Ah, Thanksgiving—a time for family, food, and…James Bond? Yes, in a uniquely American twist, many people find themselves cozied up on the couch post-turkey, binge-watching the suave spy’s daring escapades. Why? Well, like a well-shaken martini, it’s just become part of the ritual. Sure, there are stories about Pilgrims and Plymouth Rock that could be on the menu, but who could resist 007’s brand of high-stakes drama?

Enter Sean Connery, the blue-eyed embodiment of Bond. It’s safe to say, for many, he set the gold standard—a cold-blooded killer who also could melt a lady’s heart with a smirk. Dr. No, dripping with the charm of the ’60s, still tantalizes viewers willing to time-travel back to this bygone era. Sure, to today’s digital natives, those old-school gadgets might seem like plastic toys, but watch with 1960s glasses on, and it’s a different story.

Now, Roger Moore comes along and things start to turn into party time. With his raised eyebrow and suave demeanor, Moore added flair, but lost some of that original Bond savagery. It’s a smoother ride, slicker perhaps, but one where Bond seems more like the life of the party than the dark knight of espionage. Perhaps that’s why his films often find themselves in the middle of the ranking heap—fun, flashy, but a bit too safe.

Fast forward to the sharp-edged Daniel Craig era. With Casino Royale, Bond regains his fierce edge. Craig’s Bond, dressed with both brutality and sensitivity, captivated audiences—and that film, oh, how it stays timeless. No risky gadgets feeling obsolete here! It’s Craig bringing back the nerve, the chill, and the grit that made Bond legendary, once again making espionage look effortlessly stylish.

So, why Bond on Thanksgiving? Maybe it’s a comforting escape, a reminder that some things, like fine spy films, never age out of style. But wherever you find yourself this Thanksgiving—whether side-eyeing the stuffing or tackling that fourth pie slice—there’s a Bond film ready to whisk you away to a world where villains monologue, heroes always have one-liners, and tuxedos never get wrinkled. Happy viewing.