Each Thanksgiving, an iconic TV moment resurfaces in cultural conversations, only to quickly fade away “like sacks of wet cement.” Yes, we’re referring to WKRP in Cincinnati’s legendary season 1 episode, “Turkeys Away,” a sitcom half-hour so absurd that it continues to be quoted, memed, and sought after on YouTube every November.
The CBS sitcom aired from 1978 to 1982, garnering a loyal audience. However, no episode became as iconic as “Turkeys Away.” In this memorable installment, station manager Arthur Carlson attempts a top-secret holiday promotion that goes terribly awry: dropping live turkeys out of a helicopter in a shopping mall parking lot. On-the-ground reporter Les Nessman provides a play-by-play, including his famous tribute to the Hindenburg disaster: “Oh, the humanity!”
Fans still seek out this episode every year, with searches like “WKRP turkey drop full episode,” “WKRP Turkeys Away streaming,” and “Can turkeys fly?” trending each Turkey Day. This episode remains one of TV’s most enduring Thanksgiving traditions.
As unbelievable as the episode sounds, it was inspired by a real radio-world event. Series creator Hugh Wilson based fictional station WKRP on Atlanta’s top-40 station WQXI-AM, drawing inspiration from real-life station personalities. The disastrous turkey giveaway that inspired “Turkeys Away” actually occurred, with real-life chaos ensuing when turkeys were thrown from a helicopter or a truck, only to discover that turkeys cannot fly.
“Turkeys Away,” originally aired on October 30, 1978, was meant to be a simple Thanksgiving episode until it unexpectedly turned WKRP in Cincinnati into a pop-culture phenomenon. The comedy derives from the viewers not seeing the turkeys themselves on camera, with radio-drama intensity provided by Les Nessman’s narration.
Part of the episode’s enduring charm is its perfect blend of sitcom chaos, real radio-station absurdity, and late-’70s humor. Every Thanksgiving, people rediscover this timeless episode, leading to a surge in searches for clips and full episodes.
While watching the pristine original version may be challenging due to music rights issues, fans continue to track down this classic episode every year. It remains a staple of Thanksgiving viewing, resonating with audiences across generations.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.