Thanksgiving weekend has always traditionally been a great time to catch up on TV, and all the networks know it. However, while there are near-countless marathons across the cable landscape, which ones actually deserve your attention? Before your relatives turn on the game or “Tiny House Hunters,” check out our curated list of the best marathons happening over the next few days — a few guilty pleasures, but also some real standouts and classics that are worth revisiting.
“Star Trek”/”Star Trek: The Next Generation” (BBC America)
When: Thursday, 6 a.m. through the weekend
What: A mix of classic episodes from both series, digitally remastered for a new generation (and very much appreciated). While the “TNG” episodes selected are largely from Season 2 (not exactly the show at its finest), the “TOS” episodes set to air are more choice — highlights include “The City on the Edge of Forever,” “Amok Time,” and “Space Seed.”
READ MORE: ‘Star Trek’: 50 Years of Films and TV, Ranked From Worst to Best
“South Park” (Comedy Central)
When: Thursday, 3:20 p.m. – 6:25 p.m.
What: An assorted mix of classic episodes with a holiday bent, including “Helen Keller! The Musical,” “A History Channel Thanksgiving,” and plenty of Mr. Hankey.
READ MORE: ‘South Park’ Review: Season 20 Premiere Presents Nostalgia As Our National Nightmare
“Parks and Recreation” (Esquire)
When: Thursday, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
What: Esquire’s picked arguably one of the NBC comedy’s best stretches of episodes for this marathon — beginning in Season 3 just before the Harvest Festival, and running through the end of Season 4, as Leslie Knope runs for city council. New loves blossom, many waffles are eaten, and the world is introduced to the magnificence that is Lil’ Sebastian. So great.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (IFC)
When: Thursday, 6 a.m. – Friday 2:15 a.m.
What: The original 1975 film (yes, there’s a film on this list, but forgive us — we’re still traumatized by the recent Fox remake) will be running on a loop all day long, letting you check in for your favorite musical numbers and one-liners. BYO rice and toilet paper.
“Party Down” (Starz)
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.- 11:52 p.m., Friday, 7 p.m.- 11:52 p.m.
What: Let us not dwell on the fact that Starz never renewed this legendary sitcom for a third season. Let us instead be grateful we got two seasons of this incredibly funny comedy about life as a cater-waiter that featured one of the greatest ensembles in television history: Adam Scott! Lizzy Caplan! Ken Marino! Martin Starr! Jane Lynch! Ryan Hansen! Megan Mullally! Not to mention guest stars like Jimmi Simpson, Kristen Bell and Steve Guttenberg as himself! Season 1 airs Thursday night, while Season 2 airs Friday. Bask in it.
READ MORE: 7 Reasons ‘Party Down’ Is Your Next Must-See Series (That You’ve Hopefully Already Seen)
“Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” (Netflix)
When: Four movie-length episodes become available Friday 12:00 a.m.
What: This one’s basically a gimme, but let’s face it — for many, many people, this is the only TV that matters this weekend. And it should make many many fans very happy.
READ MORE: All of IndieWire’s “Gilmore Girls” Coverage (There’s a Lot)
“The Royals” (E!)
When: Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
What: If you missed E!’s first scripted series, about a fictional royal family prone to bad behavior, then you missed an unexpectedly fun and campy delight. The show returns for a third season in December, but thanks to this marathon you can dive into Seasons 1 and 2 first. Elizabeth Hurley has never been more badass.
READ MORE: E! Greenlights First Original Scripted Series ‘The Royals’ for 2015 Release
“Stan Against Evil” (IFC)
When: Friday, 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.
What: A horror show from the mind of a former “Simpsons” writer, “Stan Against Evil” features John C. McGinley as a cranky former sheriff contending with an invasion of the undead. Horror-comedy is a genre blend that often tastes great, especially after pigging out on Turkey Day. Catch up with the whole first season on IFC.
“Ash vs. Evil Dead” (Starz)
When: Sunday, 2 p.m. – 10:50 p.m.
What: Speaking of horror comedies — Bruce Campbell’s triumphant resurrection of perhaps his most famous character is just a few episodes away from the end of Season 2, but this weekend Starz is enabling some major binging, starting with the beginning of Season 1.
READ MORE: ‘Ash vs. Evil Dead’ Review: Season 2 Pits Bruce Campbell vs. Bloody Embellishment
Happy viewing, and happy Thanksgiving!
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