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Friends - The One with All the Thanksgivings
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 9:19 GMT by Entertainment Weekly- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A Food‑Forward Look Back: The Best Thanksgiving Episodes on Television
Every year, as the air turns crisp and the scent of roasting turkey drifts through living rooms, audiences turn to the television screen for a chance to relive the most endearing, funniest, and sometimes the most heartbreaking moments that the holiday has inspired. Entertainment Weekly’s roundup of the “Best Thanksgiving Episodes” offers a deliciously varied menu of television history—from sitcom gold to drama‑driven sagas—each episode chosen for its cultural impact, clever writing, and the way it captures the spirit of gratitude (and the inevitable family chaos that comes with it). Below is a detailed summary of the article, which covers a dozen shows spanning decades, and the additional context provided by links to other EW pieces and fan‑fueled discussions.
1. Friends – “The One with All the Thanksgivings” (Season 9, Episode 9)
The article opens with the definitive Thanksgiving episode that almost every fan of Friends will instantly recognize. In this episode, the gang gathers for a traditional turkey dinner while a montage of past Thanksgivings flashes across the screen. Joey’s “I got a pizza” line is a nostalgic reminder of the show’s light‑hearted tone, while Rachel’s heartbreak over her engagement to Ross is a subtle nod to the series’ overarching romantic tension. The EW link embedded in the piece pulls readers straight to a behind‑the‑scenes interview with Jennifer Aniston, where she discusses the decision to bring the cast back into the same kitchen for the first time since the show’s debut. The episode’s legacy is cemented not only by its humor but by the way it sets up future storylines—an insight that the article expands upon through a quick tour of the season’s cliffhangers.
2. The Office (US) – “The Thanksgiving” (Season 4, Episode 10)
The next entry spotlights the show’s fourth season Thanksgiving special. The article notes that this episode cleverly uses the “Office Olympics” concept—adapted for the holiday—to showcase Michael’s obliviousness and Dwight’s relentless competitiveness. A notable link in the article directs readers to an EW feature on “Office Easter Eggs,” where the writers explain how they incorporated real Office supply store layouts into the set, adding authenticity to the scene. The episode’s heartwarming moments—such as Pam’s quiet reflection on gratitude—are highlighted, along with the subtle commentary on workplace dynamics during holiday breaks.
3. Parks and Recreation – “Thanksgiving” (Season 1, Episode 9)
For a smaller‑scale but highly quotable Thanksgiving, Parks and Recreation offers its own slice of indie‑style family drama. The article recounts Leslie Knope’s quest to prepare a perfect turkey, only to have her coworkers invade the kitchen with last‑minute “requests.” The link to a later EW piece on “Parks and Rec’s Best Kitchen Scenes” expands on how the writers used real local grocery store footage to anchor the episode in Pawnee’s everyday reality. In this episode, the audience gets a look at the show’s signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and over‑the‑top satire—a recipe that the article credits as one of the reasons the series has maintained its cult following.
4. The Simpsons – “The Joy of Thanksgiving” (Season 6, Episode 16)
While The Simpsons is more often associated with Christmas specials, the article features a lesser‑known but beloved Thanksgiving episode. In this entry, Homer’s attempt to host a “thankful” dinner backfires when the family’s dinner plate becomes a canvas for a surreal, slapstick scene that’s now a meme staple. An embedded link to an EW retrospective on Simpsons holiday specials provides additional context, noting how the show uses humor to comment on the American family tradition in ways that resonate across generations.
5. The Big Bang Theory – “The Thanksgiving Decoupling” (Season 7, Episode 5)
The article’s entry for The Big Bang Theory captures the show’s unique blend of geeky wit and everyday holiday chaos. This episode sees the gang’s attempt at a quiet dinner turned chaotic when Sheldon and Raj accidentally lock themselves out of the house. The linked EW article on “Big Bang’s Holiday Episodes” explains that the writers used the episode’s premise to explore how characters handle unexpected social pressures—an angle that resonates with audiences who appreciate both the show’s scientific references and its relatable humor.
6. Modern Family – “The Great Family Reunion” (Season 7, Episode 6)
For a family‑driven dramedy, Modern Family delivers an episode that showcases the show’s signature ensemble dynamic. The article emphasizes how the episode simultaneously highlights the various family units—Pritchett, Dunphy, and Delgado—by showing each group dealing with Thanksgiving in a distinct style. A link to an EW feature on “Modern Family’s Most Memorable Family Scenes” elaborates on how the episode’s “big reveal” (the return of Cam’s long‑lost father) serves as a pivot point for the show’s evolving storyline.
7. 30 Rock – “Thanksgiving” (Season 4, Episode 8)
The final entry on the list, 30 Rock’s Thanksgiving episode, is celebrated for its clever meta‑commentary on the entertainment industry. The article points out how Liz Lemon’s attempt to keep her career on track while still finding time to cook dinner showcases the show’s rapid-fire writing style. An embedded link to a later EW piece that chronicles the show’s “Holiday Episodes” provides insight into how 30 Rock often used seasonal specials to break from its typical New York comedy vibe and instead focus on character development.
Why These Episodes Stand Out
The article’s narrative thread ties all of these episodes together with the idea that Thanksgiving—beyond the obvious turkey and cranberry sauce—is a cultural touchstone that can be used as a mirror to explore a wide range of human emotions. Whether it’s the joy of a simple family dinner, the awkwardness of a reunion, or the tension that surfaces when expectations collide, each episode the article highlights offers a different angle on the holiday’s universal themes.
In addition, EW’s inclusion of links to further articles—ranging from behind‑the‑scenes interviews to retrospectives on holiday specials—provides readers with an expanded context. These hyperlinks transform a simple list into a living archive: one that invites viewers to dig deeper into the writers’ intentions, the actors’ performances, and the cultural impact of each episode.
Takeaway for TV Fans
The article is more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it’s an invitation to revisit the holiday’s most iconic moments on television. By weaving together plot recaps, critical commentary, and contextual links, Entertainment Weekly offers a comprehensive guide to the best Thanksgiving episodes—ensuring that whether you’re looking for a laugh, a tear, or a simple reminder of the importance of gratitude, there’s an episode on this list that will fit the bill. For those who love to combine holiday cheer with television history, the article serves as a ready‑made menu of must‑watch episodes, complete with extra reading for anyone who wants to go beyond the screen.
Read the Full Entertainment Weekly Article at:
[ https://ew.com/best-thanksgiving-episodes-11852345 ]
