Without fail, there's always at least one room in the house on Thanksgiving Day that's taken over by the 'Big Game.' I am not a football fan. I do not know the rules, I do not root for a team, and these convictions extend through the Super Bowl as well--no commercial break or half time show exceptions. Despite what popular opinion may say to the contrary, however, with a little preplanning there are many other, more holiday-themed alternatives for what to watch this year. Here's my list of TV's top Thanksgiving specials.

Thanksgiving "New Girl" (Season 1, Episode 6)

Every season brings a new Thanksgiving installment of "New Girl," starting with this one, where Jessica Day tries to cook a turkey with hilarious results.

[see also season 2's Parents, season 3's Thanksgiving III, season 4's Thanksgiving IV]

A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving "Gilmore Girls" (Season 3, Episode 9)

If anyone can juggle multiple Thanksgiving dinners, including doing the math on how much to eat at each stop, it's the Gilmore Girls.

The Wish-Pretzel "Greek" (Season 3, Episode 9)

Made me want to start my own Wish-Pretzel tradition after watching (think wish-bone, but pretzel). Also a memorable episode in the show's run for containing a major development in fan-favorite, will-they-won't-they couple, Cassie and Cappie's, relationship.

Just Like the Pilgrims Intended "Shameless" (Season 2, Episode 11)

Thanksgiving as celebrated by my favorite TV family, the Gallaghers.

Thanksgiving "Friday Night Lights" (Season 4, Episode 13)

What better way to annoy family members than to force them to turn off LIVE football for a fictional show set around football? "Friday Night Lights," is a brilliant show, with beloved characters, and this episode marks the big, season finale game between team rivals, the Dillon Lions and the Dillon Panthers.

Entire Series of "Friday Night Lights"

While we're being subversive, why not catch up on all five seasons? Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.

Honorable Mentions:

Pangs "Buffy" (Season 4, Episode 8)

Thanksgiving Comes But Once A Year, Hopefully "That Girl" (Season 2, Episode 11)

Shibboleth (Season 2, Episode 8) andThe Indians in the Lobby (Season 3, Episode 7) "The West Wing"

Shibboleth is probably my favorite of the two (if only for CJ's turkey struggles) but this storyline from The Indians in the Lobby forces there to be a tie:

~ Happy Thanksgiving! ~