‘Everybody Loves Raymond’: All the Thanksgiving Episodes, Ranked
Thanksgiving at the Barone house isn’t just about turkey — it’s about tension, guilt-tripping, guilt-eating, and yes… unforgettable laughter. Everybody Loves Raymond turned awkward family dynamics into comedy gold, and their Thanksgiving episodes are some of the most hilariously chaotic ever aired on television.
If you’re looking to revisit (or binge for the first time) the best of Raymond’s turkey day disasters, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the ultimate ranking of every Thanksgiving episode — based on laughs, iconic moments, and good ol’ Barone family dysfunction.
What Makes a Great ‘Raymond’ Thanksgiving Episode?
It’s not just about who cooks the bird. The best episodes have:
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Explosive family arguments (that somehow feel familiar)
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Debra’s near-breakdowns
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Marie’s passive-aggressive shade
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Frank’s one-liners
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And Ray… being Ray
Total Thanksgiving Episodes Count: 3
Believe it or not, Everybody Loves Raymond only had three official Thanksgiving episodes during its nine-season run. But what they lack in quantity, they more than make up for in pure comedic brilliance.
Let’s rank them from “great” to “absolute classic.”
#3: Season 3, Episode 10 — “No Fat”
The Premise
Marie decides to cook a healthy Thanksgiving dinner — no fat, no flavor, no fun.
Why It Works
Watching the Barones slowly lose their minds over tofu turkey is comedy gold. The highlight? Frank’s meltdown over Marie’s “fake food.”
Relatable Moment
When Debra tries to keep things polite while everyone else is quietly losing their appetite and their sanity.
Best Line
Frank: “This is not turkey. This is something born in a petri dish!”
Why It’s Ranked Lower
It’s funny, but not as explosive or iconic as the other two. Still, it’s a great reminder of why you don’t mess with tradition.
#2: Season 6, Episode 9 — “Thanksgiving for Real”
The Premise
Debra insists on hosting a “real” Thanksgiving — no Marie, no help, no interference.
Why It’s Hilarious
Because Debra vs. Marie is the undisputed heavyweight rivalry of the series. Watching Debra try to out-host Marie is tense and funny — and you know it won’t end well.
Classic Raymond Chaos
Debra, exhausted and panicked, finally snaps and throws the turkey across the kitchen. Yep. A full-on turkey toss.
Best Line
Ray (to Debra): “I thought we were having a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving. Not a Quentin Tarantino one.”
Why It Ranks Higher
It captures the essence of family holidays: good intentions, simmering resentment, and something always going hilariously wrong.
#1: Season 1, Episode 10 — “Turkey or Fish”
The OG and Still the Best
Debra wants to start her own tradition by serving fish instead of turkey. But Marie? She shows up with a full bird anyway.
Why It’s Brilliant
It’s early in the series, but it perfectly sets up the Barone family dynamic. Debra’s trying to be modern and independent. Marie just wants control. And Ray… just wants peace (and meat).
Most Iconic Moment
Debra’s tearful, furious breakdown when her dinner falls apart. It’s equal parts funny and way too real.
Best Line
Marie: “I brought a turkey just in case. You can never have too much food!”
Debra (sarcastically): “Sure, let’s eat until we explode.”
Why It’s #1
It’s the perfect storm of family tension, passive-aggressive battles, and the horrible realization that you married into a very loud family. A true Thanksgiving classic.
Honorable Mentions: Episodes with Thanksgiving Vibes
“Fighting In-Laws” (Season 4, Episode 9)
No turkey, but it’s all about family dysfunction. Debra’s parents are just as bonkers as the Barones.
“The Toaster” (Season 3, Episode 12)
More of a Christmas episode, but the emotional family struggle (and the petty toast-related feud) screams holiday chaos.
What Makes These Episodes So Relatable?
Because we’ve all been there. Maybe your mother-in-law didn’t bring an entire backup meal, but someone definitely made a comment that ruined the vibe. Maybe your spouse didn’t toss the turkey — but emotionally? That turkey flew.
Everybody Loves Raymond nails the awkward, painful, hilarious truth about holidays with family. And that’s why we keep coming back.
Why They Still Hold Up Today
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Timeless humor — The jokes are about people, not pop culture.
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Real relationships — Every fight comes from a place of love (and resentment).
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Marie Barone — Honestly, she could carry the whole show herself.
How To Watch the Episodes This Holiday
Most streaming platforms that host Everybody Loves Raymond list the Thanksgiving episodes as “holiday specials.” If you’re binging this season:
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Start with “Turkey or Fish”
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Roll into “Thanksgiving for Real”
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Finish with “No Fat” — the least chaotic (but still funny)
Final Thoughts: A Turkey Day Tradition Worth Keeping
Rewatching the Thanksgiving episodes of Everybody Loves Raymond is like pulling out that old family recipe you only make once a year. It’s comforting, chaotic, and kind of therapeutic.
Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn mother-in-law, a clueless spouse, or a dinner that’s spiraling out of control — trust the Barones to remind you that it could always be worse… and way funnier.
FAQs
Q1: How many Thanksgiving episodes are there in Everybody Loves Raymond?
Only three official ones: “Turkey or Fish,” “No Fat,” and “Thanksgiving for Real.”
Q2: What’s the most popular Thanksgiving episode?
“Turkey or Fish” from Season 1 is the fan favorite and most iconic.
Q3: Are there any Christmas or other holiday episodes in the series?
Yes! There are several Christmas episodes and even one about Easter — all packed with Barone-style drama.
Q4: Is Everybody Loves Raymond still funny today?
Absolutely. The humor is timeless because it’s rooted in family dynamics that never go out of style.
Q5: Where can I stream the Thanksgiving episodes?
You can find them on Peacock, Paramount+, or through your digital purchase platforms like Amazon or iTunes.
