Mention of the word “Thanksgiving” conjures up images of carved turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes, and heaps of delicious stuffing. Believe it or not, there’s more to Thanksgiving Day then stuffing your face. Another vital aspect of the holiday involves your relaxation and digestion time period, which often involves TV. Lucky for you, Thanksgiving television usually offers a wide range of interesting programming. Here are some of the highlights.
NFL Thanksgiving Day Games
Thanksgiving Day is known for its great football games, and the NFL seems to enjoy this tradition as much as the fans do. For example, the games’ MVPs are awarded a Turducken (a de-boned chicken inside of a de-boned duck inside of a de-boned turkey) leg for their performance.
This year, the Green Bay Packers are set to play the Detroit Lions, the Miami Dolphins will be playing the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions and the Cowboys have played games on Thanksgiving Day for decades, so fans always look forward to watching their teams battle it out while they get their fill of turkey and stuffing. There will also be a third game — San Francisco 49ers will be playing the Baltimore Ravens — and it will only be broadcast on the NFL Network.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
If you’re going to DVR one program on Thanksgiving, make sure it’s the parade. The live show airs at 9 a.m. EST and runs until 12 p.m. EST and ends, as always, with an appearance from Santa Claus. If Thanksgiving morning is super hectic for you, make sure you DVR this event, especially if you have kids! There aren’t many TV events that involve giant balloons, bands, and celebrities, so your kids are bound to love it.
The line-up this year features giant balloons like Spider-Man, Buzz Lightyear, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Pikachu. Performance groups who will be participating in the show include 610 Stompers, Spirit of America Dance, United We Sing, and many more. Don’t miss the chance to record the biggest parade of the year!
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
Aside from the parade, the Charlie Brown special is the most important thing to tape for the kids in your life (or the young-at-heart)! Charlie Brown has become a staple on TV for other holidays like Halloween and Christmas, and Thanksgiving is no exception.
The program started in 1973 and is only 30 minutes long, but this half hour will charm your family members and friends as they watch Charlie Brown try to put together a Thanksgiving dinner for his friends. Make sure you have this one recorded so everyone has the chance to watch it and feel nostalgic.
A Very Gaga Thanksgiving
This might not be a traditional Thanksgiving TV program, but it’s definitely an original one. A Very Gaga Thanksgiving will air on ABC for an hour and half, during which she will sing 8 songs, including “Marry the Night,” “You and I,” “Edge of Glory,” “White Christmas,” and “The Lady is a Tramp,” which will be a duet with Tony Bennett.
Because it’s Gaga, it won’t just be a normal concert. Only her family and friends will be in the audience to give it a more Thanksgiving feel. Katie Couric will also be part of the special and will interview the performer. Chef Art Smith will make an appearance to cook a Thanksgiving feast, consisting of turkey and waffles. Sometimes you just have to DVR unique programming like this.
The National Dog Show
You might now this as the program that comes on after the parade ends. When you DVR the parade, extend the time so you can catch The National Dog Show, which features more than 2,000 of the best American Kennel Club sanctioned dogs.
It’s not surprising that this dog show is the most widely viewed in America. Watch more than 150 breeds and varieties strut their stuff and aim to win Best in Show. This is something to save and watch with the family later — even kids will get a kick out of all the adorable dogs featured.
Conclusion
Football fans rejoice on Thanksgiving, but you don’t have to love football to enjoy the awesome programming on TV this Thanksgiving. There’s bound to be something fun on, and if you’re busy all day spending time with family and preparing the big meal, simply DVR the shows you’re interested in watching and enjoy the programs later that evening when you have a moment to relax!
