In preparation for Thanksgiving each year, countless television shows work on getting specials themed around the holiday out to the public, which naturally includes animated series as well. Everyone has their favorites, of course, but very few have made their mark as much as those from “Bob’s Burgers,” “Regular Show” and “Charlie Brown.”
The first Thanksgiving special up for recognition is none other than an episode from season 3 of the animated sitcom “Bob’s Burgers.” Following the lives of Bob Belcher and his family as they work to keep their burger restaurant open, despite numerous outlandish adventures they find themselves on, “Bob’s Burgers” is weird and surprisingly touching all at the same time.
In the episode “An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal,” the Belcher family are recruited by their landlord, Mr. Fischoeder, to pose as his “real” family so he can win back the love of a woman from his past. A popular moment from the episode is when Linda Belcher, Bob’s wife, sings her own absurd Thanksgiving-themed song, with lines such as “Everyone’s thankin’. The whole world’s thankin’ you. Thankin’ us for thankin’ you.” While quirky and a little strange to some, this Thanksgiving special is still a heartwarming and amusing addition to anyone’s watchlist this fall season.
“The Thanksgiving Special,” from Cartoon Network’s critically acclaimed and rather eccentric “Regular Show” series, is the next piece of media on this list. “Regular Show” is centered around Mordecai, a blue jay, and his best friend Rigby, a raccoon, working as groundskeepers at a park where seemingly mundane daily tasks quickly turn into insane adventures for the pair.
This specific episode finds Mordecai and Rigby competing in a Thanksgiving-themed song contest to make up for accidentally destroying Thanksgiving dinner mere hours before guests are supposed to arrive. They hope to win the grand prize, which is strangely a turducken, thus saving Thanksgiving. Highlighting the importance of spending time with family and friends, all the while putting the characters in increasingly absurd situations, makes this episode a must-see for old and new viewers alike.
The last cartoon special, albeit the oldest on this list, is arguably the most recognizable of the bunch. “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” released in 1973, has since become associated with many families’ holiday traditions. The special follows the titular character, Charlie Brown, as he hurriedly attempts to throw together an impromptu Thanksgiving celebration for his friends, complete with jelly beans and toast serving as the group’s meal. With togetherness and laughter playing a central role in the story, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is certainly not one to miss this fall.
Whether you happen to be an avid “Bob’s Burgers” or “Regular Show” fan, or Charlie Brown’s antics have become an integral part of your family’s holiday traditions, you should definitely add these Thanksgiving cartoon specials to your holiday watchlist this November.
