What better way is there to spend a Thanksgiving break than cuddling up on the couch and binging the most comforting holiday specials of the most loveable sitcom? “Friends” is not only one of the most classic and well-known shows to air on television, but its Thanksgiving episodes perfectly encapsulate the chaotic goofiness and heartwarming nostalgia of spending the holidays with one’s closest friends and family.
As Thanksgiving break is just around the corner, here is my personal ranking, from least-favorite to favorite, of the 10 Thanksgiving-themed episodes of my all time favorite series.
“The One With The List” (Season 2, Episode 8)
Strangely, season two does not have an official Thanksgiving episode. However, “The One With The List” does have some slight mentions of Thanksgiving as Monica is on the hunt to create new holiday-themed recipes using a fake chocolate substitute called “Mockolate.” While still a hilarious depiction of the six silly friends, this episode doesn’t quite make the cut for the Thanksgiving ranking.
“The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs” (Season 7, Episode 8)
As a whole, this episode does not particularly stand out to me. While it does take place on Thanksgiving, the majority of the plot revolves around the friends’ silly antics, including a contest of who can name all 50 states. While entertaining as always, the later episodes mentioned encapsulate more of the holiday themes.
“The One With Chandler In A Box” (Season 4, Episode 8)
“The One With Chandler In A Box” perfectly encapsulates the season of forgiveness and the value of friendship, especially around the holidays. While most of the episode revolves around Chandler and Joey fighting over a girl, the ultimate forgiveness between the two of them reminds us all to be thankful for the friends that would do anything for us.
“The One With The Late Thanksgiving” (Season 10, Episode 8)
A common theme among this group of friends seems to be “things not going as planned.” After being pressured into hosting Thanksgiving, Monica and Chandler are upset when none of their friends bother to show up on time. However, among the bickering, they receive a phone call that makes all of their dreams come true. In one of the most touching moments of the entire season, this episode reminds us all of the magic of Thanksgiving miracles.
“The One With The Thanksgiving Flashbacks” (Season 5, Episode 8)
This episode will always be a beloved classic, and flashback episodes will always be some of my favorites. In this particular episode, each friend reminisces on their worst Thanksgiving memories. While originally a somewhat pessimistic view of the holiday season, some of the messy memories between the gang only ends up bringing them closer.
“The One Where Underdog Gets Away” (Season 1, Episode 9)
Season one will never not feel nostalgic, and there is something so touching about rewatching the six friends’ first official Thanksgiving dinner together over and over again. Among the chaos of each friend’s family plans being canceled, Monica’s pressure to cook the perfect meal that pleases everyone and the Underdog balloon flying away from the Macy’s Parade, this episode reminds viewers to hold onto friendships that feel like family.
“The One With Rachel’s Other Sister” (Season 9, Episode 8)
Christina Applegate plays Rachel’s self-involved sister Amy who shows up unexpectedly and crashes Thanksgiving dinner. A goofy episode about strange family members turns into an important lesson on boundaries and responsibility, and a deeper message that blood relation does not always determine who your real family is.
“The One With The Football” (Season 3, Episode 9)
“The One With The Football” is an episode that I could rewatch over and over again. When a hilarious game of three-on-three football breaks out between the group, Ross and Monica’s sibling rivalry immediately takes me back to the pre-Thanksgiving games that my brothers and I would play against our cousins. This top-three Thanksgiving special will always hold a special place in my heart.
“The One With The Rumor” (Season 8, Episode 9)
When special guest-star Brad Pitt crashes the friends’ Thanksgiving dinner, he reveals a high school secret that Ross has been keeping from Rachel. This episode keeps fans laughing the whole time, with Brad Pitt adding an extra layer of humor to the already comedic gang of friends.
“The One Where Ross Got High” (Season 6, Episode 9)
This episode is by far my favorite of the ten. Monica and Chandler host their first Thanksgiving as a couple while trying to win over the approval of Monica and Ross’s parents. Rachel attempts to make dessert for everyone while Joey and Ross try to escape family dinner to hang out with a group of girls. As the chaos of the day unfolds, a screaming match unfolds between the Geller siblings, producing one of the most iconic scenes of the entire show. “The One Where Ross Got High” will always be a legendary depiction of when a perfectly-planned Thanksgiving doesn’t quite go according to plan.
No matter how hectic, disorganized or off-the-rails Thanksgiving with the six friends becomes, their undeniable bond combined with the genius humor of the show makes this sitcom the best comfort rewatch of the holiday season!
