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Thanksgiving is a theme long integrated into the world of entertainment. From movies based on the holiday to sitcoms incorporating it into their plots, there are several sitcoms that have made Thanksgiving a staple setting for their heartfelt and comedic moments. FromFriendstoBrooklyn Nine-Nine,Fresh Off the Boat, and many many more have episodes dedicated around the holiday. Yet, none seems to have captured the chaotic essence of the holiday quite likeCheersdoes.
Nestled in the heart of Boston, the barwhere everybody knows your namewas already iconic for its humor, perfect comedic timing, rich characters, and balanced laughter with emotional depth. Yet, the show reached an even higher height when its perfectly made Thanksgiving episode came out. Now, celebrated as one of the most memorable holiday episodes in the history of television,Thanksgiving Orphansremains a classic.
Just like every other episode of the show, what makesThanksgiving Orphansstand out is its perfect blend of slapstick humor and heartfelt moments. Layed with clever insights into each character’s persona, the show not only created a heartfelt Thanksgiving moment but also gave viewers a poignant message that the family we choose, sometimes, means more than the family we are born into. So, without further ado, here is a look back at one of the most iconic sitcoms to ever have been created and its most unique, Thanksgiving-themed episode.
A Look Back at the Iconic SitcomCheers
Created by James Burrows and Glen and Les Charles,Cheerswill forever go down in history as one of the most iconic sitcoms of all time. Premiering in 1982, the series ran for 11 seasons and had over 275 episodes. Set in an iconic setting of a Boston barwhere everybody knows your name, the premise was really simple yet an ingenious one, offering an intimate look at the lives of the bar’s employees and its eccentric and loyal patrons.
At its heart,Cheersis more than a sitcom but rather a show about community and connection, and that family does not end in blood but rather can be found even inthe most mismatched group of people. StarringTed Dansonas Sam Malone, aka the central character and bar owner, the other cast includes Shelley Long as the intellectual waitress Diane Chambers,Kristie Alleyas the sharp Rebecca Howe, the perpetually unemployed George Wendt’s Norm, the trivia-loving Cliff played by John Ratzenberger, and several more lovable and enjoyable characters includingWoody Harrelson‘s Woody.
Throughout its run and even now, the show has been on several must-watch lists and has received nominations and awards for all 11 of its seasons. Not only did it focus on the vital message of love, family, and connection, but the sitcom’s ability to blend razor-sharp humor with moments of genuine emotion made it stand out. Its relatable writing, comedic timing, and the impeccable performances by each of its cast make even the simplest of scenes delightful to watch. More than just a sitcom,Cheersis rather a celebration of friendship and the enduring need for a place to belong.
Cheers’Uniquely Special Thanksgiving Episode:Thanksgiving Orphans
Thanksgiving has been featured in a lot of movies and TV shows, but none seem to have incorporated the spirit of the holiday the wayCheersdid. Featured in the show’s fifth season,Thanksgiving Orphansaired on June 13, 2025, and since has become a staple for fans to watch over the holiday. One of the most celebrated holiday specials in the history of television, it features the characters deciding to spend the holiday together after not having families or friends to spend it with.
The plot centers on theCheersgang, Sam, Diane, Carla, Norm, Cliff, and Woody, who, lacking traditional Thanksgiving plans, decide to gather at Rhea Perman’s Carla’s house for a potluck-style dinner. However, as luck would have it, it all soon turns into a hilariously chaotic event. The turkey is late, they bicker about each other’s food, tensions flare up, and in a climax due to the group’s distinct personalities, everything ends up in an iconic, full-blown food fight.
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The trajectory from a normal Thanksgiving episode to a squabble over food and seating and ultimately a no-holding-back food fight,Thanksgiving Orphanswill forever remain one of the most memorable moments of the sitcom’s history. Although the characters seemed to have a wonderful dinner by the end, eating off the scrapes of their food fight, the episode is pure slapstick comedy that stays with you for life. From its unique blend of humor and heart to how it cleverly highlighted the themes of loneliness, camaraderie, and friendship, the episode serves as a poignant reminder of why the audiences fell in love withCheersin the first place.
What MakesThanksgiving OrphansSo Special and Standout
Thanksgiving Orphansis not just an extension of the whole concept ofCheers, but rather it is also a quintessential example of why the series remains a cultural touchstone. The episode’s unique blend of humor, reliability, and heartfelt moments has made it into an unforgettable episode, elevating a simple holiday into a timeless story that can resonate with audiences across the world and across generations.
Particularly special is its striking aspect of the concept of ‘chosen family.’ Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for loved ones to gather yet the characters ofCheershave either absent biological families or dysfunctional relationships with them. By coming together, these unlikely groups of people, or rather ‘orphans’ create a new kind of family, showcasing that familial bonds don’t need blood relations to forge a deep connection.
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Apart from this, the comedic element of the episode is another reason why it stands out from the rest. From Cliff’s bizarre talks to Carla’s fiery temper, the episode is filled with laugh-out-loud moments that leave the audience in splits of laughter. Furthermore, the food fight, containing the perfect balance of chaos and camaraderie, is another reason whyThanksgiving Orphansis an episode that shines through.
A rare episode set outside the show’s usual setting of the bar, the change of scenery to the ‘holiday’ cheer, it perfectly encapsulates everything that makesCheersgreat. Whether it is the flying mashed potatoes or the friends all eating at the end covered in their Thanksgiving dinner,Thanksgiving Orphansis the most unique Thanksgiving episode in the history of television.
Cheersis available to be streamed on Hulu.
Maria Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2703
Maria Sultan is a dedicated News Content Writer at FandomWire. With over five years of professional experience and hundreds of published articles, she brings a wealth of expertise to her coverage of Marvel, K-dramas, and the latest on streaming platforms.Her work is not just about reporting news; it’s about providing insightful perspectives on the entertainment trends that matter most.
