As a die-hard Friends fan who’s spent more hours than I care to admit rewatching these episodes, I can confidently say that each Thanksgiving episode offers a unique blend of humor, heartwarmth, and the charm that only this iconic group of friends can deliver. However, if I had to pick my favorite based on personal experience, it would have to be “The One with the Football” from Season 3.
2024 Spring marked the 20th anniversary of the end of the “Friends” series, while fall of 2024 celebrated its 30th anniversary since the beginning. This sitcom has consistently remained relevant in our cultural conversations, evolving from a TV ratings sensation to a staple on cable reruns and now a must-watch for streaming binges. Its impact is also seen during holidays like Thanksgiving.
The long-running series “Friends” aired ten seasons on NBC, nine of which included special Thanksgiving episodes. These episodes typically aired either in the eighth or ninth episode of each season, providing a holiday celebration alongside the awkwardness that such gatherings can bring. Many sitcoms often emphasized notable events with their own unique take, but the “Friends” Thanksgiving episodes hold a distinct place – they not only rank among the show’s finest episodes but also represent some of the most memorable Thanksgiving-themed episodes on television.
Engaging in the process of ranking things can be enjoyable on its own, but this list could also aid you in deciding your viewing plan for the upcoming weekend. Regrettably, your relatives might not share the same enthusiasm for spending approximately three and a half hours watching all the Friends episodes to catch them all, so it’s best to focus on your preferred ones – or my recommendations instead. Here is a list of all nine Friends‘ Thanksgiving episodes, arranged from least favorable to most outstanding.
9. “The One with the Late Thanksgiving”
In summary, the beloved sitcom “Friends” excels overall, however, one episode had to rank lowest on this particular list. Specifically, the Thanksgiving episode in Season 10, Episode 8, loses points due to its division of the main cast. Unlike other episodes, this one splits the characters into separate storylines: Phoebe and Rachel embark on a side quest, while Joey and Ross do the same, leaving Monica and Chandler frustrated because everyone is tardy for the dinner they were hesitant to prepare in the first place. The climax involves a call with positive news about their adoption process, causing all of them to put aside their annoyance and celebrate with a lavish feast instead.
As a die-hard Friends fan, I must admit that this particular episode wasn’t exactly top-notch, but it was serviceable. However, upon closer inspection, it subtly paved the way for significant changes within the group in Season 10, such as the discontinuation of their long-standing Thanksgiving traditions.
8. “The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs”
The Thanksgiving episode of Season 7 ranked lower for me due to a few reasons. First, it was surprising and disappointing to find out that Chandler dislikes dogs, as I’ve been a fan of his character for seven years. This sudden change made him seem unlikeable in this particular story. Second, the development of Rachel and Tag’s relationship felt uneven, with their interactions feeling forced and awkward, especially Tag’s invitation to Thanksgiving dinner which didn’t sit well. However, there were some enjoyable moments in the episode, such as Phoebe’s antics and Ross’ emotional response to his 50-state challenge. I particularly enjoyed the twist that cleanliness-obsessed Monica was comfortable having a dog in her home.
7. “The One with Rachel’s Other Sister”
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always found it tricky when a fresh face joins an established in-game crew late in the game, but Christina Applegate seamlessly slipped into the role of Rachel’s sister Amy in this sitcom episode. However, her character’s arrival seemed to cast a shadow over the usual camaraderie between the six main characters. This particular episode might not have been my top pick, but it’s undeniably worth checking out this season due to the attention it received following Matthew Perry’s passing last year. It offers some heartfelt moments for Chandler that feel strikingly relevant to Perry himself.
6. “The One Where Ross Got High”
In a fantastic turn of events for Ross, the Season 6 Thanksgiving episode significantly improves with the addition of the Geller parents, Jack (Elliott Gould) and Judy (Christina Pickles). They consistently bring humor to the show and fit surprisingly well, considering it primarily revolves around young adults striving for independence and creating their own family. Nevertheless, the most captivating moment in this episode is Rachel’s dessert mishap, which skillfully builds tension and makes even some viewers cringe with a sense of disgust, including several people I personally know.
5. “The One with the Thanksgiving Flashbacks”
It’s evident that Friends put a lot of thought into their Thanksgiving episodes, as demonstrated in Season 5. This specific episode, known as “The One with All the Thanksgivings” at times, offers a trip down memory lane through various flashback scenes. One such scene depicts Phoebe in her former life as a Civil War field nurse who lost an arm during Thanksgiving. The emotional recollections by Monica, Chandler, Rachel, and Ross emphasize the significance of Thanksgiving and deepen our understanding of their relationships, given they were already tight-knit when the series started.
Over the weekend, I’m all set to revisit one of the most unforgettable moments from Friends – donning a turkey hat with my buddy Monica! It’s an iconic scene that’ll surely have everyone in my house laughing and reminiscing.
4. “The One with Chandler in a Box”
Season 4 is arguably the most compelling season of Friends, and the Thanksgiving episode is a standout. It delves deeper into the ongoing love triangle involving Joey, Chandler, and Kathy, portrayed by Paget Brewster. Her presence significantly enhances this season’s narrative. In a heartfelt attempt to make amends for kissing Kathy without Joey’s knowledge, Chandler spends much of the episode confined within a box as punishment. Remarkably, he maintains his silence even when Kathy appears to end their relationship.
As a dedicated Friends fan, I’d say this episode truly encapsulates the delightful blend of sweetness and wit that the show is known for. It’s the kind of tale that leaves you feeling like you’re not just watching characters, but spending time with old friends. The tricky bit? Monica’s somewhat awkward rekindling with her ex-beau’s son. But hey, it’s the sort of thing that, while memorable for its discomfort, eventually fades away.
3. “The One Where Underdog Gets Away”
Among the top picks for significant episodes, the first Friends’ Thanksgiving special certainly deserves a spot near the top, if not at the very pinnacle. Before the series commenced, Monica, Chandler, Joey, Ross, Phoebe, and even Rachel were all acquainted, but this was reportedly their initial shared Thanksgiving experience. Given that Thanksgiving is usually associated with family gatherings, incorporating all six characters into a single holiday event was quite a daring move. However, it turned out to be a flawless decision, as it not only proved to be engaging but also laid the foundation for one of the show’s longest-lasting traditions – as we can plainly observe.
2. “The One with the Rumor”
Title “The One with the Rumor” is a timeless masterpiece, packing some of the finest aspects of a classic Friends Thanksgiving episode into one entertaining tale. The story primarily unfolds within Monica’s apartment while also introducing a fresh character – Will (portrayed by Brad Pitt), an old acquaintance from Monica, Ross, and Rachel’s high school days. Pitt seamlessly blends into the group dynamic, perhaps the most enduring keepsake of Pitt and Jennifer Aniston’s relationship. Revisiting past drama is a perfect formula for generating Thanksgiving-themed laughter. To add to the charm, Joey’s choice of maternity pants served as an inspiration for many viewers to embrace comfort during this indulgent holiday.
1. “The One with the Football”
Ultimately, “The One with the Football” from Season 3 of Friends deviates remarkably from other Thanksgiving episodes, yet it’s this uniqueness that sets it apart and makes it special. From the Geller Cup to the suspenseful egg timer, and Joey and Chandler’s rivalry over love, every detail seamlessly falls into place, reminding us of why Friends has touched so many hearts. It’s both amusing and motivational, but this episode is particularly noteworthy for those who recognize themselves slipping into familiar sibling dynamics during holiday gatherings.
[RELATED: TV Debate: Is Seinfeld More Popular Than Friends?]
Currently, you can stream the hit series “Friends” on Max – featuring all 10 seasons and every one of the nine Thanksgiving specials. Additionally, it’s accessible on Blu-ray discs, DVDs, and digital platforms. A special 30th anniversary edition has been released this year as well.
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2024-11-27 21:10