The WKRP in Cincinnati “Turkey Drop” episode, officially titled “Turkeys Away,” is one of TV sitcom history’s most infamous disasters—and by disaster, I mean comedy gold.
Airing on October 30, 1978, it quickly became the show’s most iconic moment, cementing its legacy as a must-watch Thanksgiving tradition.
Carlson’s Clueless Campaign:
Station manager Arthur “Big Guy” Carlson (Gordon Jump)—a lovable bundle of misplaced confidence—decides to orchestrate a Thanksgiving promotion to prove he’s more than just a figurehead. What does he cook up? A “live turkey giveaway.” Except, there’s one tiny, crucial detail he doesn’t share with the team until it’s too late: the turkeys will be dropped from a helicopter. Yes, live turkeys. From a helicopter. Over a crowded shopping center.
Tumbling Turkey Tragedy:
The chaos is brilliantly conveyed by Les Nessman (Richard Sanders), WKRP’s on-the-ground reporter, whose live coverage shifts from baffled to panicked in record time. He describes the scene as innocent shoppers look skyward in horror, witnessing plummeting poultry carnage. The turkeys, tragically, don’t get the memo that they’re supposed to soar majestically—because, of course, domesticated turkeys can’t fly.
Les delivers his report with dramatic sincerity, channeling the Hindenburg broadcast:
“Oh, the humanity!”
Meanwhile, back at the station, the staff—Andy Travis (Gary Sandy), Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson), and Herb Tarlek (Frank Bonner)—listens in stunned disbelief as Carlson’s ill-fated stunt unravels.
A Comedy Classic:
The genius of “Turkeys Away” lies in what isn’t shown. The turkey-pocalypse is left to the audience’s imagination, making it infinitely funnier. Combine that with WKRP’s ability to blend workplace hijinks with absurdity, and you’ve got a timeless classic.
A Time For Turkeys & Thanks:
As much as we love revisiting this hilarious sitcom gem, Thanksgiving is also a time for gratitude—for family, friends, and the little joys that make life special. So allow us to take a moment to express how thankful we are to have YOU as part of the Retro Rewind family. Your passion for nostalgic pop culture is what keeps us inspired and connected.
This Thanksgiving, we encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what brings you joy and to share that gratitude with the people in your life. Because, unlike turkeys, gratitude has no trouble taking flight.
