Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Thursday, November 27. All times are Eastern.
Between sibling rivalries, dwindling dinner rolls, and drunken political confrontations, Thanksgiving can be a stressful time. So let this holiday edition of What’s On Tonight guide you through the best distractions for (and from) your family.
For those who like Holiday Specials
Sure most Thanksgiving specials are lame attempts to shoehorn in gratitude and showmanship to the TV landscape, but, hey, they only come once a year.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (NBC, 9 a.m.): Lip-syncing, unruly balloons, and awkward segues are just a few of the things to look forward to in this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. KISS, Meghan Trainor, and the wickedly talented, one and only Adele Dazeem are set to perform.
National Dog Show (NBC, 1 p.m.): Those too lazy to change the channel after the Macy’s Parade can enjoy John Hurley narrating the 13th annual National Dog Show. Always bet on the poodle.
Fox’s Cause For Paws: An All-Star Dog Spectacular (Fox, 8 p.m.): For those who prefer to watch dog showcases after dinner, Fox shares inspiring stories, musical tributes, and viral videos centered around man’s best friend. The show is hosted by America’s favorite comedy duo, Hilary Swank and Jane Lynch.
Thank You, America! (ABC, 8 p.m.): Robin Roberts highlights selfless American heroes and salutes U.S. armed forces. Meanwhile Taylor Swift shares her thoughts on Thanksgiving because if there’s one thing America is thankful for, it’s Taylor Swift.
Comedy Central’s All-Star Non-Denominational Christmas Special (Comedy Central, 10 p.m.): The stars of Key And Peele, Broad City, The Colbert Report, and The Kroll Show come together to kickoff the holiday season. No guarantee this will be funnier than the Swank/Lynch dog celebration.
For those who want to pretend today isn’t a holiday
Not all TV has come down with Thanksgiving-fever. These programs are perfect for anyone who would rather treat the fourth Thursday in November like any other day.
Elementary (CBS, 10 p.m.): Considering Sherlock Holmes is British it makes a certain amount of sense that he doesn’t take time off for Thanksgiving. Holmes and Kitty investigate a postal storeowner with ties to the illegal diamond trade. Myles McNutt hopes Watson is busy whipping up a holiday meal to enjoy with Clyde.
How To Get Away With Murder (ABC, 10 p.m.): New episodes of HTGAWM won’t be back until January, but ABC is reairing the pilot and second episode tonight. Revisit the exploits of Annalise Keating and catch up with Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya’s excellent reviews.
Mom/Two And A Half Men/The McCarthys (CBS, 8:30 p.m.): Ed Asner and Sara Rue stop by Mom, Walden becomes a foster parent on Two And A Half Men, and The McCarthys celebrate Thanksgiving as CBS barrels forward with its Thursday night comedy block (minus a new Big Bang Theory).
For sports lovers
Those too lazy to throw around the ole pigskins can watch grown men do so instead in these three NFL games:
Bears at Lions (CBS, 12:30 p.m.)
Philadelphia at Dallas (Fox, 4:30 p.m.)
Seahawks at 49ers (ESPN, 8:30 p.m.)
For movie lovers
Movies are a tried and true way to keep guests entertained before, after, or during dinner. Here are our top picks for the day’s cinematic showings.
2001: A Space Odyssey (SyFy, 9:30 a.m.): Remove those giblets and dress that turkey to an underscoring from Stanley Kubrick’s visual masterpiece.
Jurassic Park Marathon (AMC, 10 a.m.): Those who aren’t responsible for cooking a feast can zone out in front of AMC’s marathon of Jurassic Park, The Lost World, and Jurassic Park III. The whole thing replays at 6 p.m.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (TCM, 5:30 p.m.): Put the kid’s table in front of the TV and let them chow down on turkey to the dulcet tones of Dick Van Dyke.
Sinister (Showtime, 7 p.m.): Ethan Hawke discovers a box of evil home movies. The perfect “alternative” Thanksgiving pick for those who love both family and gruesome horror.
Medea’s Family Reunion (Oxygen, 7:40 p.m.): Thanksgiving is all about family. So is Medea’s Family Reunion. Done and done.
Julie & Julia (OWN, 8 p.m.): Thanksgiving is all about food. So is Julie & Julia. Done and done.
The Holiday (Lifetime, 8 p.m.): Thanksgiving is a holiday. The title of this movie is The Holiday. Done and done.
In case you missed it
Adventure Time: The loyal souls who spend their Thanksgiving catching up on The A.V. Club should start with Oliver Sava’s review of last night’s Adventure Time.