to uncover the historical artifacts for a new generation.

Baldwin Hills

Baldwin Hills was BET's answer to MTV shows like Laguna Beach. It follows a group of teenagers who live in the predominantly Black, wealthy area of LA Baldwin Hills.

The show is currently available on Hulu. I'm not 100% sure how the licensing deal is worked out, and I'm sure Hulu is paying a nice piece of change to air it. However, it's time to air it on BET plus. Highlight Black teenagers even if it's from 15 plus year's ago, living in the upper echelon of society and what life was like for them at that time.

College Hill

Like Baldwin Hills, College Hill is also available on Hulu and Paramount Plus. The show ran for four reasons with each season covering students from a different HBCU. Like most reality shows featuring young adults you have relationship issues, blossoming romances, fights and all the excitement that keeps you tuning in week after week.

College Hill ran for six seasons and  is probably an unsung hero of students attending various HBCU's that the students on the show were from.

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Friday Night In The 90's What A Time

If you've read any of my blogs you can probably tell that I am a very nostalgic person. As a 80's baby I love late 80's to early 2000's content. And although I can acknowledge that times have changed and I thoroughly enjoy most of the technological advancements we have in today's world. I still think about all the good times and thing's I experienced as a kid in the 90's, that today's kid's will never experience.

One of them being Friday night's in the 90's. A instagram reel my buddy shared with me about Blockbuster recently sparked a conversation about how good we had it back then. Besides not having any real care in the world, Friday night's in the 90's were just special. 

First up was a choice of what's for takeout? Pizza, McDonald's, Sub shop...now as an adult with a family I completely get the urge to order takeout on Friday after a long work week. 

Once that was decided it was time to go to Blockbuster. Browsing through the blue and yellow aisles was just magical, renting a old favorite you have all weekend to watch it. Renting a brand new released film you had no time to waste on. I think I remember Blockbusters policy was you had to return it the next day. Same rule applied for video games.

Once you made your selection, we may grab a bag of microwave popcorn or movie theater packaged candy to make it a whole experience. Check out, pick up the food and head home. Once at home it was time to turn on ABC network at 8:00 pm and watch the legendary block of sitcoms TGIF. Featuring some of our favorites over the years, Perfect Strangers, Boy Meets World, Full House, Family Matters, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Dinosaurs, and many more.

Once the block ended at 10:00 pm, it was time to watch the rented Blockbuster movie, or play the video game. And somehow magically, we could stay up as late as possible to watch it and be ok the next day. Everything, was 10x more fun if you had cousins or the kid next door spending the night.

You really had to be there, but it is just an experience wrapped in the time capsule of greatness that we'll never get back. It's amazing that something so simple has held such a important place in a generation of folks hearts all these years later.

 A testament to how amazing it was.

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Streaming Wishlist: Disney Plus

 

Disney Plus is the most popular streaming app released within the last three years. In the world of streaming hierarchy its Netflix, Hulu, and then Disney Plus. Which is kind of funny in itself because Disney owns Hulu, so their just raking in the dough. 

Disney has propelled Disney Plus to the top tier by using their library, and family friendly films from Fox Studios which they bought. Powered by Disney classics, Marvel, and Star Wars Disney plus has something for everyone. Even with all that great content there's still some favorites of mine missing from the app.

While fresh content is slim pickings right now due to the actors strike. Here's some old favorites I wish Disney Plus would air.

Not Quite Human film series

Not Quite Human is a Disney Channel original starring Alan Thicke, Robin Lively and Jay Underwood. In the film Alan Thicke is a widowed scientist who manages to create a life sized android that's a teenager. Of course that leads to a traditional fish out of water tale, with the hijinks of a robot interacting with real teenagers. 

The film was popular enough to gain two additional sequels Not Quite Human II and Still Not Quite Human and its been well over 20 years since I've seen any of them. Disney needs to make this available. 

Escape To Witch Mountain '95 remake

The Escape To Witch Mountain films were very popular in the 1970's. The story of two alien twins who were seperated upon arriving on earth and reconnect to save humanity. During the 90's ABC use to air The Disney Sunday Movie which consisted of Disney classics and original TV movies.

In 1995 a TV-movie was made to update the story to the then contemporary times. Starring Elizabeth Moss and Erik Von Detten as the twins. With Robert Vaughn, Vincent Schiavelli, and Sam Horrigan rounding out the cast.  I'm sure if I were to watch it today, it hasn't aged well and would be very cringey. I don't care, I loved the movie as a kid and would love to watch it again.

 In fact throw the 1995 TV-movie version of Freaky Friday up there as well. Starring Shelly Long and Gaby Hoffmann. The story follows the same plot points as the 1977 original starring Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris, and the 2003 film starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Both the original and the 2003 version are on Disney Plus, so let's add this one and enjoy spotting differences of the three of different eras.

Tower of Terror

I was shocked when I found out this wasn't on Disney plus for Halloween, that in itself is a crime. Starring Steve Guttenberg and Kristen Dunst. The TV-movie has the distinction of being the first Disney movie based on one of their attractions. It follows Guttenberg and Dunst as a uncle-niece duo investigating the strange occurence at a mysterious hotel. It's part supernatural, part whodunit, but it's a wild ride and should be highlighted on Disney Plus. Especially during spooky season. 

Dumbo's Circus

I honestly don't know why I want to watch this again. My only logical explanation is this is a clear case of nostalgia, since I remember watching the show when I was around 5 or 6 and I haven't seen it since. I would probably watch a couple episodes with my daughter, but that'd be about it. 

New MMC 

I use to watch the New Mickey Mouse Club faithfully every afternoon.I really don't remember the skits being super hilarious, but the 7 year old me just found the entire cast cool as hell. Little did I know just like others that before the decade would end, four members of the cast would go on to be pop music superstars. JC Chasez, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, other cast members Rhona Bennett, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell made their splash in Hollywood. For those reasons alone, the New MMC episodes should be on the service.

They did cover a lot of songs during the various episodes so the music rights maybe a hold up. Last I checked Disney has the pockets to work it out should they choose too. Honestly with Britney Spear's recent book releasing and the surrounding Justin Timberlake scandal behind it, people may want to watch just to see how it all started. 

Polly (pollyanna remake) 

Polly starring Keisha Knight Pulliam and Phylicia Rashad is based on the book Pollayanna by Eleanor H. Porter. It features recently orphaned Polly moving in with her strict aunt, Polly's youthful optimist personality clashes with her aunts stri3ct demeanor. Polly also helps segerated parts of their small town come together.

I remember the movie mainly being an musical. I wouldn't mind seeing this again and think it would a good addition to Disney Plus. For historical purposes and entertainment value. 

Famous Jett Jackson

This series recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Now I'll admit I was a little late to the Jett Jackson party, but once I hopped onboard I couldn't get enough of the show. 

The premise featured a child TV star Jett Jackson played by Lee Thompson Young, who moves back to his small hometown and has his very successful show filmed there. He may have been a young successful Hollywood star, but he got into the same hijinks and had the same issues as regular kids. The show ran for three seasons and just celebrated its 25th anniversary. I would love to rewatch all 65 episodes again and sing along to the theme song.

The Four Diamonds

The Four Diamonds is a sad yet inspiring movie and sadly a Disney TV movie many have never heard of. Based on a true story, it stars Tom Guiry better known as Smalls from The Sandlot as a young teen battling cancer. As part of a school assignment and to help cope with his illness, he writes a short story inspired by the legend of Arthur. One thing I remember most about this movie, is it will get you in your feels.

Mother Goose Rock n Rhyme

Mother Goose Rock n Rhyme was a Disney Channel original movie released in 1990. Starring Shelly Duval, the basic purpose of the movie was to update Mother Goose rhymes to modern times. With many of the rhymes being hip hop influenced, and several cameos by the "hot" musicians of that time. I just want to watch this so I can sing Mother Goose songs to my daughter, but I'm sure a new generation would appreticate this gem as well. 

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