On Thanksgiving, people generally turn their TVs on first thing in the morning to watch the parade — and tend to leave their sets on all day.
Why not? There’s so much to watch and catch up on, whether it’s regular shows you watch on demand, or specials that roll around each Turkey Day, like the reliable “National Dog Show.”
Whether your taste runs to pure breeds or pigskin, there’s something for everyone on Thursday. Here’s a look:
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
9 a.m., NBC
It’s the 90th anniversary of the world’s most famous parade and Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker give a float-by-float breakdown of the morning’s biggest event. Tony Bennett, who is as old as the parade, will be singing. Other musical guests include Christopher Jackson (“Bull”), Sarah McLachlan and The Muppets. Olympic gold medalists Michelle Carter and Laurie Hernandez — who just won “Dancing With the Stars” — will also appear.
The National Dog Show
12 p.m., NBC
John O’Hurley hosts coverage of the 15th annual showcase of purebred canines competing for the title of Best in Show. David Frei provides analysis; Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir serve as reporters on the pooch beat.
“Mary Tyler Moore Show” marathon
4:50 a.m. – 1 p.m., Sundance
It’s been a while since so many episodes of this classic series have been on display. As Minneapolis television news correspondent Mary Richards, Mary Tyler Moore was an icon for aspiring female journalists everywhere. The comedy came out of her relationships with the people in her apartment building (wacky landlord Phyllis Lindstrom and wisecracking neighbor Rhoda Morgenstern) and the people at the TV station (Murray, Ted, Georgia and Lou Grant). Like the theme song says, she turned the world on with her smile.
Gone With The Wind
1 p.m., Sundance
Clark Gable delivers one of the best movie lines ever when Rhett Butler turns to Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh) and says, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” But we still do give a damn because this Civil War drama delivers everything a movie can offer: a great love story, gorgeous costumes, breathtaking backdrops and in the burning of Tara, the O’Hara ancestral home, the best special effects to be found circa 1939. Winner of 8 Oscars, including Best Picture.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
All day, IFC
If the misguided (and miscast) remake that appeared on Fox last month made you long for the naughty 1975 original, consider your prayers answered: IFC is showing the low-budget, big-profit musical all day long. Do the Time Warp the right way — with the divine Tim Curry.
The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration
8 p.m., ABC
“Dancing With the Stars” mainstays Julianne and Derek Hough host a musical extravaganza at the Walt Disney World Resort, featuring performances by Boyz II Men and JoJo, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson and Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Football
Redskins at Cowboys
4:30 p.m., Fox
The Washington Redskins need a victory to keep up with the division-leading Cowboys. Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott got his first NFL victory in a 27-23 win over the Redskins in September.
Steelers at Colts
8:30 p.m., NBC
The Steelers routed Indy 45-10 in last year’s meeting, with Ben Roethlisberger throwing for 364 yards and four touchdowns. Antonio Brown caught 2 TD passes and ran a punt back 71 yards for a score — so this promises to be a good one.