Photo credit: movieweb.com

Revisiting a Classic: ‘WKRP in Cincinnati’s Iconic Thanksgiving Episode

Quick Links

‘WKRP’s Great Thanksgiving Episode The Thanksgiving Marketing Stunt for the Ages

The tradition of Thanksgiving-themed episodes in sitcoms is a time-honored aspect of television history. Many popular shows have dedicated segments to this festive occasion, adding humor and warmth to the holiday spirit. For example, in 2014, ABC’s Modern Family featured an episode titled “Three Turkeys,” and FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia presented “The Gang Squashes Their Beef” during its ninth season. Even shows from decades past, like the 1967 episode “Samantha’s Thanksgiving To Remember” from Bewitched, continue to resonate with audiences as they depict whimsical holiday scenarios. Such episodes remain staples in syndication, ensuring that viewers can enjoy them year after year.

However, one standout sitcom from the 1970s, WKRP in Cincinnati, deserves special attention this Thanksgiving. This series is noted for an outrageous and memorable holiday episode that revolves around a wild turkey drop from a helicopter. This absurd premise is actually inspired by a real-life publicity stunt that occurred. Airing on CBS on October 30, 1978, the episode entitled “Turkeys Away” features a colorful cast of characters, including Gary Sandy, Gordon Jump, Tim Reid, and Loni Anderson, as they navigate the challenges of keeping their radio station afloat amidst changing times.

‘WKRP’s Great Thanksgiving Episode

Release Date September 18, 1978

Seasons 4

Despite its quirky premise and diverse cast—including a visionary yet ineffective general manager, a politically-minded news reporter, and a receptionist who uses her charm to her advantage—WKRP captivated audiences for four seasons. The show received ten Emmy Award nominations, reflecting its unique appeal. The episode “Turkeys Away” artfully unfolds the hilarity surrounding a disastrous turkey drop, reminiscent of a real event from Atlanta’s WQXI radio station, where the real-life general manager famously exclaimed, “I didn’t know turkeys couldn’t fly!”

The enjoyment of “Turkeys Away” largely comes from its gradual buildup; for most of the episode, neither the characters nor the audience are privy to the station manager Mr. Carlson’s bizarre plan. The anticipation builds as comedic moments from fan-favorite characters such as Dr. Johnny Fever and Venus Flytrap weave through the narrative. However, the true comedic highlights emerge through the distress of the news reporter, Les Nessman, as he realizes the chaos unfolding beneath the helicopter.

Nessman’s initial observations, mistaking the helicopter for a festive promotional stunt, quickly spiral into chaos. Richard Sanders delivers a standout performance as Nessman is horrified by the sight of turkeys plummeting, uttering memorable lines like, “Oh, the humanity,” and “They are hitting the ground like bags of wet cement!” The audience’s anticipation of his fate adds depth to the comedic tension as the connection abruptly cuts out.

The Thanksgiving Marketing Stunt for the Ages

The humorous fallout from the turkey drop incites calls to the radio station from local authorities, including the Mayor and the Humane Society, who scramble to address the calamity. Amid the ensuing panic, program director Gary Sandy delivers an impassioned speech that reorients the team toward a more promising future. Just as the chaos appears to subside, the entrance of Mr. Carlson and Herb Tarlek, disheveled and disoriented, signals that the chaos isn’t over yet.

Nessman’s subsequent entrance serves as the final comedic highlight of the episode, capturing the blend of shock and absurdity that defines the moment. He recounts a bizarre tussle with a man and his children, hilariously portraying the surviving turkeys as aggressors. Just before the episode concludes, he ominously suggests that the turkeys might attempt a counter-attack, an outrageous yet entertaining twist that emphasizes the episode’s comedic brilliance.

The real-life inspiration for this comical turkey drop occurred not from a helicopter, but from the back of a pickup truck in Dallas, Texas. Interestingly, witnesses described a frenzy among attendees vying for the chance to catch a live turkey. Similar marketing gimmicks in places like Yellville, Arkansas, also met with chaos, hinting at the unpredictability of such publicity stunts.

Despite the wild premise of “Turkeys Away,” it remains a beloved classic, consistently ranking among the greatest television episodes of all time. According to TV Guide, it is recognized as one of the top 100 episodes ever produced. For those seeking fresh Thanksgiving-themed entertainment this year, revisiting WKRP in Cincinnati could offer the perfect blend of nostalgia and laughter. The episode is available for viewing on Apple TV, along with the rest of the series.

Source
movieweb.com