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Thanksgiving is a time to spend time with the ones you love. For some people, that means sitting around the dinner table with your families and enjoying a good meal. For me, that means turning on the TV and connecting with my dear friends on TV.

I'm not delusional. I know the people on TV aren't really my friends -- there's a good chance they don't even know I exist. Nonetheless, they provide comfort and familiarity. When I tune into one of my favorite shows and watch the characters I see every week, I feel as comfortable as I do when attending a family reunion.

This year, I'm giving thanks for my favorite TV families. There are quite a few that I wouldn't mind sitting down with this Thursday for some good food, some good conversation, and of course, lots of yelling (because what's Thanksgiving without an argument?). If I had to spend Thanksgiving with anyone on TV, these are the top five families I'd choose to dine with.

The Bartowskis from Chuck
Sometimes a family is an extended group of oddballs, and for the past two years, the adorable Ellie Bartowski on Chuck has opened her doors to the wacky characters of the Buy More for insanity and delicious yams. And since you'll be there with Sarah and Casey, you know that if a terrorist strikes, they'll protect you.

The Darlings from Dirty Sexy Money
Part of me thinks that if I ate Thanksgiving dinner with the Darlings, I'd be lied to and manipulated the whole evening. On the other hand, the very rich New York City clan would also have the finest gourmet meal, and I never pass up delicious food, even if it means having to play the mind games of Tripp and his children.

The van der Woodsens from Gossip Girl
There's something endearing about the uber-rich Lily, Eric and Serena van der Woodsen having Thanksgiving at a diner before barging in on Rufus to steal the Humphreys' food. Who wouldn't want to slum it on Thanksgiving by enjoying some cheese fries and a burger?

The Lawyers of Crane Poole and Schmidt from Boston Legal
On the latest episode of Boston Legal, Shirley Schmidt and Carl Sack hosted a Thanksgiving with Alan Shore, Denny Crane, Jerry Espenson, Katie Lloyd, Melvin Palmer, Edwin Poole and his adopted son Turnip. What ensued was a positively insane day of arguments about politics, race, and every other taboo topic. It was a real hoot, that's what that was, and as crazy as it was, I wished I could be a part of it.

The Walkers from Brothers & Sisters
More than anything, I want Nora in the kitchen, whipping up some magnificent feast. I want Kevin, Tommy and Justin arguing over something while Sarah and Kitty get into a squabble. I want shouting and drinking, followed by laughing and loving. The Walkers are the most functionally dysfunctional family on TV, because every family gathering results in total chaos, which is followed by tender moments where they come back together because, beneath it all, they love one another. It's not exactly Norman Rockwell, but it's everything I imagine a large family Thanksgiving should be, and if I could be anywhere this Thanksgiving, it would be with them.

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