- Friends, Season 5, Episode 8: “The One With All the Thanksgivings”
This episode of Friends is just amazing. Out of their 10 perfect Thanksgiving episodes, this one falls at the top of my list, with the iconic turkey head scene. I find this episode to hold emotional elements that sets this episode apart from typical sitcom shows. Marta Kauffman and David Crane, the writers of the show, had the brilliant idea to flash back to all the characters most memorable thanksgivings. Monica and Chandler are the heart of this episode following Monica’s weight loss journey while Chandler’s hairstyle and outdated jokes causes lots of laughter every time I rewatch. - Gossip Girl, Season 3, Episode 11: “The Treasure of Serena Madre”
Similar to Friends, this episode is based on past secrets being revealed. Not only do I find this episode to be the best Thanksgiving episode in Gossip Girl, I find it one of the most iconic Gossip Girl episodes ever. Known as the episode with Jason Darulo’s iconic “Whatcha say”, the drama-filled episode leads to loads of gasps and jaw drops, with affair exposures, family visits, friendship breakups and an anonymous pregnancy reveal, all at one Thanksgiving dinner. - Gilmore Girls, Season 3, Episode 9: “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving”
As someone who loves Gilmore Girls and finds myself rewatching it every fall, this episode never fails to make me laugh. This episode follows Lorelai and Rory Gilmore hilariously struggling to balance four Thanksgiving dinners at once. Not only is it amusing watching them struggle to balance and deal with the drama, old and new romances collide creating loads of tension with the intense love triangle of Rory, Dean and Jess. - Greys Anatomy, Season 2, Episode 9: “Thanks for the Memories”
As someone who loves Greys Anatomy, this is not one of its most memorable episodes. The episode balances the emotional weight of family tension and personal troubles with moments of humor and heart. With the arrival of George’s family, Meredith volunteers herself to work on Thanksgiving facing awkward interactions with Derek Shepherd, after their rough breakup. As someone who loves Meredith and Derek, this is a hard watch. Shonda Rhimes’ hysterical storytelling of George’s relationship with his father and brothers through their Thanksgiving tradition of shooting a turkey, made me laugh and cry all in one. Meanwhile, Izzie’s determination to prepare ‘the best’ Thanksgiving meal, represents her search for normalcy amidst chaos, adds so much to her character and creates different aspects of Thanksgiving stories. - Seinfeld, Season 6, Episode 8: “The Mom & Pop Store”
Jerry Seinfeld’s clever writing and impeccable comedic timing, combines Thanksgiving and daily life to create this well known episode. This Season 6 gem follows doubt over a party invite, a chance to hold the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon, adding layers of quirky chaos. Meanwhile, naiveness leads to a purchase of an old car that was claimed to be previously owned by Jon Voight. With the confusing addition of four different plots, the plot of Kramer trying to support a struggling shoe repair shop, Mom and Pop’s, steals my attention leaving me dying at my screen. As Seinfeld is always on in my house, this episode, alongside many others, never fails to spread laughter throughout my house.
The Ultimate Guide to Thanksgiving Specials
November 26, 2024
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About the Contributor
Ella Torsiello, News Editor
Hi! I’m Ella Torsiello. I’m a junior going into my third year working for the Glen Echo as the news editor. I play Volleyball, love spending time with my friends and family and working with kids with special needs. One fun fact about me is that I look like Rory Gilmore. (Everyone tells me that!)