Yes, there’s always Friendsgiving, but Thanksgiving proper tends to be all about family. And family at the holidays—well, it can definitely be a mixed bag. Before you head out to your holiday festivities, catch a show or two that suits your familial mindset. Whether you want to be reminded that it could be much worse than dealing with a political argument or two around the table—or you just want something to watch that gives you the warm family fuzzies you’re craving—we have the perfect Thanksgiving shows to stream.
12 Friendsgiving Food Ideas to Make This Year’s Gathering Your Best Yet
Shows and Movies with Heartwarming Families
Looking for a family you can look up to (or at least relate to)? These sweet and supportive families may not always be perfect, but they’re definitely there for each other when it counts.
Ugly Betty
Yeah, this Americanized telenovela featured all the trademark Uber-drama of the genre, with murder, poisoned perfumes, and schemes galore in the mix. But “ugly Betty” (the gorgeous America Ferrara with braces and initially, bad fashion) has her heart-of-gold Suarez family always in her corner—even if they sometimes make things a little bit worse in their attempts to help. Even the epically dysfunctional Meade clan evolves thanks to their Suarez role models.
Plus, bonus points for the sweet and sensitive storylines around Betty’s nephew Justin’s gradual coming-out.
Where to watch: Netflix
Modern Family
There’s a reason that this mockumentary-style look at the Pritchett clan won 22 Emmys over the course of its 11-season run. And it’s likely due to the all-too-relatable family dynamics at the heart of the hilarious high jinks.
Where to watch: Peacock
This Is Us
The show that famously required a box of tissues for every touching episode may be complete, but it’s worthy of a rewatch (or first watch) to enjoy the intertwining past, present, and future events in the lives of the Pearsons.
Where to watch: Hulu
Everybody Hates Chris
Comedian Chris Rock mined his teen years for story gold in this tale of growing up with his close-knit family helping keep him in line.
Where to watch: Hulu
Little House on the Prairie
Looking for a really old-fashioned family? Hit up the Ingalls clan in this classic TV depiction of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s recollections of life on the prairie.
Where to watch: Peacock and Freevee
Encanto
Yeah, there’s a little dysfunction in the magical Madrigal family–especially around black sheep Bruno—but the story celebrates the gifts that every member brings to their family. And it’s a lesson we probably all need when we’re sometimes ready to eye roll over the things our family does.
Where to watch: Disney+
The Incredibles
Superheroes: They’re just like us! And the Parr crew finds ways to be supportive of each other, whether they’re fighting off supervillains or trying to deal with boring jobs and school bureaucracy. Make this a double feature with Incredibles 2 for a family friendly evening.
Where to watch: Disney+
Black Panther
Superheroes: They’re not quite like us in this epic movie. But head of Wakanda’s royal family King T’Challa thrives thanks to the two strong women—his mother and his sister—who always have his back.
Where to watch: Disney+
Turning Red
Whether you’re an overprotective mom or you’ve lived under one, you’ll definitely relate to the mother-daughter duo at the heart of this charming coming of age tale. Shout out to the underappreciated dad, who’s a master chef in the kitchen while supporting his wife and daughter.
Where to watch: Disney+
Bridgerton
All the buzz may have been about the hot romances, but the heart of the story is the Bridgerton clan, who have the very modern notion of marrying for love when most marriages revolved around business or politics.
Just a reminder: Don’t plan a binge watch with the whole crew, or it’ll likely be very awkward.
Where to watch: Netflix
Kim’s Convenience
This Canadian import showcases a Korean-Canadian family who runs a convenience store—and a sweet (though slow) tale of reconciliation between the patriarch and the prodigal son (played by Simu Liu!).
Where to watch: Netflix
That ’90s Show
If you loved That ’70s Show, consider catching up with much of the crew 20 years later, as Donna and Eric’s daughter Leia spends a summer with Red and Kitty hanging in the basement with her newly minted friends.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Brady Bunch
The saccharine sweet (and ultra-iconic) blended family gives that you full on 1970s vibes—and plenty of sage advice from legendary TV parents Mike and Carol. (Not that into the original? The 1995 movie that poked fun at the squeaky clean Bradys is also on Paramount+).
Where to watch: Paramount+
47 Feel-Good Shows to Watch When You Need a Mood Boost
Shows and Movies With Families You’ll Be Grateful You Don’t Belong To
Terrible families make for great TV drama—and an occasional great comedy, too. If you’re dreading some family dysfunction (or difficult conversations) over the Thanksgiving dinner table, these shows may make you feel grateful that at least your siblings aren’t looking to murder you (yet).
Succession
Loosely based on the media mogul Murdoch family, this wicked series showed the Roy siblings duking it out for the right to take over the business when patriarch Logan Roy kicks it. With every season packed with petty (and poisonous) backstabbing, over-the-top antics, and serious drama, you’ll at least get a withering remark or two you can file away to use against any toxic members of your own family.
Where to watch: Max
Fall of the House of Usher
Think Succession if Edgar Allan Poe was the showrunner. This totally dysfunctional dynasty crumbles in the space of weeks, in a mashup of the tragedy and horror from every Poe classic.
Where to watch: Netflix
Arrested Development
If you want a lighter look at a bonkers family, Arrested Development is the show for you. The only normal-ish member of the crew, Michael Bluth (Jason Bateman), tries to keep the rest of his eccentric clan in line—and out of prison.
Where to watch: Netflix
House of the Dragon
While its sister show Game of Thrones was focused on an ever shifting battle of factions for the Iron Throne, this prequel is a family-centric drama with lots and lots of dragons. There’s plenty of ick factor to be found in the ongoing family squabbles, with cousin maiming, affairs, evil stepmothers, and yes—incest—among the storylines leading up to next season’s dragon battles.
Where to watch: Max
The Crown
As the final season launches, the somewhat-fictionalized account of the British royal family makes it as clear as possible that immense wealth and privilege definitely does not deliver love and happiness.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Sopranos
Therapy doesn’t seem to help patriarch Tony Soprano manage two dysfunctional families—his mob crew or his kids and wife at home. Pro tip: When your uncle and your own mother put a hit out on you, things aren’t going too well.
Where to watch: Max
Parasite
A desperate family gloms on to a wealthier family in this Oscar-winning and super dark story that’s well worth a view.
Where to watch: Max
The Shining
Is it supernatural, or just a story of a horribly abusive patriarch? Either way, Stephen King’s horrific creation Jack Torrance is definitely not the dad (or spouse) anyone wants.
Where to watch: Max
Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets
The Duggar family looked blissful on camera, but this behind-the-scenes documentary shows that things weren’t always so rosy when the cameras were off.
Spoiler alert: It goes beyond the sexual abuse allegations and child pornography conviction of eldest son Josh Duggar.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Sharp Objects
This Southern Gothic tale has journalist Camille Preaker returning to her hometown to cover a series of unsolved murders—and getting drawn back into some seriously dark family dynamics.
Where to watch: Max
The Best Shows and Movies to Stream to Help You Appreciate Your Family This Thanksgiving
Shows and Movies With Complicated Families
These families fall into that gray area, with lots to love—and some things you’ll love to hate. (Kind of like many real-life families, too.)
Shameless
While worst-dad-of-the-year contender Frank Gallagher schemes, steals, and spends every penny on drinks and drugs, the Gallagher siblings take up the slack (though often through outrageous schemes of their own).
Despite the many young actors on the show, this is not a kid-friendly option.
Where to watch: Netflix
Schitt’s Creek
The Roses may start out as a super self-centered and neglectful family, but they slowly unite as they face the adversity of living out of a pair of motel rooms.
Where to watch: Hulu and Amazon Freevee
Downton Abbey
This beloved British import features complicated family stories both upstairs (amongst the aristocratic Crawleys) and downstairs, amongst their staff.
Where to watch: Peacock and Prime Video
Black Cake
This juicy new series explores hidden family secrets in the wake of the death of family matriarch Eleanor Bennett, who finally shares her dramatic past with her family. (P.S. Oprah produced this series!)
Where to watch: Hulu
Lady Bird
If you were a particularly angsty teen (or are parenting a particularly angsty teen), you’ll definitely relate to this Oscar-winning turn by Barbie director Greta Gerwig.
Where to watch: Netflix
Gilmore Girls
The Rory-Lorelai dynamic (and the Lorelai-Emily dynamic) are both complicated mother-daughter relationships. But this beloved show looks honestly at the issues within their family and others in the storybook town of Stars Hollow.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Simpsons
With 35 seasons under their belt, there’s still a lot to love about the mildly dysfunctional Simpsons. And with nearly 750 episodes to date, there’s plenty of mildly oafish Homer or too-smart-for-Springfield Lisa to go around.
