13 Shows and Movies to Stream Over Thanksgiving

It’s Thanksgiving. You’ve just narrowly avoided an apocalyptic political discussion with your opinionated uncle, the dirty dishes are piled high and you’re too full to move. What you’re really thankful for this holiday is unfettered access to the remote control. The best way to digest a big meal and hide from the world, after all, is by streaming some good movies, binging on a new show or catching up with some old favorites.

So settle into your Snuggie and check out our viewing suggestions below.

Gilmore Girls

Have you missed Lorelai, Rory, Emily and the rest of the fast-talking gang? The Gilmore Girls revival hits Netflix on Nov. 25, giving you just enough time to grab a leftover turkey sandwich and settle in to Stars Hollow after a nearly 10-year hiatus.

Where to watch: Stream on Netflix

The Crown

The ambitious Netflix drama brings Queen Elizabeth II’s life to the small screen, with plans to cover one decade of her reign per season. Claire Foy stars as the young monarch, with the series kicking off on the eve of her marriage to Prince Philip.

Where to watch: Stream on Netflix

Boyhood

Richard Linklater’s chronicle of a boy growing up wowed audiences in 2014 and earned half a dozen Oscar nominations. The three-hour movie, filmed over 12 years, sees Ellar Coltrane’s Mason grow up onscreen as his parents (Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette, who won an Academy Award for Best Actress for the role) try to raise him as best they can. It becomes available for streaming on Nov. 25.

Where to watch: Stream on Netflix

Lovesick

Originally named Scrotal Recall, the second season of the British import, which follows a young man who has to revisit all of his prior partners after an STD diagnosis, begins streaming Nov. 17 with a new, more polite name.

Where to watch: Stream on Netflix

Search Party

Alia Shawkat plays Dory, a twenty-something who becomes obsessed with the disappearance of a college acquaintance she hasn’t seen in years. Created by Wet Hot American Summer co-writer Michael Showalter, Search Party (Nov. 21) blends the comedic sensibility of a Brooklyn-dwelling millennial with the mystery of a detective show.

Where to watch: Stream on TBS

James Bond Classics

Amazon has scooped up the pre-Daniel Craig James Bond catalog, including such Sean Connery classics as Dr. No, Goldfinger and From Russia With Love. Though certainly somewhat dated now, Bond movies have the universal appeal to unite even the most divided family gathering.

Where to watch: Stream on Amazon

Anne of Green Gables

Anne Shirley is coming back in a big way: This summer, Netflix announced a new Anne series, and now, PBS will air a reboot of the Lucy Maud Montgomery classic. Premiering on Thanksgiving Day, the story of the mischievous, imaginative redhead is a kid-friendly post-feast option.

Where to watch: PBS

Creed

Before the sequel arrives next year, watch (or rewatch) the lauded 2015 film starring Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone, which sees Rocky Balboa training and mentoring Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend—and one-time rival—Apollo Creed. As a bonus, Rocky through Rocky V are landing on Amazon Prime, so you can catch up on the duo’s relationship before moving on to the next generation.

Where to watch: Stream on Amazon

The Simpsons

All 600 episodes of The Simpsons will air consecutively on FXX, starting at noon on Thanksgiving Day and ending on Dec. 6. The marathon will be the longest-running in TV history, according to FXX—beating the 552-episode binge of The Simpsons held in 2014—which makes sense, considering that it’s the longest-running American scripted series. (For a Thanksgiving-themed episode, see Season 2, Episode 7: “Bart vs. Thanksgiving.”)

Where to watch: FXX

Please Like Me

An Australian coming-of-age comedy that revels in awkwardness, Please Like Me began airing its fourth season on Nov. 9. Catch up on the first three seasons first on Hulu, and take comfort that you are not—or were not—the only insecure young adult ever to try to figure out your life.

Where to watch: Stream on Hulu

Just Friends

Just Friends may not have been a critical success, but what are the holidays for if not to indulge in a mindless, vaguely Christmas-themed rom-com lost to the ravages of time? Thank you, Netflix. Ryan Reynolds stars as a former high school outcast who returns to his hometown with his vapid girlfriend (Anna Faris) in tow, to woo his former best friend (Amy Smart), with whom he’s always been in love.

Where to watch: Stream on Netflix

Westworld

If you’ve missed out on HBO’s drama about a Western theme park filled with very realistic androids, who exist to fulfill the fantasies of the rich guests who visit, take the Thanksgiving break to catch up. Alternatively, use the time to get up to speed on other buzzed-about shows like Stranger Things (Netflix) and Black Mirror (Netflix).

Where to watch: Stream on HBOGo

The Affair

The third season of the Showtime drama about an illicit relationship with dire consequences, which won the Golden Globe for Best TV Drama, premieres Nov. 20. In case you’re not caught up, the first two seasons are also available to stream.

Where to watch: Stream on Showtime