Best Thanksgiving TV Episodes

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

To celebrate the occasion, I have compiled a list (I LOVE lists...can you tell??) of some of the best Thanksgiving-themed episodes of TV shows ever.

Give it a look and watch a couple of these babies after the in-laws leave, the kids go to bed, the dishes are done, and you can relax on the couch.

The entries are in no particular order; they are just awesome television episodes that somehow include the Thanksgiving holiday.

"Thanksgiving" - GLEE

I stayed with this show long after its expiration date. By the time this particular episode aired in November 2012, viewership had dropped dramatically, and it was well on its way out. But I was still watching, and even though the remarkably annoying Sarah Jessica Parker was the guest star of episode 8 of season 4, I still enjoyed it.

"The Mom and Pop Store" - SEINFELD

This episode of one of the best sitcoms ever made involves Elaine's boss holding the ropes of a float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, George being tricked into buying a car he doesn't want, Kramer causing a small business to go under, and Jerry popping a Woody Woodpecker balloon. A holiday classic.

"Turkey in a Can" - BOB'S BURGERS

This glorious holiday episode of a glorious TV show finds Bob's beloved turkey in the toilet, and this mystery must be solved. "Bob's Burgers" has several Thanksgiving episodes, but this one, from season 4, is easily the best.

"Parents" - NEW GIRL

Another really good show that had a couple of fun Thanksgiving episodes, but this one is the best, mainly because Jamie Lee Curtis is in it. Jess' divorced parents (Curtis and Rob Reiner) come over for Thanksgiving, and all hell breaks loose. A hilarious episode.

"Turkey or Fish" - EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND

I was way late to the party on this show. A great ensemble, terrific writing, and some brilliant observational comedy are always on display, never more so than in the very first Thanksgiving episode of "Everybody Loves Raymond," which is hilarious from beginning to end.

"Thanksgiving Orphans" - CHEERS

Season 5's Thanksgiving episode of "Cheers" is a flat-out classic. Most of the characters have no place to go for the holiday. They all end up at Carla's for a potluck dinner, and the results are disastrous: an uncooked turkey, a terrible guest list, and a giant food fight.

"Lockdown" - BROOKLYN NINE-NINE

One of the best episodes of one of the best sitcoms in TV history is the fantastic Thanksgiving episode from season 2. In it, all of the characters are locked in a police station while a mysterious package is being investigated on the holiday. The reliable, brilliant ensemble work is on display in this one-location episode, which is brilliantly written and hysterically executed.

"A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving" - GILMORE GIRLS

The season 3 Thanksgiving episode of one of my favorite television shows of all time is a stellar example of the greatness of this remarkable, special show. Mother and daughter Lorelai and Rory must attend four full-course Thanksgiving celebrations, which include a formal event, some deep-fried disasters, new love interests, and a subplot involving Kirk and his new pet cat, "Kirk." Yeah... it's genius. And, oh yeah... Jess is a jagoff.

"The Gang Squashes Their Beefs" - IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA

The gang can't rent the movie they want to watch for Thanksgiving, so they decide to squash all beefs with their many enemies to have a nice holiday. This brutally funny episode from season 9 brings back some memorable characters for an epic battle and huge laughs.

"Turkeys Away" - WKRP IN CINCINNATI

"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly."

The Best Thanksgiving Episode Ever. Period.

What are your favorite Thanksgiving TV episodes?? Let me know by leaving a message at (773) 417-6948 or email me at nick@nickdigilio.com. Happy Holidays!

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Remembering Charles Cyphers

In a sad, ironic bit of timing on the final day of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention last Sunday, news spread among convention goers that the terrific character actor Charles Cyphers had passed away at the age of 85.

Charles Cyphers, seen here in "Halloween," passed away last weekend.

Charles was beloved by horror fans for his great work with director John Carpenter. In addition, Flashback Weekend fans fondly remembered his two memorable visits to the convention, first in 2005 and then ten years later in 2015.

Charles Cyphers was born in Niagara Falls, New York on July 28, 1939. He moved to California where he studied acting at Los Angeles City College, Cal State, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Soon, he was getting many acting jobs on stage, in television and in movies. In the 1970s, he appeared on such TV shows as "The F.B.I.," "Cannon," "Charlie's Angels," "Wonder Woman," "The Six Million Dollar Man," and many more.

His many collaborations with Carpenter began with "Assault on Precinct 13" (1976).

In that film, he played Starker, a prison official transporting a group of prisoners who get sidetracked at an abandoned police station under siege by a group of street gangs.

It was a great role in a great movie, and it would kickoff a partnership with Carpenter that would continue for years.

In addition to Carpenter's "Assault on Precinct 13" he appeared in "Someone's Watching Me," "Elvis" (as Sam Phillips!!), "Halloween," "The Fog," "Escape From New York" and "Halloween II" (which Carpenter co-wrote, but did not direct), reprising his classic role as Sheriff Brackett (which he would also play many years later in "Halloween Kills").

He had other memorable roles in movies such as "The Onion Field," "A Force of One," "Coming Home," "MacArthur," "Honkytonk Man," "Death Wish II," and he was hilarious as the G.M. of the team in the baseball movie "Major League."

Charles Cyphers playing a vulgar executive from the Houston Astros on a classic episode of "Seinfeld."

He also appeared in a classic episode of "Seinfeld" ("The Hot Tub" from Season 7), in which he played an executive with the Houston Astros whose casual use of the terms "bastard" and "son-of-a-bitch" gets George Costanza in trouble. Hilarious.

(left to right) Cinematographer Dean Cundey, Charles Cyphers, and director Tommy Lee Wallace on a Halloween-themed panel at Flashback Weekend 2015.

Flashback's "The Fog" reunion panel, 2005. (left to right) Nancy Loomis, Charles Cyphers, Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, and me)

We were lucky to have him appear at Flashback on two occasions, and he was an absolute delight. He was kind, funny, and incredibly generous with fans and the staff as well.

I was honored to moderate the two Q&A panels he participated in, and got to introduce him twice before outdoor screenings of movies he appeared in along with other terrific actors.

Flashback 2015, introducing an outdoor screening. (left to right) Will Sandin, Charles Cyphers, Dean Cundey, Nancy Loomis, Nick Castle, Tommy Lee Wallace, and me

He was authentic, humorous, and very approachable. His stories and contributions to panel discussions and film introductions were stellar.

I got to talk to him pretty extensively, and I treasure those conversations in which he shared fun behind-the-scenes tidbits about the movies, working with Carpenter, life, and more.

Celebrating Charles Cyphers' birthday in front of the drive-in screening at Flashback 2005. (left to right) Me, Tom Atkins, Adrienne Barbeau, Nancy Loomis, Charles Cyphers.

At the 2005 convention, Flashback celebrated his birthday in front of the drive-in before an outdoor showing of "The Fog."

I introduced Charles, along with his co-stars Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, and Nancy Loomis.

After some opening comments, we brought out a big cake with candles and I led the crowd in the singing of "Happy Birthday." Charles blew out the candles and then we introduced the movie. He was humbled and surprised by the celebration and said he would never forget it.

Charles Cyphers was a sweet, extremely talented man who was a true joy at the conventions. Fans loved him and he loved them back, and he provided countless memories for everyone who crossed his path....including me.

The cast of "The Fog" at Flashback 2005, in front of the outdoor screen as the movie began. (left to right) Nancy Loomis, Adrienne Barbeau, Tom Atkins, Charles Cyphers

An exceptional talent and a great guy. Rest In Peace, Charles Cyphers.

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