Full Breakdown
Jimmy Fallon's Thanksgiving Episode: Highlights and Controversies
11/27/2025, 10:38:42 PM
Thanksgiving Episode Overview
The Thanksgiving episode of *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, airing on November 27, 2025, featured a star-studded lineup including pop singer Ed Sheeran, country artist Brad Paisley, and *Stranger Things* actor Joe Keery. This episode is traditionally one of the most-watched of the year, drawing significant viewership due to its holiday timing and celebrity guests. Sheeran's appearance coincided with the release of his Netflix special, *One Shot with Ed Sheeran*, while Keery promoted the fifth and final season of *Stranger Things*, which premiered on the same day.
Core Event: "Drinksgiving" and Holiday Music
During the episode, Fallon humorously referred to the night before Thanksgiving as "Drinksgiving," highlighting the tradition of gathering at hometown bars. He delivered comedic monologues that resonated with viewers, including a parody of "The Night Before Christmas" that depicted the chaos of family gatherings. Additionally, Fallon debuted a new holiday song titled "Ugly Sweater," featuring Nashville newcomer Carter Faith. The song humorously captures the awkwardness of being the only one in an ugly Christmas sweater at a holiday party.
Official Statements & Responses
Fallon expressed his intent to keep the show light-hearted and entertaining, stating, "Our show has never really been that political. We hit both sides equally, and we try to make everybody laugh." This approach has been consistent throughout his tenure on *The Tonight Show*. The episode's musical guest, Brad Paisley, also contributed to the festive atmosphere, aligning with the show's holiday spirit.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the festive tone, Fallon's absence from the 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade drew criticism. He has participated in the parade numerous times with his band, The Roots, but was notably missing this year. Some fans recalled his awkward appearance in the previous year's parade, where he wore sunglasses despite the gloomy weather, leading to mixed reactions about his performance. Critics noted that this incident overshadowed his comedic intent and raised questions about his suitability for such public appearances.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Thanksgiving episode is expected to attract high viewership, there are discrepancies regarding the exact numbers. Last year, Fallon's Thanksgiving episode garnered 2.6 million viewers, but it remains to be seen how this year's episode will compare. Additionally, the reasons for Fallon’s absence from the Macy's Parade have not been officially disclosed, leaving fans speculating about potential controversies.
What's Next
Following the Thanksgiving episode, *The Tonight Show* will continue its regular schedule, with new episodes airing on December 1 featuring guests such as Sydney Sweeney and Tom Pelphrey. The show aims to maintain its momentum through the holiday season, promising more musical collaborations and comedic sketches.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tomorrow is, of course, Thanksgiving, which Abraham Lincoln established as a national holiday on Oct. 3, 1863. And he established the day after Thanksgiving is the day we should trample each other to get big-screen TVs at Walmart.” — Jimmy Fallon
- “I was the only one in an ugly sweater,” — Jimmy Fallon, from "Ugly Sweater."
- “It’s so bright here.” — Jimmy Fallon, during the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
This Thanksgiving episode encapsulated the blend of humor and holiday spirit that Fallon is known for, while also navigating the complexities of public perception and past controversies.
