PBS, 8:00 p.m. ET
While National Geographic used the docudrama form to recount the story of the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving in the just-concluded Saints & Strangers, this franchise uses interviews with historians, as well as re-enacting actors, to tell the same tale. And it’s a tale which, when you think of it, may be the most original American Experience of all. Check local listings.
TCM, 8:00 p.m. ET
Here’s a rare prime-time showing of a rarely televised costume drama: From 1938, it’s the story of Marie Antoinette, starring Norma Shearer in the title role. Co-stars include John Barrymore as King Louis XV and Robert Morley as King Louis XVI.
Fox, 8:30 p.m. ET
Tonight is the first family Thanksgiving for Dean (Rob Lowe) since he lost his TV courtroom show and returned home to live with his attorney brother (Fred Savage). And though that indeed sounds ripe for comedy, I’m really looking forward to the flashback scenes showing why and how Dean left Hollywood. They feature Jason Alexander from Seinfeld and Timothy Olyphant from Justified.
ABC, 9:00 p.m. ET
CYCLE FINALE: For the 21st time on this series, a winner is crowned. In case you’re interested…
Fox, 9:00 p.m. ET
You might not think Scream Queens is the type of show that would present a Thanksgiving episode – but tonight, it is, as Chanel accompanies Chad to his family holiday dinner. Just like the plot of many Thanksgiving TV episodes – except that here, the turkey may not be the only corpse. (Too soon?)