Four iconic, must-watch Thanksgiving TV episodes
Our top Thanksgiving episodes from “Gossip Girl,” “Gilmore Girls,” “Friends,” and “New Girl.”
Photography by Merielen Espino/The Barnard Bulletin
By Sophia Blythe and Roxy Rassooly
November 27, 2024
While looking forward to Thanksgiving, we discussed some of our favorite episodes to watch to get into the holiday spirit. Although there were many to choose from, we ultimately narrowed it down to four of our favorite shows and their best Thanksgiving episodes. As we approach the holiday, consider watching these, as they make for a funny watch and an even better study break!
“Gossip Girl”
Season 3, Episode 11 — “The Treasure of Serena Madre”
“The Treasure of Serena Madre” is a favorite episode of “Gossip Girl.” “Sex, lies, and scandal” is a quote used throughout the series, and this episode has it in spades. The episode builds to a tension-filled Thanksgiving dinner, where every guest has a secret, and the audience watches with bated breath to see how it will all play out. Affairs are revealed, friendships are mended, family relationships are tested, and the foundations for new love are laid. Betrayal and riveting couple dynamics unfold across a beautiful Thanksgiving dinner that you won’t want to miss!
“Gilmore Girls”
Season 3, Episode 9 — “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”
During this time of year, it seems people are constantly talking about rewatching “Gilmore Girls” because of its quintessential fall aesthetic. As we approach Thanksgiving, “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” immediately comes to mind, in which Rory and Lorelei have four different Thanksgiving dinners to attend, filled with tofurky, friendship, and holiday family drama. The episode spotlights all the beloved characters and scenery of the show, with the mother-daughter duo dining with the Kim’s, Sookie, Luke, and ending the night with Lorelei’s parents.
Heartwarming and heartbreaking, sexy and sweet, this episode has it all, complete with New England holiday coziness, making for a great show to indulge in with your loved ones this Thanksgiving!
“Friends”
Season 6, Episode 9 — “The One Where Ross Got High”
None of the other nine “Friends” Thanksgiving episodes, which are all arguably festive and funny, could top the iconic episode from season six. In this episode, Monica and Ross’ parents are coming for Thanksgiving dinner and Chandler desperately wants to impress them. To top it all off, Joey and Ross are scheming and Rachel is in charge of making the dessert. The episode’s ability to balance friend, relationship, and family dynamics all in one makes this watch particularly enjoyable, allowing for many laughs along the way. Filled with trips down memory lane, bringing together friends and family, and culinary mistakes, this episode encompasses the Thanksgiving feeling.
Whether or not you are a “Friends” fan, this episode is great to watch as we approach Thanksgiving. If you will be away from your family this holiday, this episode is a reminder that close friends can be akin to family. Thanksgiving is less about the meal you eat and more about the people you share it with. This episode of “Friends” shows that despite tensions and dynamics, sharing a meal brings a group together.
“New Girl”
Season 4, Episode 9 — “Thanksgiving IV”
Why stick with traditional Thanksgiving when instead you can celebrate Bangsgiving? In this “New Girl” episode, each member of the friend group brings a date for someone else to Thanksgiving dinner. Past romances come up for some characters, whereas the prospect of a new one arises for Jess. What could go wrong? Will the gang end this holiday with a bang (pun intended)? Even though not everyone met the love of their lives, this episode brings unlikely and likely characters together, setting an example to be thankful for our loved ones.
As we approach this holiday, keep in mind that even though life can be uncertain, there will be people in our lives who will always have our backs. This fun twist on the traditional holiday brings laughter with a side of tension. If this episode isn’t already on your Thanksgiving watchlist, add it as soon as possible.
With Thanksgiving coming quick, these episodes are a great way to decompress from the stress of the semester. Whether you’ve seen them hundreds of times or never before, we highly recommend the four noted above.