Video: Greatest Thanksgiving moment in sitcom history?
posted at 2:45 pm on November 23, 2011 by Ed Morrissey
Here’s a Thanksgiving palate cleanser for Hot Air readers, reaching back a few decades to a moment in sitcom history. When most people think of great Thanksgiving moments in sitcom history, this clip from WKRP in Cincinnati usually gets the most recognition. Take a look and see how well you think it holds up:
If that doesn’t quite do it for you, there’s always this scene from Cheers, which TV Land named as one of the top ten holiday moments in sitcom history. Kids … don’t try this at home:
Here’s hoping you have a fun — and blessed — Thanksgiving, with plenty of fun moments of your own.
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Ed, thank you for that wonderful gift!
They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.
Laura in Maryland on November 23, 2011 at 2:48 PM
WKRP, hands down. Possibly the longest setup for the best punchline.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
landshark on November 23, 2011 at 2:49 PM
With God as my witness, WKRP was the funniest show on TV.
BobMbx on November 23, 2011 at 2:50 PM
Have a blessed thanksgiving everyone!
Safe travels
cmsinaz on November 23, 2011 at 2:51 PM
No one who’s ever worked in radio will be shocked to learn that the turkey drop was loosely based on a real incident…
ConservativeTalkRadio on November 23, 2011 at 2:52 PM
Noting will ever top it.
However, the new show called New Girl was reeeeeally funny last week. Jess bought a huge turkey and it would not fit in their small apartment oven, so they put it in the clothes dryer. Hilarity ensued!
rockmom on November 23, 2011 at 2:52 PM
Oh my gosh I’ve never seen that WKRP clip.
I’m still laughing.
gophergirl on November 23, 2011 at 2:54 PM
I actually used to watch WKRP in Cincinnati … and saw this when it originally aired!
I always thought that Bailey was much cuter than the Loni Anderson character.
Oh, the humanity.
OhEssYouCowboys on November 23, 2011 at 2:56 PM
Bailey…
I think I’ll pop in my WKRP dvd, oh wait, those dang 1%ers and their “residuals” greed.
reaganaut on November 23, 2011 at 2:56 PM
WKRP!
Cheers comes in a close second but nothing beats, “As God is my witness . . .”
Bubba Redneck on November 23, 2011 at 2:57 PM
Thanks for bringing back an old and dear memory. Has it really been that long ago?
coldwarrior on November 23, 2011 at 2:57 PM
Happy Turkey Day, friends.
Laura in Maryland on November 23, 2011 at 2:57 PM
That Cheers episode was the best – I can’t help but laugh at that scene every time I see it.
Chip on November 23, 2011 at 2:58 PM
Yep. WKRP wins, every time.
portlandon on November 23, 2011 at 2:59 PM
That brings back some memories…
… I remember watching that episode.
And to you Ed, along with Tina, Allah, and all (or most of) the posters here at Hot Air…!
Seven Percent Solution on November 23, 2011 at 2:59 PM
WKRP, timeless!
roy_batty on November 23, 2011 at 2:59 PM
Ladies and gentlemen, the award-winning Les Nesman!
kingsjester on November 23, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Happy Thanksgiving everybody. Be safe and wear comfy pants :)
gophergirl on November 23, 2011 at 3:00 PM
+7….%
Electrongod on November 23, 2011 at 3:00 PM
That WKRP episode is a classic! “As God as my witness…I thought turkeys could fly.” Awesome.
An aside: I used to watch that show with my dad, and from then on I always called him “Big Guy” and he called me “Little Guy”. Great show.
rcpjr on November 23, 2011 at 3:00 PM
With God as my witness, WKRP was the funniest show on TV.
BobMbx on November 23, 2011 at 2:50 PM
Greatest show EVAH!
annoyinglittletwerp on November 23, 2011 at 3:01 PM
Beat me to it. Yup, Loni wasn’t bad, but Bailey was the real prize.
UltimateBob on November 23, 2011 at 3:01 PM
One of the funniest linies ever delivered on TV. I miss Gordon Jump.
Rufus on November 23, 2011 at 3:02 PM
The WKRP Turkey Drop!!
Comedy Gold!!!
Tim_CA on November 23, 2011 at 3:02 PM
WKRP, followed by Cheers. and I have to agree– they just don’t make them like that any more.
And for you Community fans, here’s something they’ve been slipping in since season 1.
Nethicus on November 23, 2011 at 3:04 PM
The first time I saw this on TV I laughed so hard I cried. A few years ago a local radio station played just the audio and I sat in my car and listened, once again laughing til tears came out of my eyes. I just loved this. Thanks, Ed.
Fallon on November 23, 2011 at 3:06 PM
Oh my gosh I’ve never seen that WKRP clip.
I’m still laughing.
gophergirl on November 23, 2011 at 2:54 PM
JohnGalt23 on November 23, 2011 at 3:06 PM
I actually used to watch WKRP in Cincinnati … and saw this when it originally aired!
I always thought that Bailey was much cuter than the Loni Anderson character.
Oh, the humanity.
OhEssYouCowboys on November 23, 2011 at 2:56 PM
I had a crush on Les Nessmann-despite being young enough to be his granddaughter. loL
annoyinglittletwerp on November 23, 2011 at 3:07 PM
Yup, WKRP is the best. Couldn’t stop laughing then and still can’t today.
rbj on November 23, 2011 at 3:07 PM
JohnGalt23 on November 23, 2011 at 3:06 PM
I saw that episode first run as well. My parents were sitting on the couch…dying from laughter.
annoyinglittletwerp on November 23, 2011 at 3:08 PM
Agreed:
1. WKRP – “As God as my witness, I thought turkeys could fly.”
-Mr. Carlton
2. WKRP – “It’s the phone cops man, they’re EVERYWHERE!”
-Johnny Fever
3. Cheers – “He’s never had a conviction that stood up on appeal.”
-Carla Tortelli (defending one of her sons)
4. M*A*S*H – “I wouldn’t be so paranoid if everybody wasn’t against me.”
-Frank Burns
Laura in Maryland on November 23, 2011 at 3:08 PM
Didn’t even watch the clip. I can remember it like it was yesterday.
And I agree, it should be #1.
Felt soooo bad for poor Les . . . . . .
listens2glenn on November 23, 2011 at 3:10 PM
Happy… Thanks… Giving… From… W… K… R… P!
LOVED that show, and that scene was one of the best ever filmed.
And yes, I agree with the posters above. Bailey, FTW.
crazy_legs on November 23, 2011 at 3:11 PM
Loved WKRP. Was doing college radio at the time and had a MAJOR crush on Bailey. And we wore our pants as tight as Andy’s !
teacherman on November 23, 2011 at 3:12 PM
As far as as ‘fun’-I’m working tomorrow. People will come by to pick up the celery or whatever that they forgot for their fests and tell me how it’s a shame that I’m having to work on Thanksgiving.
I would love to tell them that the only reason I have to work is because they’re shopping @ Wal-mart.
That’s not nice-so I’ll just smile and thank them for their kind thoughts.
annoyinglittletwerp on November 23, 2011 at 3:12 PM
For those who love the WKRP clip, an FYI – you can buy this entire episode on iTunes. I bought it a little over a year ago, I think I paid $1.99. Now it’s mine forever, and it will now played every Thanksgiving while we’re cooking dinner. For those of you with iPads or iPhones, you can buy the the cable which will hook your device up to your tv so you can see it on a big screen rather than on a portable device. Anyway, this is the best Thanksgiving show evah. The only other thanksgiving show I remember is the Waltons episode where John Boy goes blind for a while. Not funny at all, especially when compared to turkeys getting dropped from a helicopter. Enjoy…
joejm65 on November 23, 2011 at 3:13 PM
Fixed.
And remember, Les also won the Silver Sow Award, as well as the Copper Cob.
Del Dolemonte on November 23, 2011 at 3:16 PM
This ‘KRP episode luckily was from Season 1, which is the only season that has been released on DVD. The later seasons have not come out due to the too-high music royalty fees involved.
Del Dolemonte on November 23, 2011 at 3:17 PM
I shot my first turkey yesterday; scared the heck out of everyone in the frozen food aisle. Hard to field-dress, too; I needed to use an axe.
michaelo on November 23, 2011 at 3:18 PM
Another vote for ‘Bailey’ over Loni. Also ‘Mary Ann’ over ‘Ginger’. Funny how those casting decisions work out differently than intended.
In the full broadcast the buildup to the punchline was even better, with Mr. Carlson and Herb semi-secretly plotting and dropping hints about this fantastic Thanksgiving promotion throughout the episode, keeping even Les in the dark.
kd6rxl on November 23, 2011 at 3:19 PM
A sentiment I’ve heard echoed in many a conversation. The blonde bombshell may be more eyecatching, but Bailey had the more genuine attractiveness.
backwoods conservative on November 23, 2011 at 3:20 PM
At this juncture, I feel compelled to add a rim-shot.
That’s hilarious … and cute.
OhEssYouCowboys on November 23, 2011 at 3:21 PM
AWESOME. Thanks Ed…I needed that.
Johnny Fever….where are you when we need you?
badtemper on November 23, 2011 at 3:23 PM
With the overwhelming commentary in support of Bailey and her cuteosity .. all of a sudden … I have hope for humanity.
I sort of thought I’d be in the minority re: Bailey.
OhEssYouCowboys on November 23, 2011 at 3:24 PM
After your first six words, I was all set for a good actual hunting story, dammit.
: )
listens2glenn on November 23, 2011 at 3:24 PM
Nothing has ever topped that.
There was a funny Thanksgiving Darma and Greg. (Yes, I’m embarrased to say I watched it two times). Darma and her hippy parents were going to rescue some turkeys from their certain demise come Thanksgiving. During the fiasco, they accidentally ran over them all. It was funny.
shick on November 23, 2011 at 3:24 PM
“It should have worked.”
Famous words from WKRP and Washington.
Snake307 on November 23, 2011 at 3:24 PM
Yes, but the DVD eps have a lot of music replaced, including all the original music from this ep (though the clip here appears to be the original).
“Turkeys Away” just isn’t the same on DVD without the great scene in which Pink Floyd’s “Dogs” plays while Mr. Carlson tries to be involved in the control room.
Snowed In on November 23, 2011 at 3:24 PM
I love the WKRP clip as much now as when I first saw it in late 70′s or early 80′s. That was a truly funny show.Bailey was way hotter than Loni.
Southernblogger on November 23, 2011 at 3:28 PM
OT:Anyone know where I can find The Bloom County Thanksgiving cartoon? It’s the one where Milo’s saying ‘grace’.
I’ve got it in a book-but I can’t post my book on the web.
annoyinglittletwerp on November 23, 2011 at 3:28 PM
BTW, two other comedies you don’t see the likes of anymore: Hogan’s Heroes and Barney Miller.
backwoods conservative on November 23, 2011 at 3:29 PM
It wasn’t just her looks. She also had personality.
backwoods conservative on November 23, 2011 at 3:31 PM
Oh yeah, Vera! I used to date her…
karl9000 on November 23, 2011 at 3:33 PM
You have made my day! I remember when we saw this “live” I laughed until I thought my head would explode.
Old Country Boy on November 23, 2011 at 3:33 PM
backwoods conservative on November 23, 2011 at 3:29 PM
Most of the ‘Nazis’ on HH were actually Jews who had left Europe to escape Hitler. Robert Clary(LeBeau) is an Auschwitz survivor.
annoyinglittletwerp on November 23, 2011 at 3:37 PM
Classic!!
The old Andy Griffith show. Me and my roommates scheduled our classes to be home by 4. I’ll bet I’ve seen every episode a dozen times. Ahhhhhh. The carefree college days……
BacaDog on November 23, 2011 at 3:38 PM
Oh, forgot to vote.
Mary Ann
Bailey
Wilma
BacaDog on November 23, 2011 at 3:39 PM
Here it is! Thank you to youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1enfo8zn3_g
BTW, a “spinoff” of WKRP, namely “Frank’s Place”, which was created by the same guy (Hugh Wilson) and starred Tim Reid (“Venus Flytrap”) has also met the same DVD fate-it’s never been released due to the music fees. That show wasn’t a true sitcom, but it was still great. Such a shame that it never got a chance.
Del Dolemonte on November 23, 2011 at 3:40 PM
bopbottle on November 23, 2011 at 3:41 PM
Jan Smithers (Bailey) was actually married to the future Mr. Barbra Streisand for 9 years. Rumor was that Babs stole Brolin away from her, but she later said that was false.
Del Dolemonte on November 23, 2011 at 3:42 PM
Tofurkey
Shy Guy on November 23, 2011 at 3:43 PM
As I recall, there is the story of the turkey cannon. See aircraft windshields have to be tested versus bird strikes so they load a turkey into a cannon and fire away. So some engineers for a new high speed train heard about this and figured they needed to test the train windshield too. Now, why reinvent the wheel, or turkey cannon in this case, if you don’t have to. So they asked to borrow the turkey cannon, got it and proceeded to test the train windshield. Windshileds, like much of engineering, are built with a safety factor, so expectations were for minimal damage. The aircraft testers received a frantic call asking for help. The train testers claimed that not only did the turkey destroy the windshield, but went though the driver’s chair and dented the back wall. Enlightenment was finaly achieved when the airplane testers asked the train testers “Did you thaw the turkey first?”
AnotherOpinion on November 23, 2011 at 3:43 PM
WKRP was one of the few TV series (Star Trek was the first) to become more popular after it was canceled. They tried to put the show back together, but many of the original cast members had already moved on. :(
backwoods conservative on November 23, 2011 at 3:44 PM
Agreed.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
ladyingray on November 23, 2011 at 3:44 PM
ditto
pseudonominus on November 23, 2011 at 3:46 PM
I, also, agree with Mary Ann over Ginger … BUT, had the following actress, who tried out for the part of Mary Ann, gotten the part, Ginger would’ve been in the same category as Mrs. Howell:
Raquel Welch.
OhEssYouCowboys on November 23, 2011 at 3:51 PM
Now that you can do anything on TV, I’m waiting for the Thanksgiving “Fart” sitcom episode, where someone does something silly to get excused from the table and then he runs outside, where he farts for like 20 seconds straight from eating all that food.
radjah shelduck on November 23, 2011 at 3:51 PM
I used to watch WKRP when I was a kid. Had an adolescent crush on Loni Anderson–
ted c on November 23, 2011 at 3:55 PM
It wasn’t very funny, but the best Thanksgiving episode of any television show (really, the best holiday episode of any TV show) was “Hungry Man” from the 4th season of “Dexter.” No matter how dysfunctional it may be, the Mitchells are sure to make your family look good…
Blacklake on November 23, 2011 at 4:06 PM
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/108/304263649_7fe4b146f6_o.jpg
“Dear Lord, I’ve been asked, nay commanded, to thank Thee for the turkey before us. A turkey, which was no doubt a lively, intelligent bird. A social being, capable of actual affection. . . nuzzling its young with almost human-like compassion. Anyway, it’s dead and we’re gonna eat it. Please give our respects to its family.”
sharrukin on November 23, 2011 at 4:08 PM
Me too! I was young back then, but Bailey really did it for me. Mmm, mmm, mm.
NotCoach on November 23, 2011 at 4:09 PM
I used to watch WKRP before doing my homework.
Thanks for the memories.
♫ Red Wigglers, the Cadillac of worms. We’re hooked. ♫
madmonkphotog on November 23, 2011 at 4:10 PM
Oooooo, yeah…
karl9000 on November 23, 2011 at 4:27 PM
One other memorable character in WKRP was Carol Bruce as Carlson’s mother. Along with her butler (Hirsch, played by Nero Wolfe) she made some memorable moments.
In a voice as cold as ice: “Mr. Fever, have you enjoyed working in this hemisphere?”
backwoods conservative on November 23, 2011 at 4:36 PM
This 3rd Rock from the Sun episode includes one of my favorite Thanksgiving scenes: “What’s for dessert?”
(Keep in mind that this show is about 4 aliens who have taken human form, trying to fit in to American culture.)
Splashman on November 23, 2011 at 4:44 PM
I too saw this when it aired. I barely recall any other TV shows from that era but so many scenes from WKRP. And Bailey Quarters vs. Jennifer Marlowe, another variation on Ginger vs. Mary Ann. Mary Ann of course.
roy_batty on November 23, 2011 at 4:45 PM
http://youtu.be/b1c9n56W7qY
Hilarious!
lovingmyUSA on November 23, 2011 at 4:47 PM
And have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day to all of you Hot Arians…
lovingmyUSA on November 23, 2011 at 4:48 PM
Apologies to fans of every and any other TV show but the WKRP Turkey Drop episode is the funniest half hour in the history of television.
xkaydet65 on November 23, 2011 at 5:01 PM
I held out for the entire 6:43…
…and it was worth it. xD
nickj116 on November 23, 2011 at 5:05 PM
I’ve never seen WKRP before but that really was funny. A long well crafted joke that had me laughing throughout, not something I see much today but I barely watch any sitcoms these days.
Daemonocracy on November 23, 2011 at 5:08 PM
I sure miss those two shows. Thanks for posting the classics!
scalleywag on November 23, 2011 at 5:08 PM
oh I forgot about the Cheers one and the pie in the face! lol, now that show I was a kid during and did watch with my family. Another great show with a perfect punchline at the end, funny how the spinoff Frasier continued the Vera gag with Maris where you never saw her.
Daemonocracy on November 23, 2011 at 5:15 PM
Several of the cast members did return for the sequel; namely Gordon Jump, Richard Sanders and Frank Bonner, along with Carol Bruce. Loni did one episode, Howard Hesseman did 9 shows, and Tim Reid did 1.
Carol Bruce replaced the original Mother Carlson, who was only in the pilot. That would be Sylvia Sidney.
Del Dolemonte on November 23, 2011 at 5:18 PM
Yes, but they didn’t have Bailey. :(
backwoods conservative on November 23, 2011 at 5:25 PM
Perhaps. But Dawn Wells was and still is a world-class beauty. She took this fabulous mug shot at the age of 69. All kidding aside, how many 69-year-olds look this adorable without makeup?
(And no, I don’t believe her story about the pot-in-the-car arrest. She was already previously linked with a 1998 shipment of marijuana to Bob Denver ["Gilligan"], who was arrested).
L.N. Smithee on November 23, 2011 at 5:26 PM
Nero Wolfe had a role on WKRP? Are you sure about that?
If so, not bad for a fictional character.
L.N. Smithee on November 23, 2011 at 5:30 PM
Hirsch was played by Ian Wolfe, veteran of who-knows-how-many movies and TV shows.
Hirsch and Mother Carlson were both wonderfully perverse characters.
SagebrushPuppet on November 23, 2011 at 5:31 PM
I stand corrected. That’s what I get for not double checking before posting.
backwoods conservative on November 23, 2011 at 5:33 PM
Actually it was Ian Wolfe, an American actor who was often cast as British characters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Wolfe
Del Dolemonte on November 23, 2011 at 5:35 PM
Yes, Bailey!
Ira on November 23, 2011 at 5:38 PM
Best Christmas scene ever.
Santa’s parachute does not open and he winds up in Al Bundy’s back yard dead.
dentalque on November 23, 2011 at 5:41 PM
The Bundys did a lot of great Christmas episodes-a classic was the one with Sam Kinison as Al’s Guardian Angel.
And WKRP also did their own version of the same theme, with Arthur Carlson going back in time and then into the future with his own guardian angel, Jennifer Marlowe.
Del Dolemonte on November 23, 2011 at 5:53 PM
An Al Bundy Thanksgiving classic-Al goes in search of Aunt Maddie’s Sweet Potato Pie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MYlatxO3n4
Del Dolemonte on November 23, 2011 at 6:17 PM
Beat me to it. Yup, Loni wasn’t bad, but Bailey was the real prize.
UltimateBob on November 23, 2011 at 3:01 PM
She (Jan Smithers) was on a 1966 cover of Newsweek years before she became a TV star.
As for the clips – WKRP is hands down the funniest, a true TV classic. The Cheers Thanksgiving was good, but would be better presented without experts telling me why it’s supposed to be funny.
whatcat on November 23, 2011 at 6:18 PM
Eh, but you can’t top the Festivus Miracle.
whatcat on November 23, 2011 at 6:20 PM
Bailey Quarters could have been a real person. Cincinnati has lovely women – inside & out.
BHO Jonestown on November 23, 2011 at 6:25 PM
All the guys I knew were really upset when she hooked up with Burt Reynolds. LOL
There were so many great sitcoms back then. From Taxi, Barney Miller, Police Squad, Night Court to Soap, Mary Hartman, Sanford and Son, and Alice…and on and on…
Deanna on November 23, 2011 at 6:25 PM
I recently discovered Car 54, Where Are You? while up late trying to complete some documents before a deadline. Side-splitting stuff, and the talent was thick in that cast. Joe E. Ross (“Ooh! Ooh!”), Fred Gwynne, Al Lewis, Nipsey Russell, Ossie Davis, even a young Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett on The Facts of Life). Coolest of all: All outdoor scenes in Car 54 were shot on location in the Bronx. Gwynne was such an underrated actor, being typecast as dark & scary dudes after The Munsters. At least his “Did you say ‘yoots’?” sound byte from My Cousin Vinny will live forever.
I feel so sorry for young people who watch animated filth like Family Guy and sitcoms like Two and a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, or 2 Broke Girls and think that all humor has to do with bodily functions.
L.N. Smithee on November 23, 2011 at 6:32 PM
Cap’n Ed: One of my comments is still stuck in purgatory. If you please…?
L.N. Smithee on November 23, 2011 at 6:33 PM
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