Let’s be honest here: Is there anyone who doesn’t wish they could spend Thanksgiving with the Friends crew? I can just see myself helping Monica cook, talking fashion with Rachel, singing a tune with Phoebe, exchanging sarcastic banter with Chandler, practicing pick-up lines with Joey and discussing dinosaurs with Ross. But alas, these are just dreams of mine. I will just have to live vicariously through the iconic Friends Thanksgiving episodes. Here’s the ranking of these masterpieces from worst to best.
10. “The One With The List” – Season 2
Ross and Rachel finally kissed! They’re finally going to be together! Just kidding — Ross had to go and make a cruel list of all of Rachel’s negative qualities, which of course she found. Come on Ross, why are you doing this to us? This episode was 22 minutes of frustration and a roller coaster of emotions. Plus, there was barely any mention of Thanksgiving in this episode. Not my favorite.
9. “The One With The Late Thanksgiving” – Season 10
Although this one ends with a beautiful moment when Monica and Chandler find out they may have the chance to adopt a baby, the rest of the episode is pretty weak. Monica is sick of hosting Thanksgiving at the apartment, but Phoebe convinces her to top last year’s Thanksgiving. Monica and Chandler then lock everyone out of the apartment when overhearing Joey trying to come up with an excuse as to why he was late. I found it somewhat hard to pay attention to this episode. In my opinion, it doesn’t come close to some of the older Thanksgiving classics.
8. “The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs” – Season 7
Rachel invites Tag, her attractive assistant, to Thanksgiving with the gang because he had just broken up with his girlfriend. They finally acknowledge that they have feelings for each other and kiss. Personally, this wasn’t a moment of victory for me. I never liked Tag. This episode does get points for the funny storyline about Chandler lying about his dog allergy, and Joey’s “moo point” quote.
7. “The One With Rachel’s Other Sister” – Season 9
The main premise of this episode is that Rachel’s sister, Amy (played by Christina Applegate), comes to spend Thanksgiving with Rachel. Although the guest appearance by Christina Applegate was a nice treat and provided some solid laughs, it detracted from the traditional “friendsgiving,” in which all six of the crew go through some shenanigans together.
6. “The One Where Underdog Gets Away” – Season 1
This is the point in the list where all the episodes are outstanding, so it hurts to not make them all No. 1. This episode is the beginning of the “friendsgiving,” so it deserves a lot of credit. By chance, all of the friends’ Thanksgiving plans fall through, so they are forced to plan their own celebration together, thus beginning a beautiful tradition. Although the plot wasn’t as well-developed as some other classic Thanksgiving episodes, it was a necessary setup and will always be appreciated.
5. “The One Where Ross Got High” – Season 6
This episode is probably one of the funniest of the entire series, let alone Thanksgiving episodes. For the first time in Friends history, Monica and Ross’ parents spend Thanksgiving with them. This forces Monica to reveal that her parents never really liked Chandler because they thought he was a pothead in college. In fact, Ross was the one who got high and blamed it on Chandler. The evening is filled with old secrets and misunderstandings, and as a result, comedy ensues.
4. “The One With The Rumor” – Season 8
Brad Pitt is in this episode. What more is there to even say? This was obviously before the tragic breakup of Brad and Jen, so it was a treat to see off-screen lovebirds finally collaborate on screen. What’s even better is that Pitt plays an old classmate who hated Rachel’s guts. Bringing up past high school transgressions then causes tension between Ross and Rachel, and once again, comedy ensues.
3. “The One With The Thanksgiving Flashbacks” – Season 5
Who doesn’t love a reminiscent episode? The friends look back on the worst Thanksgivings they’ve had. Going back in time with them made for a fun experience that provided lots of laughs. Also, this is the one where Joey and Monica both have a turkey on their head — a classic Friends moment.
2. “The One With Chandler in a Box” – Season 4
Although it hurt to see Joey and Chandler fighting, it was pretty hilarious to see Chandler in the box to try to make it up to him — and, it’s all worth it when they make up with a beautiful hug and Joey telling Chandler to chase after the woman he wants. This episode’s storyline with Monica and Richard’s son was also a funny touch.
1. “The One With The Football” – Season 3
The family competition between Ross and Monica is hilarious. Who were you rooting for? Also competing were Joey and Chandler, to see who the beautiful Dutch woman they met would choose to date. This episode is a true classic, featuring great storylines that involve all the characters together. It is definitely a personal favorite of mine.
I hope you agree with this list I’ve carefully thought out ever since my first binge watch of this iconic series. But truthfully, you can’t go wrong with any Thanksgiving episodes of Friends. May your Thanksgiving be as full of love and delicious food as any Thanksgiving with the Friends gang!
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