It’s that time of year again. White folks are clamoring at Starbucks for their pumpkin-spice lattes, and black folks are calling around to make sure Aunt Sheila is still making her signature turkey this year … it’s Thanksgiving! And while many of us side-eye the massacre and theft masquerading as a family-friendly holiday, we’ve managed to change it to a time to be surrounded by those we love and food … glorious food.
And for you sports lovers out there, I think there’s some sort of important football game happening? But let’s be real, football is not the only form of entertainment during the holidays. Now that we’ve got all kinds of streaming services, and cable’s racking up on “on demand” shows, there are plenty of alternative things to watch. Show some gratitude to some good and diverse entertainment!
Here are some shows that you should be binging on this Thanksgiving:
1. Big Mouth (Netflix)
An adult cartoon on Netflix that’s all about the monster you become when you go through puberty. Maya Rudolph’s character will make you weak!
2. Master of None (Netflix)
Because Aziz Ansari can do no wrong, and there are two seasons! Season 2 takes place in Italy, and who doesn’t love Italy?! You can find this one on Netflix.
3. Stranger Things (Netflix)
Get all caught up in this small town sci-fi craziness on Netflix. Also, get into the rising star, Caleb McLaughlin.
4. The Office (Netflix)
There’s nothing as awesome as having a long holiday weekend to binge on an older show with many seasons, and The Office is one of those. Steve Carrell is perfect in every way. You can catch The Office and all its seasons on Netflix.
5. Chewing Gum (Netflix)
Michaela Coel is the GOAT. She’s an awkward black girl who just wants to lose her virginity, and the result is hilarious! Catch Chewing Gum on Netflix.
6. Black-ish (Hulu)
Y’all, when I watch this show, it’s hard to believe I’m watching prime-time television because the show is sooo black. They address things like mass incarceration, slavery, privilege and more. You can watch on Hulu or check your cable provider for on-demand options.
7. Claws (TNT)
Niecy Nash as a nail-salon owner who gets caught up in the world of sex, drugs and Uncle Daddy (yes, this is a character on the show)? Sprinkle in some murder, kidnapping and a little Karrueche Tran … yes, please! Catch Claws on TNT.
8. Queen Sugar (Hulu)
The Root 100 honoree Ava DuVernay stuck her foot in this show. Queen Sugar is like watching a black-ass family movie every episode. Plus, Kofi Siriboe is in it. Need I say more? You can catch Queen Sugar on Hulu or on OWN.
9. Bob’s Burgers (Netflix)
I love a good adult cartoon, and Bob’s Burgers is one that any and everyone can get into. Each character offers up a dynamic and unique POV that’s side-splitting every time. Watch it on Netflix!
10. The Handmaid’s Tale (Hulu)
The best thing about this show is that … white women are slaves. (Although, unfortunately, some black women are slaves, too. Basically, all women are slaves and it sucks, but it’s compelling television!) Intriguing, right? Watch this dystopian show on Hulu.
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