As Thanksgiving nears, what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by revisiting some of TV’s most memorable episodes? Here are the top Thanksgiving episodes capturing warmth, chaos and humor that are perfect for holiday viewing!
New Girl, Season 1, Episode 6: “Thanksgiving”
The comedy series New Girl follows Jess Day, a quirky, optimistic teacher who moves into a loft with three single guys in Los Angeles. Her new roommates soon become her close friends as they navigate relationships, careers, and all of life’s ups and downs. Senior Avery Molinaro describes New Girl as her “favorite show” and says she has watched it “many times.” Molinaro believes the episode titled “Thanksgiving” is the “best Thanksgiving episode to watch during the holiday season because it’s funny, real, and an easy watch.”
In Season 1, Episode 6, Jess invites her co-worker and crush to join her and the roommates for Thanksgiving dinner. She attempts to prepare a traditional holiday meal but is met with disastrous results. Despite the mishaps, the group manages to bond and share a memorable Thanksgiving together. The well-intentioned, messy attempt to host the “perfect” holiday makes the episode both funny and relatable. The episode celebrates the idea that Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food but about spending time with the people who feel like family. As Molinaro says, “It’s hard not to always come back to this episode before Thanksgiving.”
Gilmore Girls, Season 3, Episode 9: “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”
Gilmore Girls follows the close relationship between single mom Lorelai Gilmore and her teenage daughter, Rory, in the small town of Stars Hollow. The two navigate life together with an unbreakable bond, relying on each other as both mother and daughter, as well as best friends, for support through every challenge they face. JCHS student Morgan Blanchette says she loves “many things” about Gilmore Girls. She describes the show as having a “cozy and comforting” feel. Blanchette finds the Thanksgiving episode in Season 3 particularly “funny and heartwarming.”
In this episode, Lorelai and Rory juggle four different Thanksgiving dinners. Blanchette says “the highlight of this episode is when the turkey explodes.” The episode overall captures the humorous and chaotic nature of holiday gatherings. Blanchette shares that “watching Gilmore Girls in the fall is very relaxing and perfect for getting in the Thanksgiving mood!”
Friends, Season 1, Episode 9: “The One Where Underdog Gets Away”
Friends is a beloved sitcom that follows six close-knit friends as they navigate life, love, and work in New York City. In Season 1, Episode 9, the friend group’s Thanksgiving dinner is ruined when they get locked out of Monica’s apartment. They end up celebrating the holiday in the hallway, dealing with numerous mishaps and making the best of the situation. This is an enjoyable episode because it highlights the group’s strong bond and their ability to make the best of poor circumstances.
Senior Cali Varjian points out that “the episode shows all of them having fun with each other even though things didn’t go as they predicted.” She also loves the “heartwarming ending,” which truly emphasizes the theme that Thanksgiving is about being together, no matter how imperfect the scenarios may be.
Gossip Girl, Season 1, Episode 9: “Blair Waldorf Must Pie!”
Gossip Girl is a teen drama set in New York City that follows the lives of wealthy high school students on the Upper East Side. For JCHS student Sherlynn Aracena, “season one will always be iconic and nostalgic.” She adds, “I’ll always go back to Gossip Girl as a comfort show.” Aracena believes that, out of the many Thanksgiving episodes Gossip Girl has, one in particular is “underrated.”
In Season 1, Episode 9, Blair is determined to win over her friends and family after a tough period, while Serena and Dan face tension in their relationship. Aracena emphasizes how “we learn a lot more about the characters in this episode and see that they may struggle with things that are overlooked.” Regarding Serena and Dan, Aracena further states, “Dan insisting on having Serena’s family over for dinner proved the wholesome and loving relationship the two had in the beginning. Watching them all gathered around the table for the first time was definitely intriguing.”
This episode is a must-watch around Thanksgiving because it captures the drama of family gatherings but, of course, with a glamorous twist. The episode shows that family bonds are important, even in times of craziness. As Aracena puts it best: “At the end of the day, it gives the message of being there for family and being thankful. Thanksgiving is all about being surrounded by the people you love.”
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
The nostalgic television special A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving evokes feelings of simpler times with its heartfelt messages. In the special, Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends over to Charlie Brown’s for Thanksgiving, and with Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock, he attempts to throw together a Thanksgiving dinner.
JCHS student Mikaela Varjian expresses her love for A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving because it shows “the importance of being together, even if things don’t go perfectly.” The familiar characters and timeless feel make it a comforting watch. Varjian says she feels “a sense of warmth” and “cozy” every time she puts it on.
This special is a reminder that Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection but about being with loved ones and showing kindness. Its lesson highlights the simple joys of the season and serves as a refreshing reminder that the holidays are about the people who feel like family, not perfection.
Friends, Season 8, Episode 9: “The One With the Rumor”
Friends is so iconic for its Thanksgiving episodes that more than one had to be mentioned! Senior Annabella Grosso says, “Friends episodes are normally bottle episodes, which I like. The show is known to be both entertaining and comforting.” As Grosso states, “The holiday episodes of Friends are always good.”
In Season 8, Episode 9, the gang comes together for Thanksgiving dinner at Monica’s apartment. The episode centers around a rumor that Ross and Monica’s high school friend, Will (played by Brad Pitt), spread about Rachel during their teenage years. Out of the many Thanksgiving episodes on Friends, Grosso enjoys this one specifically. She expresses, “Brad Pitt being a guest star was pretty cool.”
The episode, bringing together humor, chaos, and nostalgia, makes it a fan favorite! Like many, Grosso says she “watches it every Thanksgiving to get in the holiday spirit.
Gossip Girl, Season 3, Episode 11: “The Treasure of Serena Madre”
With several memorable Thanksgiving episodes in Gossip Girl, it’s impossible not to include another one! In Season 3, Episode 11, tensions arise at the dinner table due to secrets and uncomfortable conversations, leading to individuals abruptly leaving the table.
JCHS student Avery Geher says the highlight of the episode is “the music.” The episode features the song Whatcha Say by Jason Derulo during the dramatic exits, which Geher describes as “iconic and matching very well to the vibe and the episode plot.” Geher isn’t the only one who believes “this is the best episode of the entire show.”
A TikTok trend has even been inspired by the episode, showing friends and families leaving the Thanksgiving dinner table when sensitive topics come up, mimicking the scene from Gossip Girl. This trend captures the relatable tension of holiday dinners, where certain subjects are avoided, leading to quick escapes from the table.
To sum up why she loves this episode, Geher says, “It’s funny how they all come together, just for it to be awkward. It is just real.”
No matter the storyline, these Thanksgiving episodes suggest that the holiday is about human connection, gratitude, and at times a little chaos! So, settle in with a cozy blanket, some pie, and enjoy these Thanksgiving classics with the people who matter most this season.
