Many viewers traditionally spend Thanksgiving rewatching classic holiday-themed TV episodes. Us Weekly has compiled a selection of these memorable specials, showcasing moments that have become fan favorites. From musical numbers to disastrous dinners, these episodes offer both humor and heartwarming lessons for the holiday season.
One notable Friends episode sees Chandler Bing accidentally declare his love to Monica, who is famously wearing a turkey on her head. This moment occurred as the group reminisced about past Thanksgivings. Another classic Friends holiday special, "The One With the Rumor," featured Brad Pitt as Will. He revealed his past involvement in "The I Hate Rachel Green Club" with Ross.
Marshall Erikson’s "Slapsgiving" from How I Met Your Mother is a fan favorite. Lily tries to host a perfect dinner, but Barney’s anxiety over Marshall’s third slap dominates the event. After the anticipated slap, Marshall performs the catchy "You Just Got Slapped" song. This musical moment often stays with viewers.
In New Girl‘s "Thanksgiving" episode, Jess attempts to make the holiday special for her workplace crush, Paul, played by Justin Long. Her inexperience in cooking leads to disastrous results. The chaotic dinner includes a turkey cooked in a dryer and the discovery of a dead body, adding a humorous twist to the festivities.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine also features an infamous Thanksgiving dinner in its first season. Amy hosts the party for her precinct colleagues. Despite the awful food, the squad learns valuable lessons about the true spirit of Thanksgiving.
Full House produced only one Thanksgiving-themed episode across its eight seasons, titled "The Miracle of Thanksgiving." This episode from season one portrays the Tanner family’s first holiday after the death of Danny’s wife, Pam. DJ and Stephanie’s disastrous attempts at preparing the turkey and pie ultimately teach the family about the importance of loved ones over holiday details.
"Blair Waldorf Must Pie" from Gossip Girl uses flashbacks to show Serena, intoxicated, meeting Dan for the first time on Thanksgiving. In the present, Blair celebrates with her parents. The episode also features a memorable water fight between Blair, Serena, and Nate, Serena’s then-boyfriend.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer delivered "Pangs," an episode where Buffy tries to create a perfect Thanksgiving. Unbeknownst to her, Angel has secretly returned to Sunnydale to protect her. Spike spends the episode restrained in a chair and starving. The episode "I Will Remember You" from the Angel spinoff serves as a continuation, with Buffy visiting him in Los Angeles.
"Turkey Day" from Boy Meets World forces the Hunter and Matthews families to share a festive meal. They initially find little in common. However, the parents eventually connect, reminded by Shawn and Cory to embrace people from all backgrounds.
In Glee‘s "Thanksgiving," Kurt and Rachel opt to stay in New York City for the holidays. They are joined by Brody, Rachel’s on-again, off-again boyfriend. They also receive a surprise visit from Isabelle Wright, portrayed by Sarah Jessica Parker, for a celebratory gathering.
An often-overlooked Dawson’s Creek episode, "Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner," gathers the entire group of friends and their families for a meal. The situation becomes awkward. Dawson crosses a line with Jen’s mother, while Pacey and Jen decide to add "benefits" to their friendship. The episode concludes with a pleasant campfire scene.
Seinfeld‘s "The Mom & Pop Store" features a memorable appearance by Bryan Cranston. George purchases a used car, believing it once belonged to Jon Voight. He later discovers the previous owner was not Angelina Jolie’s father, but a different individual named John Voight, a friend of Dr. Whatley.