Thanksgiving 2009 Television Guide: What to Watch on Tv Besides Football

On Thanksgiving your tv will most likely be tuned in to one or all of the three NFL football games. That's the tradition, right?

If you're not interested in football, what other choices do you have for entertaining television? More than you might think. Here are some non-football options for what to watch on television on Thanksgiving. (Schedules subject to change.)

The Godfather Part II, 11:30 am, AMC

It's rated R, so keep that in mind if kids will be a part of your holiday clan. This 1974 film stars Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro, who won an Oscar in a supporting role. There's more Godfather, if you're so inclined: Part III follows at 4 pm.

Home for the Holidays: The History of Thanksgiving, 1 pm, History Channel

Tune in to watch Harry Smith host this 60-minute program that includes a re-enactment of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 and a discussion of the holiday from the point of view of Native Americans.

America's Wild Spaces: The Everglades, 2 pm, National Geographic Channel

The National Geographic Channel has an entire afternoon of television celebrating America's national parks and landscapes. A 1-hour tv documentary on the Florida Everglades begins the marathon, followed by programs on the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Alaska's Denali Park, and Death Valley.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off: 4:30 pm, Comedy Central

Bueller? Bueller? Watch this 1986 comedy classic starring Matthew Broderick as a high school senior who skips school. Hilarity ensues.

Inside the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade: 6 pm, History Channel

This 2006 tv documentary details the history of the parade and focuses on the year-round efforts to make the parade happen.

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, 8 pm, ABC

If you're in the spirit of the holiday, this is a great choice. You can never go wrong with cartoons - especially a tv classic like Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Tune in to this 1973 film and root for Charlie to actually kick the football this time.

Survivor Samoa, 8 pm, CBS

This season of Survivor has been gripping television, with the crafty Russell starting off as the villain and then evolving into the beloved, scrappy underdog. The Galu tribe had a huge numbers advantage when the tribes merged, but Russell's former tribemates in Foa Foa managed to take out a couple of Galu members to make things interesting. Will they be able to stick around much longer?

If you're really a Survivor diehard, flip over to the TV Guide channel at 9 pm to watch Survivor Millionaires: Where Are They Now?

Beyonce: I Am... Yours, 9 pm, ABC

This 60-minute special combines footage from a recent Beyonce concert with movies from the singer's childhood. This is an appropriate time for a Beyonce tv special, as the past year saw the release of two of her best songs yet: "Single Ladies" and "Halo."

Addams Family Values, 9 pm, MTV

It's the 1993 movie about the creepy Addams clan, starring Raul Julia, Anjelica Huston, and Christina Ricci. Fun for the whole family!

Paul McCartney: Good Evening, New York City, 10 pm, ABC

The former Beatle is still going strong at age 67. This concert special was filmed earlier this summer, right next to the site of the old Shea Stadium, where the Beatles played one of their most famous concerts. Footage of that historic concert will be included in this tv special.

Kathy Griffin: Balls of Steel, 11 pm, Bravo

In this rerun of her latest television special, the foul-mouthed comedian makes fun of Whitney Houston, Miley Cyrus, and Paula Abdul. You'll want to watch her hilarious tale about chasing down and cornering Barbara Walters in a restroom stall on the set of The View.

What to watch on Thanksgiving: Summary

Cartoons, nature documentaries, concert specials, reality show drama, creepy movies, and adult comedy - there's something for every non-football fan to watch on television this year on Thanksgiving.

Sources:

http://www.tvguide.com/Listings/default.aspx