This Week's Best Thanksgiving Television: A Movieline Guide

You have less than a full week to plan Thanksgiving dinner, which means that you probably are not putting much thought into which television series are celebrating the holiday with special turkey-themed episodes. Lucky for you, Movieline has compiled the best of this week's Thanksgiving-themed primetime television -- which features guest stars like Jorge Garcia, Norm MacDonald, Angelina Jolie and President Obama -- in one handy guide.

MONDAY

How I Met Your Mother [8 PM, CBS]

Lost's Jorge Garcia guest-stars in tonight's holiday-themed episode as The Blitz, an old college buddy afflicted by bad luck wherever he goes. After Marshall, Barney, Lily and Robin spend the night partying with him, Ted is forced to spend Thanksgiving with Zoey (Jennifer Morrison).

Mike & Molly [9:30 PM, CBS]

If you thought Mike & Molly's fat jokes have been cringe-worthy all season, just wait until you see what is in store for your favorite lardy lovebirds during tonight's Thanksgiving episode, when Mike's putrid mother guilt-trips Molly into hosting the holiday dinner.

The Real Story of Thanksgiving [9 PM, History]

If schmaltzy giblet gags don't get you salivating for Thursday's feast, tune into the History Channel's fact-filled special about the evolution of the holiday -- dating back to the first dinner in 1621.

TUESDAY

Raising Hope [9 PM, Fox]

Rather than ordering pizza like he normally does for the holiday, Jimmy welcomes Hope's maternal grandparents (Greg Germann, Valerie Mahaffey) to celebrate the day with the Chances.

Parenthood [10 PM, NBC]

Leave it to NBC's family-centric drama/comedy hybrid to celebrate this time of year with a passive aggressive pie-baking session. Julia struggles to tame her rage while cooped up in the kitchen making desserts while Adam worries about his job, Amber unexpectedly bonds with her grandmother and Crosby tries to impress his baby mama's mama.

WEDNESDAY

The Middle [8 PM, ABC]

Speaking of disastrous pie-baking sessions, in this week's Middle, Sue's plan to launch a mother-daughter pie-baking tradition falls flat. Meanwhile, Norm MacDonald guest-stars as Mike's brother, who joins the family for the holiday and is pressured to share his feelings during dinner.

Better With You [8:30 PM, ABC]

When it comes to Wednesday night, ABC has the holiday market covered with four all new back-to-back Thanksgiving-themed episodes, including freshman sitcom Better With You. When Vicky's oven breaks down at the last minute, dinner is moved to Maddie and Ben's where Mia accidentally discovers a piece of heirloom jewelry that had allegedly been stolen years ago.

Modern Family [9 PM, ABC]

Finally, viewers get to meet Cameron's touchy-feely mother (Celia Weston) when she visits. Elsewhere, Phil is heartbroken when he hears that Haley has broken up with Dylan and Jay discovers medical websites.

Cougar Town [9:30 PM, ABC]

Jules cooks a romantic holiday dinner for Grayson after telling him that she loves him. Meanwhile, Ellie and Laurie disparage Andy's optimism and Bobby is discouraged by a communication blip within the cul-de-sac gang.

Kung Fu Panda Holiday Special [8:30 PM, NBC]

If you are stuck babysitting your annoying nieces and nephews, flip on this Dreamworks holiday special which emphasizes the importance of values you've long forgotten like family and togetherness. Features the voices of Angelina Jolie, Jack Black, Seth Rogen and David Cross.

Biggest Loser: Where Are They Now [9 PM, NBC]

A double-size Biggest Loser special airs tonight featuring a gourmet Thanksgiving dinner for some contestants, a San Francisco triathlon for others and a surprise engagement for another alum. Within the two-hour episode, fans will get updates on 30 past Losers.

Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson [12:35 AM, CBS]

While the rest of the late night hosts focus on entertainment-related guests like Natalie Portman (Letterman), Cher (Leno) and Colin Firth (Fallon), your favorite TV Scotsman will welcome Paula Deen to his set for a few last-minute turkey tips.

THURSDAY

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving [8 PM, ABC]

Watch Lucy pull the football out from underneath Charlie Brown's foot one more time in this 1973 Charles M. Schulz holiday classic.

NBC's People of the Year [9 PM, NBC]

Matt Lauer will interview Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, at minimum one Chilean miner and Justin Timberlake during this special which rivals Barbara Walters' 10 Most Fascinating People programs in theme.

FRIDAY

TV's Funniest Holiday Moments: A Paley Center for Media Special [8 PM, Fox]

What Thursday lacked in terms of quality primetime viewing, Jane Lynch attempts to make up for by counting down the 30 most memorable holiday moments on TV, including scenes from Friends, Cheers, Family Guy and even Two and a Half Men.

A Barbara Walters Special: A Thanksgiving Visit With President and Mr. Obama [10 PM, ABC]

The ABC anchorwoman will travel to D.C. on November 23 to tape her Turkey Day 20/20 installment with the Obamas, which is expected to include topical discussions, particularly about the Democrats' November reversals.

Elf [8 PM, USA]

If you don't want to waste time wading through primetime hit-or-miss clips or presidential formalities, enjoy your left-overs in front of a reliable holiday favorite like this Will Ferrell hit.