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
Biggie and Diddy’s Strange Friendship: Revisiting the Most Defining Moments

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

Best 'Square Up' Challenge Videos on TikTok in 2026

Best ‘Square Up’ Challenge Videos on TikTok in 2026

From Black suburban kids making squares with their arms to white co-workers throwing elbows, TikTok’s #SquareUp challenge has the internet crying with laughter! …
A Look Inside Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta

A Look Inside Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta

Now that he’s sold its equity stake in BET+ to Paramount Skydance, let’s take a peek inside Tyler Perry’s famous studio and stages in Atlanta! …
New Study Outlines the Real Consequences of RFK Jr.'s Controversial Health Policies for Black Americans

New Study Outlines the Real Consequences of RFK Jr.’s Controversial Health Policies for Black Americans

An analysis from Protect Our Care and American Public Health Association found RFK Jr.’s “crusade against vaccines” especially harmful for Black Americans …
5 Black Women Dominating College Basketball’s NIL Earnings

5 Black Women Dominating College Basketball’s NIL Earnings

These Black women are putting up numbers on the court and off the court in the business world …
Woman From Coldplay CEO Scandal Reveals Shocking Fact to Oprah About Viral Moment

Woman From Coldplay CEO Scandal Reveals Shocking Fact to Oprah About Viral Moment

Kristin Cabot, the woman at the center of the infamous July 2025 CEO Scandal at a Coldplay concert, is opening up to Oprah and sharing new details! …
Black America is Trying to Decode Obama's Cryptic X Post About “Unfinished Business”

Black America is Trying to Decode Obama’s Cryptic X Post About “Unfinished Business”

After Obama posts cryptic message online, Black folks are divided on what this means for the future of the country …
Experts: Why Black America Needs to Embrace Bankruptcy To Protect and Grow Wealth

Experts: Why Black America Needs to Embrace Bankruptcy To Protect and Grow Wealth

Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole broke the internet— and bankruptcy stigma. Discover how Chapters 7, 11 and 13 can protect Black wealth without shame …
Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect Did This Wild Thing Just Months Before Committing Crime

Rihanna Home Shooting Suspect Did This Wild Thing Just Months Before Committing Crime

More information about the woman charged with shooting at Rihanna’s home have been released and it’s truly disturbing! …
Jack Harlow Said He Got 'Blacker' and the Internet Is Outraged

Jack Harlow Said He Got ‘Blacker’ and the Internet Is Outraged

Rapper Jack Harlow is causing a stir online with his latest admission, and some folks aren’t feeling what he’s sharing! Let’s get into it …
Zendaya Crashes A Las Vegas Wedding —and the Internet Can’t Stop Talking

Zendaya Crashes A Las Vegas Wedding —and the Internet Can’t Stop Talking

The Euphoria star shocked guests at a one-day Las Vegas pop-up chapel, unexpectedly crashing a couple’s wedding ceremony …
7 Estate Planning Steps to Take Now So Your Loved Ones Aren't Left Guessing

7 Estate Planning Steps to Take Now So Your Loved Ones Aren’t Left Guessing

Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy or elderly. We spoke with a professional to highlight practical steps anyone can take today to protect their legacy and loved ones …
Why Things Got Tense for Teyana Taylor On the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Why Things Got Tense for Teyana Taylor On the 2026 Oscars Red Carpet

Teyana Taylor losing Best Supporting Actress apparently wasn’t her only upset at the 2026 Oscars as seen in this testy, viral moment! …
6 Years After Breonna Taylor's Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

6 Years After Breonna Taylor’s Killing, Trump Admin Quietly Gets Rid of Law That Could Have Saved Her Life

Days before the anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death, the Trump administration quietly reversed legislation which might have saved her life …
Oscars 2026 Best and Worst Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

Oscars 2026 Best and Worst Black Moments: Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan and More

While ‘Sinners’ didn’t exactly sweep the awards on Sunday, the film still walked away with some major wins at the 2026 Oscars. Let’s get into it! …
Haitian Immigrant Woman Found Dead at Bus Stop Days After Release From ICE. Now, Her Family Demands Justice

Haitian Immigrant Woman Found Dead at Bus Stop Days After Release From ICE. Now, Her Family Demands Justice

The family of a Haitian immigrant, who came to the U.S. to seek asylum, seeks answers after she was found dead at a bus stop days after her release from ICE …
After 12-Year-Old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her Family Is Searching for Answers

After 12-Year-Old Girl Dies Following School Bus Fight, Her Family Is Searching for Answers

The family of Jada West has hired prominent attorney Ben Crump as they seek accountability in the case surrounding her untimely death …
Erika Kirk Dragged After Questionable Statements About White Men Being 'Disenfranchised'

Erika Kirk Dragged After Questionable Statements About White Men Being ‘Disenfranchised’

Black folks are coming for the Turning Point USA CEO for comments she made about white men being disenfranchised …
Why Michael B. Jordan Just Claimed The Oscar Crown Jonathan Majors Let Slip Away

Why Michael B. Jordan Just Claimed The Oscar Crown Jonathan Majors Let Slip Away

Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors once stood at the exact same place in Black Hollywood. One played the long game. The other played himself …
Cringey 2026 Oscars Snub the Heck Out of 'Sinners'

Cringey 2026 Oscars Snub the Heck Out of ‘Sinners’

The most-nominated film of the year faced surprising losses, but still scored historic wins for its cast and crew …
Resurfaced Video of Tyriq Withers Showing His Black Greek Pride is Now Viral

Resurfaced Video of Tyriq Withers Showing His Black Greek Pride is Now Viral

The “Reminders of Him” actor is trending after fans rediscover a throwback video of him strolling with his fraternity brothers …