Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an endearing comedy series that aired on Go90 in 2016. The show centers around the celebration of the traditional and widely cherished American holiday of Thanksgiving, spotlighting all the love, laughter, drama and delicious chaos that comes with gathering a diverse group of relatives under one roof. The series offers a comedic take on the typical family dynamics one experiences during the holidays, from the perspective of the less-than-picturesque Morgan family, who come together to celebrate their Thanksgiving traditions.

The series chronicles a single day in the life of the Morgan family members. As longtime hosts, they welcome a delightful, if somewhat contentious mix of relatives, friends and unexpected guests who arrive in their suburban home to partake in the yearly family tradition. Over the course of several episodes, viewers get to meet various characters, each displaying their unique quirks, individualities, and their shared history that adds up to a vibrant family tapestry layered with humor, idiosyncrasies, and unrivaled authenticity.

Anchoring the multigenerational family are parents Amy and Brian, who, in spite of—and because of—their differences, perfectly embody the trials and tribulations of a long-married couple. From the slightly neurotic and over-controlling Amy, to the more laid-back and humorous Brian, these characters are instantly relatable and drivers of many storylines throughout the series.

The Morgan’s adult children, Sean and Leigh, add another dimension to the show. Sean, the irresponsible and often hilarious older brother, contrasts starkly with his sister Leigh, a diligent law student trying to earn her place in the world. The duo’s interactions, along with their respective significant others, inject a dynamic sense of hilarity and tension into the series.

The show's strength lies in its ability to take regular characters and ordinary circumstances, and transform them into thoroughly entertaining and thoroughly relatable content. The larger-than-life, extended family members who descend upon the Morgan's household include a medley of offbeat uncles, aunts, cousins, and even an estrange family member or two. Their individual dramas and eccentricities not only add depth to the comedic elements that frequently arise, but also illuminate the abiding love amongst them, despite the inevitable dustups and disagreements.

Throughout the series, the audience gets to witness the time-honored Thanksgiving traditions, including the manic moments leading up to the dinner, the hilarity ensuing from a disastrously overcooked turkey, the fervent football matches played out in the family's backyard, and the intimate moments of genuine affection and deep-rooted familial bonds amidst all the chaos. The series does an excellent job in showcasing how the serenity and the familiarity of home can often be a hub of friction and comedy.

A unique aspect of this show is its ambition to depict each episode in real-time, a creative choice which heightens the sense of immediacy and chaos inherent to family gatherings. The dialogues are rapid-fire, the mood ebbs and flows with the tensions of the day, and the surprising twists and turns are revealed in a way that mirror the controlled chaos of a real-life family reunion.

Thanksgiving is a hilarious comedy wrought with family drama, long-lasting traditions, competitive games, hidden secrets, and, of course, plentiful helpings of delicious food. This show serves as a love letter to all familial gatherings, filling viewers' hearts with warmth, amusement, and a dash of outrageously funny yet profound moments. Despite these embellishments, at its core, Thanksgiving is a celebration of an imperfect but loving family, a feast of human connections, laughter and shared memories - all of which perfectly capture the essence of the holiday itself.

In capturing the essence of the holiday and the very relatable scenario of a family gathering, Thanksgiving will make you laugh, perhaps make you cringe a little, and definitely make you recognize the universality of our unique family holidays, making it a perfect show to enjoy during the festive season or any time of the year.