Must-Watch Thanksgiving Entertainment: Our Team’s Top 7 Movies & TV Shows!

Welcome to Screen Gab, our newsletter tailored for those who anticipate an abundance of leisure time this weekend.

Undoubtedly, some of that time might be spent whipping up meals (and devouring them), or perhaps making a trip to the cinema with the kinfolk. However, if you share a common passion with the entertainment connoisseurs here at The Times, you’re probably eager to nestle into your sofa for an extended TV binge session.

If you’re in search of suggestions to stack your viewing list, here are the shows and movies that seven of our regular newsletter contributors will be indulging in — or revisiting — over the lengthy holiday period.

‘Almost a Christmas Tale’ (Disney+)

Upon reading TV critic Robert Lloyd’s glowing review of Disney+’s “Almost a Christmas Tale” in his holiday viewing guide, I was convinced it was the ideal new film to share with my toddler, who recently developed an interest in owls. This animated short is loosely rooted in the real-life story of a tiny owl discovered in the 2020 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. The plot weaves in a lost little girl, a street musician with a guitar (voiced by John C. Reilly, who performs two original songs), and a trio of pigeons who swoop in to save the day. As an ex-New Yorker, it warmed my heart to see familiar scenes of the subway and the Rockefeller ice skating rink, stirring nostalgia of holiday seasons in the city. Clocking in at just over 20 minutes, it was the perfect length to engage my son with its unique narrative. — Maira Garcia

‘Hawkeye’ (Disney+)

If you’re looking to ease into the holiday mood before jumping headfirst into timeless Christmas favorites like “Elf” or “Love Actually,” consider 2021’s “Hawkeye” on Disney+. Set predominantly in yuletide New York, “Hawkeye” captures the essence of the season, though in a distinctively MCU fashion. As Jeremy Renner’s Hawkeye contends with his past while embracing a newfound tranquility, he’s thrust into dealing with the future — represented by Kate Bishop (Hailee Steinfeld), a young and dedicated fan eager to partner with her idol to combat a slew of new and returning villains. If that’s not enticing enough, Florence Pugh’s Yelena makes an unforgettable appearance, putting the cherry on top. Expect to be amused, moved, and maybe even inspired to request an archery set from Santa. —Mary McNamara

‘Felicity’ (Hulu)

In the summer before starting college, I binged all four seasons of “Felicity,” which in retrospect, was not the wisest decision. The story of an 18-year-old woman landing in New York City, moving into a dorm with bay windows, and having two heartthrobs fall for her during her freshman year set some unrealistically high expectations for college life. The game-changing episode for me was in the first season of the W.B. show, which starred Keri Russell. Felicity chooses to remain in New York for Thanksgiving instead of flying home to California. She and her friends — including the two hot guys (Scott Speedman and Scott Foley) — prepare side dishes in the microwave and dine out of Tupperware. However, the entire evening is imbued with a magical feeling, a mix of longing for one’s youth while being simultaneously overwhelmed by the prospects of adulthood. If you’re spending the holiday with your chosen family, it’ll resonate deeply. Then you can stream the rest of J.J. Abrams and Matt Reeves’ emblematic college series. —Amy Kaufman

‘Matlock’ (Paramount+)

When I think of family time, mystery and detective shows come to mind. My childhood TV diet consisted of reruns of “Perry Mason” and “Columbo,” along with “Murder, She Wrote,” “Matlock,” and more, all thanks to my mom. This long holiday weekend, I plan on catching up on CBS’ reboot of “Matlock” starring Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, a retired lawyer who wangles a new job at a law firm with her wit and endearing grandmotherly charm. Matty justifies her return to work as a financial necessity to support herself and her grandson, but by the end of the first episode, we learn there’s much more to her narrative than she lets on to her new coworkers. It’s a different take on the “Matlock” my mom remembers, but I believe she’ll enjoy it too. —Tracy Brown

‘My Brilliant Friend’ (Max)

Six years ago, I was captivated by “My Brilliant Friend’s” command of perspective, right after a summer spent immersed in the pool reading the quartet of Neapolitan novels that it’s based on. Since then, I’ve fallen out of touch with the HBO series, much like its main characters Lenù and Lila, the lifelong friends of Elena Ferrante’s 20th-century saga: Work or family obligations would often get in the way, and rather than reducing it to background noise while multitasking, I decided to put it on hold. But — akin to Lenù and Lila — there was never a doubt that I’d completely lose touch. The recent coverage of “My Brilliant Friend’s” fourth and final season, starring Alba Rohrwacher and Irene Maiorino, triggered a wave of nostalgia, and with fewer distractions around, I’m determined to catch up over the next few days. If the remaining seasons are as engaging as the first, providing insight into Naples’ social hierarchy and our heroines’ desire to escape it, I’ll be able to strike this one off my “to watch” list by the time Monday arrives. —Matt Brennan

‘My Old Ass’ (Prime Video)

A movie titled “My Old Ass” may seem like an unconventional choice for holiday viewing, particularly if it’s a family event. But don’t let the mildly provocative title deter you from this gem that not only delivers ample laughs but is also infused with heartfelt and poignant moments that may spark a newfound appreciation for your own family. The comedy features Maisy Stella as Elliot, a queer 18-year-old on the cusp of heading off to college, itching to leave behind the picturesque Ontario town where she grew up and where her family has been cranberry farmers for generations. After partaking in some psychedelic mushrooms, Elliot encounters her older self. Portrayed brilliantly by Aubrey Plaza, the older Elliot offers a sneak peek — and some cautionary advice — about what lies ahead. The less you know about the film going in, the more you’ll relish its fresh perspectives and unexpected plot twists. Stella’s standout performance is one that should not be overlooked during awards season. —Greg Braxton

‘Perry Mason’ (multiple platforms)

I’m referring to the original series (1957 to 1966), featuring the kind-eyed, broad-shouldered Raymond Burr as the renowned defense attorney, aided by his loyal assistant Della Street (Barbara Hale) and his almost personal private investigator Paul Drake (William Hopper), consistently confounding Lt. Tragg (Ray Collins) and district attorney Hamilton Berger (William Tallman), who is always destined to lose. (The show’s premise rests on the authorities getting it wrong; Erle Stanley Gardner, the creator of the character, was a pioneer of an early iteration of the Innocence Project.) The series echoes the spirit of the books in its legal diversions and the enigmatic nature of its main characters. Perry’s inevitable victory in every case sets it apart from more “realistic” courtroom dramas but ensures viewer satisfaction. —Robert Lloyd