It’s about that time of year again when families across the country gather around the dinner table to appreciate the things in their lives for which they are thankful. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to rank some of the best Thanksgiving episodes on television. I’ve created a list of all the episodes I have watched and then narrowed it down to a top five.
Starting with the fifth place I have “Gilmore Girls” Season 3 Episode 9 “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving.” This episode has a perfect amount of chaos that any family can relate to on the holiday. Lorelai and Rory find themselves in a sticky situation when they realize they agreed to participate in four separate Thanksgiving dinners. Each one has its funky charm to it. Though this episode is a chaotic one it fully encaptures the true feeling of the festive holiday season. From annoying in-laws to arguments with the grandparents, Gilmore Girls creates one of the most funny and relatable Thanksgiving episodes to date.
Moving onto fourth place I’ve chosen Season 2 Episode 9 of “Grey’s Anatomy” titled “Thanks for the Memories.” Though an extremely underrated Thanksgiving episode, it still highlights the spirit of the holiday and brings attention to the struggles of finding the time to settle down whilst working a highly demanding job. Though this episode is not in the most traditional holiday setting, I think it can appeal to anyone who struggles to define a work/life balance, or for anyone who struggles to get along with their family during the holidays. It’s a messy combination of festivities, surgery, and relationship drama that makes this the perfect watch for Thanksgiving.
My third place choice is from the first season of “Gossip Girl.” In Episode 9, “Blair Waldorf Must Pie!,” viewers are encountered with flashbacks from Thanksgiving a year before which hints to the events that take place in the present-day parts of the episode. This episode embarks on a messy journey filled with gossip, secrets, and rich socialites which is the cure for anyone who wishes to be a part of holidays on the Upper East Side of New York. Because who doesn’t love their gossip with a side of turkey?
Down to the final two and this next one is a rare delight. In second place, I have Season 4 Episode 8 of Glee, “Thanksgiving.” This episode is one of my personal favorites as its musical elements add a groovy twist to a crazy Thanksgiving. This episode is an unconventional one at best, but its campy plotlines and catchy music combined with the woes of the glee club, design a Thanksgiving episode that’ll have you ready to get up and dance this holiday season. You’ll find yourself humming along to “Let’s Have a Kiki/Turkey Lurkey Time” for years to come and will probably never forget the Unholy Trinity’s impeccable rendition of “Come See About Me.”
Finally, we have a very loved Thanksgiving episode for everyone to enjoy. In first place is the season 3 episode 9 Thanksgiving episode of Friends, “The One with the Football.” This episode is a classic one that I always enjoy watching with my family during the holidays. The Thanksgiving special was a clear winner for its humorous element of sibling rivalry along with the witty punchlines that create the timeless charm of “Friends.” Whether you’re eating dinner with the family or hanging out with your friends, this episode is a relatable one for everyone, and it’s a classic that all ages will know.
These five episodes are a must watch this upcoming holiday season. From musical storylines to household classics each episode has its own flair that will have you binge watching until Christmas. Make sure to tune in to your favorite streaming services this Thanksgiving and press play on some of these festive episodes!