Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and weirdly specific TV episodes that leave us questioning whether we overdid it on the stuffing. Over the years, television writers have taken the Thanksgiving theme and run with it—sometimes straight into the land of the bizarre. From turkeys flying out of helicopters to awkward family feasts gone horribly wrong, here’s a look at some of the strangest Thanksgiving episodes in TV history.

WKRP in Cincinnati – “Turkeys Away” (1978)

Let’s start with what is arguably the most infamous Thanksgiving episode in TV history. WKRP in Cincinnati’s “Turkeys Away” is legendary for its sheer absurdity. The premise? The radio station decides to stage a Thanksgiving promotion by dropping live turkeys from a helicopter onto an unsuspecting crowd. If you’re wondering whether turkeys can fly, the answer is a resounding no—and chaos ensues. The carnage is described in horrifyingly funny detail by newsman Les Nessman, culminating in the iconic line: “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.” It’s an episode that’s both hilariously ridiculous and oddly traumatizing.

Friends – “The One with the Rumor” (2001)

Friends is known for its Thanksgiving episodes, but none are weirder than “The One with the Rumor,” guest-starring Brad Pitt. Pitt plays Will, an old high school friend of Ross and Monica who shows up for Thanksgiving dinner with a vendetta against Rachel. Turns out, he and Ross started an “I Hate Rachel Green” club in high school and spread a rumor that Rachel was a hermaphrodite. The sheer absurdity of the plot and Brad Pitt’s over-the-top performance make this episode a cringe-worthy classic. It’s proof that even in the world of sitcoms, Thanksgiving can bring out the pettiness in everyone.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer – “Pangs” (1999)

Leave it to Buffy the Vampire Slayer to turn Thanksgiving into a supernatural showdown. In “Pangs,” Buffy tries to host a traditional Thanksgiving dinner while dealing with the vengeful spirit of a Native American warrior. The episode is packed with campy action, awkward attempts at cultural sensitivity, and Spike tied to a chair complaining about being hungry. It’s weird, it’s funny, and it’s the only Thanksgiving episode where a turkey is cooked alongside a battle against the undead. The tone is all over the place, but that’s what makes it so memorable.

Cheers – “Thanksgiving Orphans” (1986)

Cheers’ “Thanksgiving Orphans” begins as a wholesome gathering of the gang but quickly devolves into utter chaos when the meal doesn’t go as planned. The climax? A massive food fight that turns the bar’s Thanksgiving dinner into a war zone. Watching adults pelt each other with mashed potatoes is oddly cathartic, and the episode is a reminder that sometimes, even the best-laid Thanksgiving plans can end in chaos. It’s weird, it’s messy, and it’s everything you secretly wish your Thanksgiving could be.

The Simpsons – “Bart vs. Thanksgiving” (1990)

The Simpsons have tackled every holiday under the sun, and Thanksgiving is no exception. In “Bart vs. Thanksgiving,” Bart accidentally destroys Lisa’s carefully crafted centerpiece, setting off a chain of events that leads him to run away from home. The episode explores guilt, family dynamics, and the absurdity of Thanksgiving traditions. It’s strange in the way that only The Simpsons can be, blending heartfelt moments with over-the-top humor, like Bart’s encounter with a group of homeless people who share a surreal Thanksgiving dinner.

Seinfeld – “The Mom and Pop Store” (1994)

Leave it to Seinfeld to turn Thanksgiving into a series of bizarre, interconnected misadventures. In “The Mom and Pop Store,” Jerry suspects his car has been stolen, Elaine accidentally invites a coworker to Mr. Pitt’s Thanksgiving parade party, and Kramer gets involved in a scheme to save a small shoe repair shop. The weirdest part? George buys a car he believes belonged to Jon Voight (yes, the actor), which culminates in him getting bitten by Jon Voight’s pencil. The episode barely touches on Thanksgiving itself, but its offbeat humor earns it a place on this list.

How I Met Your Mother – “Slapsgiving” (2007)

How I Met Your Mother introduced us to one of the strangest Thanksgiving traditions: Slapsgiving. In this episode, Marshall reminds Barney of a bet he lost, earning him five slaps to be doled out whenever Marshall chooses. Naturally, Marshall decides to schedule one for Thanksgiving dinner, turning the holiday into a tense game of cat-and-mouse as Barney anxiously awaits his punishment. The concept of a “slap countdown” is as ridiculous as it sounds, but it works brilliantly within the show’s quirky humor. It’s weird, it’s hilarious, and it’s an oddly satisfying take on Thanksgiving tension.

Gilmore Girls – “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (2002)

Thanksgiving is already a marathon of overeating, but Gilmore Girls takes it to the next level in “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving.” Lorelai and Rory attempt to attend four Thanksgiving dinners in one day, including one where a deep-fried turkey steals the show. The episode is packed with bizarre moments, like Kirk adopting a cat he names “Kirk” and a chaotic dinner with the Gilmores. It’s a fast-paced, food-filled rollercoaster that perfectly captures the show’s eccentric charm.

Bob’s Burgers – “Turkey in a Can” (2013)

Bob’s Burgers excels at Thanksgiving episodes, and “Turkey in a Can” is a standout for its sheer absurdity. Bob becomes obsessed with creating the perfect turkey but wakes up every morning to find it inexplicably floating in the toilet. The mystery of who’s sabotaging his turkeys leads to a hilarious and unexpected twist. Add in some awkward family dynamics and Tina’s fixation on making Thanksgiving “sensual,” and you’ve got one of the weirdest holiday episodes in TV history.

New Girl – “Parents” (2012)

New Girl’s “Parents” takes the awkwardness of Thanksgiving to new heights when Jess invites her divorced parents to dinner in a misguided attempt to get them back together. The episode features plenty of weird moments, from Schmidt’s over-the-top holiday enthusiasm to Nick’s attempts to avoid his own family drama. It’s a chaotic and cringeworthy Thanksgiving that perfectly captures the holiday’s potential for dysfunction.

Conclusion: The Beautiful Chaos of Thanksgiving TV

Thanksgiving episodes have a way of bringing out the best and weirdest in TV writers. Whether it’s turkeys falling from the sky, supernatural showdowns, or slap bets over dinner, these episodes remind us that Thanksgiving is as much about chaos as it is about gratitude. So this holiday season, after you’ve had your fill of turkey and pie, consider revisiting one of these bizarre Thanksgiving classics. After all, nothing pairs better with leftovers than a side of TV weirdness.