Thanksgiving is a time when we celebrate life with family and friends. Traditionally, we gather from near and far to give thanks collectively for all the blessings we have and expect to receive.
Besides watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and NFL games, there are some classic Thanksgiving-themed episodes from Black sitcoms that are guaranteed to bring plenty of laughs for everyone in attendance. Some of the funniest episodes in Black sitcom history are centered on the joys of Thanksgiving. Whether it’s disagreements over culinary dishes, family traditions, or relationship drama, Black comedy can always find the funny, even on Thanksgiving.
To get everyone in a feel-good mood, here are eight of the funniest Thanksgiving episodes from Black sitcoms.
A Different World “Faith, Hope, and Charity” Pt 1 and 2 (Season 6, Episodes 9 and 10), 1992
When you put two mothers in the kitchen who can’t stand each other, sparks are going to fly. Adele Wayne (Patti LaBelle) and Marion Gilbert (Diahann Carroll) give so many knee-slapping moments while they fight over Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert’s current loving situations. On top of that, Whitley is hiding the fact that she lost her job and that their home was recently burglarized. But nobody was ready when Whitley’s mom showed up to dinner with her very young Latin fiancé. With food fights, family secrets and many more surprises, this episode is an all-time classic.
The Neighborhood “Welcome to Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 8), 2018
Getting to know their new, non-African American neighbors always delivers the comedy, and for their first season Thanksgiving, it was no different. Tina and Calvin’s new neighbors, Dave and Gemma, are hosting the meal and have invited the Butler family. But things go awry when Dave’s politically incorrect mom, Paula (Marilu Henner), visits. Her outdated comments are enough to make any person cringe, but
Black-ish “Auntsgiving” (Season 3, Episode 7), 2016
Along with some good eats, unresolved family drama is usually on the Thanksgiving menu, and Black-ish served it up well. In “Auntsgiving,” Pops’ older sister (Lorraine Toussaint) catches everyone by surprise by dropping by on Thanksgiving; the problem is that Ruby has had beef with her for decades. Meanwhile, Bow (Tracee Ellis Ross) and Dre (Anthony Anderson) leave for a quick getaway before the birth of their last child. When they return home, everything gets back to normal-ish over a sumptuous meal.
Martin “Thanks For Nothing” (Season 2, Episode 13), 1993
Nothing can bring the laughs like an episode of Martin, and the series’ Thanksgiving episodes are no exception.“Thanks For Nothing” starts as a Thanksgiving nightmare. Gina (Tisha Campbell) wanted to surprise Martin (Martin Lawrence) and his mother by inviting some of their family from out of town to meet her parents. As expected, everything goes left when Martin and Gina’s family disagree … on everything. After everyone settles down, Thanksgiving takes another twist when Gina’s first turkey is not cooked all the way through.
Martin “Feast of Famine” (Season 3, Episode 11), 1994
In another classic episode from Martin, a battle of the sexes takes place over who can cook the best Thanksgiving meal as Martin, Tommy and Cole take on Gina and Pam for bragging rights. As it turns out, both teams had disastrous outcomes in the kitchen. The guys hire a caterer, and the ladies ask Momma Payne and her friend (Millie Jackson) for assistance. After both schemes are exposed, the crew goes out to see a movie, only to discover that Bruh Man ate both meals when they return.
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air “There’s the Rub” Part 1 and 2 (Season 6, Episode 9), 1995
There is so much happening in this Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Thanksgiving special that they had to split it into a two-part comedic saga. After Philip (James Avery) complains of back pain, Will books them a massage, but they get arrested when the girls try to give them more than a rubdown. Hilary and Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) realize how fortunate they are through their volunteer work at a homeless shelter. Finally, Will must judge who has the best stuffing—his Aunt Vivian or her sisters.
The Bernie Mac Show “Thanksgiving” (Season 3, Episode 22), 2004
Dietary restrictions and food preferences can make Thanksgiving complicated at times, and the late, great Bernie Mac was way ahead of the game in this episode. After inviting Vanessa’s teachers for Thanksgiving, the Mac family soon discovers that the teacher and her family are vegetarians. It doesn’t take long for things to get awkward and really funny in this hysterical episode.
Everybody Hates Chris “Everybody Hates Thanksgiving” (Season 2, Episode 8), 2016
Family gatherings can be full of love or full of drama. In “Everybody Hates Thanksgiving,” Julius’ successful younger brother (Wayne Brady) joins Chris’ family for Thanksgiving dinner. As Julius works hard to prepare the perfect Thanksgiving meal—even buying name-brand groceries—everything is ruined when the food burns. After the family reconciles, a Thanksgiving miracle happens in Brooklyn, along with many laughs.