6 Shows to Binge During Thanksgiving Weekend

The holiday weekend is a great time for a good TV binge. From Insecure to Queens, these shows offer a lot no matter what your TV preferences are.

Photo: Shutterstock Joshua Resnick

The Wednesday to Sunday that encompass Thanksgiving weekend can be hectic at best, chaotic at worst. Unfortunately, if you’re not a sports fan, there’s not much on TV to help you escape. That’s why it’s the perfect weekend for a good binge.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Shannon Sharpe Faces $50M Lawsuit Amid Chilling Abuse Accusations And Leaked Messages

Whether you’re looking for a few episodes to catch up on, or a more comprehensive re-watch, we’ve got you covered. From captivating crime drama to fan favorite comedy to family friendly franchise, there’s something for everyone in our 6 shows to binge during Thanksgiving weekend.

Succession

Photo: Getty Images Theo Wargo

Throughout Succession season 3, the Roy family civil war has made for some hilarious moments. While the ratings have been everything HBO wants, there are always those who like to wait and binge most, if not all the episodes at once. Why wait each week, when you can have the next entry in minutes.

And with a show like Succession, that week-long wait can be an eternity. The Covid-19 pandemic led to a two year delay between seasons 2 and 3, meaning the show has more fans than ever. What better way to make yourself feel better about your family dysfunction than by laughing at and judging the Roys.

BMF

Photo: Getty Images Marcus Ingram

Your family may have its issues, but we assume it’s not a huge criminal empire full of intrigue and backstabbing. Starz initially promoted BMF as a companion to Power Book III: Raising Kanan, however once its season ended, BMF seemed to fade into the background.

Inspired by the true story of the Flenory brothers, who built a powerful mafia family from nothing, BMF wraps up its first season just in time for Thanksgiving, making it perfect to jump into. Eight episodes will keep everyone occupied as the itis kicks in after dinner.

Insecure

Photo: Getty Images Vivien Killilea

None of us are happy about it, but yes, this is the final season of Insecure. What makes Insecure so perfect for a holiday binge is that it has something everyone in your family will like. Your parents will love Molly’s blunt parents, your sister will definitely see herself in Condola’s so-over-Lawrence sister and the reason we love Issa is because we’re all painfully awkward at some point.

By the time we hit the big weekend, season 5 will be at the halfway point. Thanksgiving can be tense, so why not let Issa and Molly’s complicated love lives and Kelli’s always hilarious shenanigans ease all the weirdness of seeing some family members for the first time in two years?

This is Us

Photo: Getty Images Amy Sussman

This is a binge for the serious TV watchers. If you plan to hole up all weekend with leftovers, and avoid the chaos, first of all, congrats. Second of all, may we interest you in a full series binge of This is Us?

Ahead of the final season premiere Jan. 4, get a jump on the tears with all 88 episodes. Yes, it’s a lot, but if you cut off all contact with the outside world Wed-Sun, you should be able to handle it. A This is Us binge will definitely take an emotional toll, but don’t worry, the rest of that sweet potato pie is there to make you feel better.

Queens

Screenshot: ABC

With all the prestige TV and sports on, Queens may have slipped past your radar, which means its midseason hiatus is the best time to get onboard. The soapy drama stars Brandy, Eve, Naturi Naughton and Nadine Velazquez as the members of a ‘90s hip hop girl group who reunite as middle aged women.

With themes of female empowerment combined with paternity questions, cheating husbands, sexual identity and long lost mothers, all set to an amazing soundtrack, this is the best show you’re not watching. Since we’ve all become so good at binging, six episodes should be light work after Black Friday shopping.

The Mandalorian

Photo: Getty Images Evgeniy SOFRONEYEV

Honestly, there’s never a bad time to binge The Mandalorian. However, with spinoff The Book of Boba Fett set to hit Disney+ Dec. 29, the long weekend is a good chance to catch up on the entire series. It’s only 16 episodes.

The Mandalorian takes place five years after Return of the Jedi, and follows Pedro Pascal’s bounty hunter as he cares for The Child aka Baby Yoda aka Grogu. You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy it, though that does help. Plus, it’s a family friendly show, so everyone can sit down and watch this one together. We promise one episode and you’ll be hooked.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

More Telltale Signs that Trump Is Quickly Running Out of Time

More Telltale Signs that Trump Is Quickly Running Out of Time

With Trump facing continuous protests, lawsuits and dissent within his own party, growing pressure could mean a disastrous ending for him …
A Peek Inside Aretha Franklin's 1990s Detroit Mansion, In Honor of Her 84th Birthday

A Peek Inside Aretha Franklin’s 1990s Detroit Mansion, In Honor of Her 84th Birthday

In honor of what would have been her 84th birthday, check out the beautiful palace that the Queen of Soul called home! …
Why Serena Williams' Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Why Serena Williams’ Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Serena Williams has unfortunately reignited more talks of potential skin bleaching thank to new posts on social media. And folks online are not happy! …
Lamar Odom's Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

Lamar Odom’s Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

While many know NBA star Lamar Odom for his famous relationship with Khloe Kardashian, his teenage sweetheart is finally opening up about their dynamic …
Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the 'Verzuz' Battle

Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the ‘Verzuz’ Battle

“Verzuz” is back, y’all! From “Sweet Lady” to “When We,” Tank and Tyrese are bringing all their hits to the stage. We curated the best playlist to get you ready to sing and slow dance for the show …
Black People Are Asking Why We Didn't Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black People Are Asking Why We Didn’t Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black folks are pissed after Zohran Mamdani’s wife’s old tweets resurfaced, painting her in a problematic light within the Black community …
The Numbers Don't Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

From the C-suite to entrepreneurship, Black women have had a record-breaking rise in recent years, even as they battle an uneven playing field …
Why a Comedian's Translation of 'The Lion King's' Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

Why a Comedian’s Translation of ‘The Lion King’s’ Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

The “Circle of Life” chant is one of the most recognizable sounds in Disney movie history! But right now, it’s the center of a $27 million legal war …
Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Reviews are mixed on whether maskless Black ICE agents are causing more harm than good in U.S. airports …
Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Shay Taylor-Allen shared a now-viral clip of the moment she learned that she would do her medical residency at Yale Hospital –where she once worked as a janitor …
We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

Usher and Justin Bieber allegedly got into a ‘heated exchange’ during an Oscars after-party. And now we’ve got insight into what really went down! …
Boston's 'Best Social Justice Advocate' Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Boston’s ‘Best Social Justice Advocate’ Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Monica Cannon-Grant, named “Bostonian of the Year,” stole donations and rental aid while illegally collecting unemployment as she organized BLM …
Black Woman Charged With Murder For Taking Abortion Pills

Black Woman Charged With Murder For Taking Abortion Pills

In a shocking turn of events, a Republican judge and DA both agreed a woman’s arrest after taking abortion pills in Georgia was “problematic.” …
'How Long Not Long' – The Promise and Warning of Dr. King's Montgomery Speech Six Decades Later

‘How Long Not Long’ – The Promise and Warning of Dr. King’s Montgomery Speech Six Decades Later

Today, 61 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous Alabama speech, “How Long, Not Long,” reminding us that the arc of the moral universe bends only when we bend it …
Yung Miami Reveals Why She Stood Up for Diddy's Character During Trial

Yung Miami Reveals Why She Stood Up for Diddy’s Character During Trial

Rapper Yung Miami, one half of the rap duo The City Girls, was romantically linked to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs from 2021 to 2023 …
Why Michael B. Jordan's Oscar Win Isn't Feeling the Love From Judge Joe Brown

Why Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar Win Isn’t Feeling the Love From Judge Joe Brown

While many are ecstatic over Michael B. Jordan’s long-awaited Oscar win, Judge Joe Brown says it’s not all it’s cracked up to be …
A Year After Eaton Wildfires Devastated this Historic Black Neighborhood, a Full Investigation Begins

A Year After Eaton Wildfires Devastated this Historic Black Neighborhood, a Full Investigation Begins

Calif. AG Rob Bonta is investigating whether systemic racism impacted how emergency responders reacted to devastating Eaton wildfires …
Don Lemon Shares His Frightening Connection to Rihanna Shooting Incident

Don Lemon Shares His Frightening Connection to Rihanna Shooting Incident

Don Lemon, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday with Rihanna, is opening up about the eerie connection he had to her home shooting …
New Twist in Nia Long's Allege Stalker Drama

New Twist in Nia Long’s Allege Stalker Drama

‘The Best Man’ actress seeks court protection for her family following a two-year pattern of alleged harassment and a terrifying weekend encounter …
What J. Cole Says About Drake and Kendrick Will Surprise You

What J. Cole Says About Drake and Kendrick Will Surprise You

J. Cole said he was “disgusted” that the world turned on Drake during his beef against Kendrick Lamar …