Introduction
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite times of the year. There’s something magical about gathering around a table piled high with food (and let’s be real, a second table for desserts), sharing stories, and then collapsing on the couch to binge-watch our favorite shows. For me, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey—it’s about those iconic TV episodes that somehow make the chaos of the holidays feel so relatable.
From sibling rivalries to disastrous dinners, these Thanksgiving-themed episodes have given me countless laughs, heartwarming moments, and even a few life lessons. So, whether you’re stuffed from too much pie or just looking for a cozy way to wind down, these episodes are like a warm blanket of nostalgia. Let’s dive in!
1. Friends: “The One with the Football” (Season 3, Episode 9)
Why It’s Iconic:
Ah, the sibling rivalry between Monica and Ross—it’s like looking in a mirror if you’ve ever argued over who’s Mom’s favorite (spoiler: it’s always the one who doesn’t burn the gravy). In this episode, the gang splits into teams for an impromptu Thanksgiving football game, and chaos ensues. Chandler and Joey battle for the attention of a Dutch girl, Rachel tries to figure out how football works, and Monica and Ross take competitiveness to new levels.
Memorable Moment:
Monica screaming, “The Geller Cup is MINE!” as she tackles Ross. I still laugh out loud every time I watch it.
Why I Love It:
This episode reminds me of the Thanksgiving afternoons my cousins and I spent battling it out in the backyard. We didn’t have a “Geller Cup,” but I’m pretty sure someone once won a leftover slice of pumpkin pie.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
2. Friends: “The One with All the Thanksgivings” (Season 5, Episode 8)
Why It’s Iconic:
If you’ve ever had a Thanksgiving where embarrassing stories resurface, this episode will hit home. It’s all about flashbacks—Joey gets a turkey stuck on his head, Chandler accidentally insults Monica, and there’s even a storyline about Monica trying to seduce Chandler with… a carrot? (Just watch it, trust me.)
Memorable Moment:
Monica dancing with a turkey on her head while Chandler blurts out, “I love you.” I swear, I swoon and laugh every single time.
Why I Love It:
This episode feels like my family’s Thanksgiving tradition of “Remember when you…?” Except, in our case, there’s a lot more laughter and slightly fewer turkeys worn as hats.
Where to Watch: HBO Max
3. How I Met Your Mother: “Slapsgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)
Why It’s Iconic:
The build-up. Oh, the glorious, agonizing build-up. Marshall has earned the right to slap Barney (thanks to the infamous “slap bet”), and he decides to make it happen during Thanksgiving dinner. The tension is hilarious, and when the slap finally comes, it’s nothing short of legendary.
Memorable Moment:
Marshall’s “You Just Got Slapped” song. It’s so ridiculous that I still hum it every now and then. (Don’t judge me.)
Why I Love It:
This episode reminds me that Thanksgiving is as much about family chaos as it is about gratitude. Also, who doesn’t love a little harmless revenge with their turkey?
Where to Watch: Hulu
4. Brooklyn Nine-Nine: “Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 10)
Why It’s Iconic:
Amy, in her overly enthusiastic glory, invites the squad to her Thanksgiving dinner, and things predictably spiral out of control. From Jake dodging family responsibilities to Holt delivering one of his hilariously awkward toasts, it’s pure Brooklyn Nine-Nine magic.
Memorable Moment:
Holt: “Thanksgiving is a day for thanks. And giving. So… thanks. And giving.” Classic Holt.
Why I Love It:
I’ve hosted a few Friendsgivings myself, and let’s just say, watching this episode makes me feel like I wasn’t that much of a disaster. Right?
Where to Watch: Peacock
5. Gilmore Girls: “A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving” (Season 3, Episode 9)
Why It’s Iconic:
Lorelai and Rory attempt to juggle four (yes, four!) Thanksgiving dinners in one day. From Sookie’s deep-fried turkey fiasco to Emily’s passive-aggressive comments, it’s peak Gilmore Girls chaos.
Memorable Moment:
Rory’s reaction to the deep-fried turkey: “It’s like a turkey leg you’d buy at Disneyland… except deep-fried.”
Why I Love It:
I’ve never attempted four Thanksgivings in one day, but this episode perfectly captures the holiday pressure of trying to please everyone. It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one who’s struggled to balance family obligations (and overeating).
Where to Watch: Netflix
6. Modern Family: “Punkin Chunkin” (Season 3, Episode 9)
Why It’s Iconic:
This episode perfectly captures the dynamic of Modern Family, as the characters debate the merits of optimism versus realism, leading to a hilariously over-the-top pumpkin-chunking contest. It’s the classic mix of heartfelt family moments and laugh-out-loud chaos that made the series a fan favorite.
Memorable Moment:
Cam’s dramatic retelling of his “punkin chunkin” story is so exaggerated, it’s impossible not to laugh. The absurdity of the contest itself will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Why I Love It:
This episode reminds me of the quirky competitions my family used to have during the holidays—always fun, occasionally messy, and full of love.
Where to Watch: Hulu
Conclusion: A Thanksgiving Tradition
Revisiting these Thanksgiving episodes feels like catching up with old friends. They’re funny, heartwarming, and a reminder that even when the turkey burns or the pie collapses, the spirit of Thanksgiving is about togetherness (and maybe a little chaos).
So, grab a plate of leftovers, cozy up on the couch, and dive into these holiday gems. And hey, if I missed your favorite Thanksgiving episode, drop it in the comments below—I’m always looking for new ones to add to my marathon!
Happy Thanksgiving, and happy binge-watching!
Image Credit: Scenes from iconic Thanksgiving episodes of Friends, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, How I Met Your Mother, Gilmore Girls, and Modern Family. Compiled for editorial use.
Mohit Singhania is a passionate film enthusiast and the creator of CinematicJunction.com, a platform dedicated to exploring the world of movies and web series.
With a commitment to delivering original, high-quality content, Mohit combines his love for storytelling with sharp insights into the entertainment industry. When he’s not writing, you can find him binge-watching the latest series or diving deep into the art of filmmaking.
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