Friends: Best Thanksgiving Episodes, Ranked

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Key Takeaways

  • Thanksgiving episodes in Friends are iconic, showcasing heartwarming, hilarious moments fans cherish.
  • Memorable plotlines revolve around friendship, forgiveness, and unconventional celebrations during Thanksgiving.
  • Guest appearances, physical comedy, and unexpected twists make each Thanksgiving episode stand out.

As a devoted fan of “Friends” who’s spent countless hours laughing at the antics of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe, I can confidently say that each Thanksgiving episode of this iconic sitcom is a gem in its own right. However, if I were to pick my favorite, it would have to be “The One Where Ross Got High.

“Friends” is an iconic sitcom that remains popular due to its ability to consistently entertain audiences. The show captivates fans by allowing them to connect with the six principal characters, sharing their journeys through personal victories, hurdles, setbacks, romantic escapades, and more.

The program has earned iconic status as a cornerstone of American pop culture, and it’s no surprise that some of the most memorable episodes of “Friends” revolve around the Thanksgiving holiday. Over the span of ten seasons, viewers have laughed and marveled at the antics of the group as they celebrated this holiday in the funniest and most exciting ways imaginable.

8 The One Where Underdog Gets Away

Season 1, Episode 9

  • The first Thanksgiving episode in the series.

Undoubtedly, the initial Thanksgiving gathering among the group would stand out as a significant event in the show’s timeline. However, contrary to expectations, their festive holiday plans take an unexpected turn when they find themselves locked out of Monica’s apartment.

Despite feeling disappointed due to spoiled dinner and missed flights, the group discovers they enjoy spending time together. This touching incident paves the way for the characters in “Friends” to grow even closer in every subsequent episode, reflecting their endearing bond.

7 The One With Chandler In A Box

Season 4, Episode 8

  • Chandler’s punishment and Rachel’s betrayal make for fun times.

In simpler terms, Chandler and Joey are close pals, so it’s particularly hurtful when Chandler kisses a woman who Joey has been dating. To get back at him, Joey threatens to make Chandler spend Thanksgiving in a box as punishment, which Chandler accepts.

Additionally, it is painful for Ross when he discovers that Rachel, during their relationship, had also returned the Christmas present he gave her. This storyline, along with other events, makes the Thanksgiving episode particularly unforgettable, especially as Joey and Chandler reconcile in a touching scene.

6 The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs

Season 7, Episode 8

  • Features some of the series’ most iconic moments.

In the traditional “Friends” series, there’s an unforgettable Thanksgiving episode known as “The One Where Chandler Dislikes Dogs”. This episode has become a timeless favorite due to Ross’ embarrassing predicament when he can’t claim the title of the smartest person in the group. The spotlight also falls on Chandler’s disdain for dogs, especially when Phoebe brings her adorable pooch into the picture.

It’s quite amusing to picture Phoebe keeping a pet dog at home without Chandler ever knowing, given that such a secret would have been difficult to keep hidden. Of course, discussing this episode without referring to Joey’s famous “moo point” joke, now a classic line, seems almost impossible.

5 The One With All The Thanksgivings

Season 5, Episode 8

  • A compilation of the gang’s highs and lows.

In these compilation episodes, they can either captivate audiences or disappoint fans with unnecessary segments. Fortunately, for us, the Friends series delivered an outstanding Thanksgiving episode that revisited its past storylines.

As an ardent fan, some moments that have left an indelible mark are when Chandler jokingly referred to Monica as ‘fat’ in the past, his unfortunate kitchen accident that cost him a toe years ago, and the time Joey found himself with his head stuck inside a turkey. It seems as though the budding relationship between them might crumble due to past indiscretions, but then comes the heartwarming moment when Chandler confesses his love for Monica towards the end of their spat, bringing a tender conclusion to their disagreement.

4 The One With The List

Season 2, Episode 8

  • Ross’ pragmatic list of pros and cons irritates Rachel.

As soon as Ross and Rachel began dating, Rachel stumbled upon a damning list that spoiled their Thanksgiving celebration for her. Shortly following their iconic kiss, Ross’ practical nature surfaced when he created a list comparing the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a relationship with Rachel.

Rachel’s incessant annoyance escalates into an argument. To add fuel to the fire, Monica opts to surprise everyone with a fake chocolate treat instead of the traditional dessert, which only adds to the gloom of the holiday celebration, but also creates an unusual and humorous Thanksgiving scene.

3 The One With The Rumor

Season 8, Episode 9

  • Brad Pitt’s guest appearance is a joy to witness.

One of the standout moments in Friends is Brad Pitt’s cameo as Will, where his tension with Rachel is expertly portrayed. Contrary to what Rachel believes, she was actually the one who tormented him in the past due to his weight, which led him and Ross to form a ‘We Hate Rachel’ club and circulate unflattering rumors about her during high school.

The transformation of Will’s weight loss is ripe for some hilarious humor, while the sensitive response Rachel shows towards Ross’ unkind actions in school adds complexity to their bond. It’s an unforgettable Thanksgiving episode and one of the standout moments from Friends.

2 The One With The Football

Season 3, Episode 9

  • A memorable episode that focuses on the Geller Cup.

The Geller Cup is a highly amusing artifact within the TV series “Friends” that resurfaces during Thanksgiving. Initially, Ross and Monica are barred from joining in, but when what started as a harmless game of football escalates into a full-blown battle between the male and female groups, the competition intensifies.

In this scenario, both teams put their utmost effort into claiming the Geller Cup, resulting in an episode that emphasizes physical humor rather than its typical sharp-witted dialogue, offering a refreshing shift in tone, although the holiday event may not be the primary emphasis.

1 The One Where Ross Got High

Season 6, Episode 9

  • Features everything from Ross’ lies to Rachel’s disastrous creation.

When Chandler and I got together, we thought it was high time to share our news with my parents – so we invited them over for Thanksgiving dinner. Unfortunately, one of Ross’ fibs had unintentionally tarnished Chandler’s standing in their eyes. This set off a chain of events where Ross found himself in a precarious position, needing to come clean about the truth.

Not only does this episode bring on the laughs, but it also showcases one of the most sidesplitting kitchen mishaps ever aired on television. When Rachel mistakenly combines two distinct recipes, the group ends up with an unsavory concoction that’s part Shepherd’s Pie and part English Trifle – something far from appetizing!

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2024-11-09 16:34