Is the 'diet' humor problematic for kids?

It is very much of its time (1989). The vet tells Garfield he's 'too fat' and puts him on a strict diet. It’s played for laughs—mostly Garfield trying to cheat on the diet—but if you are sensitive about body-image talk, you might want to frame it as being about 'staying healthy' rather than just weight.

Will modern kids find the animation too old?

It lacks the polish of Pixar, but the character designs are so iconic that most kids don't mind. The short 23-minute length helps prevent them from getting bored with the slower pacing.

Does Jon Arbuckle ever actually succeed at cooking?

Without spoiling the 'climax,' let's just say Jon's kitchen skills are a disaster. It’s a great example of 'don't try this at home,' especially the part where he tries to prepare the turkey.

Is this better or worse than 'A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'?

It's different. Charlie Brown is more melancholy and philosophical; Garfield is more cynical and joke-heavy. Most families find they pair well together for a double feature.

Garfield's Thanksgiving – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Garfield's Thanksgiving

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie1989Animation, Comedy

74%

WISE Score

Garfield faces his ultimate nightmare: a vet-mandated diet on the one day of the year dedicated to competitive eating.

7.2

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Garfield's Thanksgiving

movie

1989, Animation, Comedy

74%

WISE Score

Garfield faces his ultimate nightmare: a vet-mandated diet on the one day of the year dedicated to competitive eating.

7.2

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7.2

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a 23-minute time capsule of 80s holiday charm. It is not as deep as Charlie Brown or as flashy as modern CGI, but it hits that sweet spot of nostalgic comfort food.

If you want something harmless to put on while the turkey is in the oven, this is the pick. It is safe, short, and features a cat who hates exercise—which is a vibe most of us can relate to by mid-afternoon on Thanksgiving.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 4 and up. Toddlers will like the colors and the dog, while older kids and adults will actually catch the dry, cynical wit Garfield is known for.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is a cozy, low-stakes holiday special that centers on tradition and friendship, even if the humor is rooted in Garfield's signature grumpiness.

Imaginative

Standard 2D animation of the era. It doesn't break new ground, but the character expressions and Lou Rawls' musical cues are iconic.

Safe

No violence, no language, and no scary themes. It is as safe as a warm plate of lasagna.

Enriching

Light themes of discipline and the value of tradition, but it is mostly a delivery vehicle for orange-cat sarcasm.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Lou Rawls' soundtrack brings a soulful, jazzy vibe that makes the 23 minutes fly by.
Classic 80s humor that relies on dry sarcasm rather than loud, chaotic slapstick.
Short runtime makes it a perfect 'one-and-done' watch while you are finishing up meal prep.
Nostalgia fuel for parents that actually holds up as a harmless, charming holiday tradition.

⚠

What to Watch For

The 'diet' plot centers on Garfield being overweight, which leads to some 80s-era body-shaming jokes that might feel a bit dated to modern ears.
Jon Arbuckle’s desperate attempts to woo the vet, Liz, are mostly just pathetic, but they are the primary driver of the plot.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Jon was so nervous about cooking dinner for Liz?"
"Garfield thinks Thanksgiving is only about the food. What else makes the holiday special for us?"
"How did Garfield handle being told he had to go on a diet? Was he a good sport about it?"

Deep Dive

The Lou Rawls Secret Sauce

If you haven't seen the 80s Garfield specials in a while, you might have forgotten that they are essentially mini-musicals. The music by Lou Rawls is the real MVP here. It gives the whole production a sophisticated, bluesy atmosphere that keeps it from feeling like 'just another cartoon.'

Jon Arbuckle: The Original Sad Dad

Watching this as an adult, you realize Jon Arbuckle is a fascinatingly tragic character. His attempt to cook a turkey—which involves a lot of panic and a total lack of basic culinary knowledge—is the relatable core of the special. While Garfield is busy hiding lasagna in his cheeks, Jon is just a guy trying to impress a girl who is clearly out of his league. It's a simple, human story wrapped in orange fur.

Does it hold up?

Animation-wise, it's definitely a product of 1989. The colors are slightly muted and the movement isn't fluid. However, for a modern kid used to the hyper-kinetic pace of YouTube or modern Disney, the slower speed of Garfield's Thanksgiving can be a welcome breather. It doesn't demand your constant attention with loud noises or flashing lights; it just tells a funny story about a cat who really, really wants to eat a bird.