What is Thanksgiving?
This November 28the United States celebrates one of its most iconic holidays: Thanksgiving. Celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, this day has its origins in the 17th century, when a meal was shared between pilgrims and locals to give thanks for good harvests. Since then, Thanksgiving has become synonymous with gratitudeFrom familyand, of course, hearty meals.
Traditions often include a large feast around a stuffed turkey, accompanied by mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pies. It is also an opportunity to bring families together, to watch American football games or famous matches Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. This holiday embodies a break from the hustle and bustle of the year to celebrate human connections and generosity.
But Thanksgiving doesn’t stop at tables and televisions: it’s omnipresent in the American popular culture. Television series have made it a ritual, capturing the laughter, drama and moments of sharing typical of this holiday. Among them, Friends has become a true reference: with nothing less than nine episodes dedicated to Thanksgivingthe series managed to mix tradition and humor in episodes that have become cult.
Here’s our ranking of the best Thanksgiving episodes Friendsfor a nostalgic trip into the warm and exhilarating world of New York’s most famous band.
The ranking (objective) of the best Thanks from Friends
1. Season 5, Episode 8 – “The One With Memories That Are Hard to Swallow”
Why is it a cult?
This episode is a masterclass in comedy. The friends recall their worst Thanksgiving memories: Monica discovers that Chandler called her “fat”, prompting her to lose weight, but the story takes a turn for the worse when she accidentally cuts off his toe the following year. The icing on the turkey? Monica dances with a turkey on her head, including glasses, to make Chandler laugh, as he declares his love for her.
2. Season 6, Episode 9 – “The One with the Drugs”
Why is it a cult?
The episode of great revelations! Ross and Monica’s parents join the dinner, and Ross accuses Chandler of smoking marijuana to hide that it was him. Meanwhile Rachel prepares an unlikely dessert: an English diplomat with… beef. Phoebe adds a touch of quirk by dreaming of Jack Geller as her “soulmate”.
3. Season 3, Episode 9 – “The One For Whom Football Isn’t Fun”
Why is it a cult?
The Gellers take things (too) seriously: Monica and Ross organize an American football game to remember their childhood and compete for the famous “Geller Cup”, a ridiculous trophy made from a “Troll” toy. For their part, Joey and Chandler awkwardly attempt to seduce a Dutch spectator.
4. Season 8, Episode 9 – “He Who Spread the Rumor”
Why is it a cult?
Brad Pitt shines in this episode: he plays Will, a former high school friend of Ross and Monica, invited to Thanksgiving dinner. Will admits that he hates Rachel enough to start a crazy rumor about her. Rachel, of course, is outraged.
5. Season 1, Episode 9 – “He Who Talks to His Wife’s Belly”
Why is it a cult?
First Thanksgiving of the series. Monica prepares dinner for the whole group, but things get complicated when everyone goes up to the roof to watch Underdog, a giant balloon, escape during the parade. Result: they find themselves locked out and dinner burns.
6. Season 7, Episode 8 – “The One Who Didn’t Like Dogs”
Why is it a cult?
Chandler admits that he doesn’t like dogs, which shocks the entire group. Meanwhile, Ross attempts to memorize all 50 US states, becoming increasingly obsessed with his challenge. Joey, meanwhile, puts Monica in an awkward position by revealing that Rachel is in love with Tag.
7. Season 9, Episode 8 – “He Who Was Distraught”
Why is it a cult?
Amy (Christina Applegate), Rachel’s shallow sister, shows up for Thanksgiving and insults just about everyone. She argues with Rachel about how to care for Emma in case of an accident, while Monica protects her china with excessive vigilance.
8. Season 10, Episode 8 – “The One Who Missed Thanksgiving”
Why is it a cult?
Monica and Chandler decide not to celebrate Thanksgiving to focus on the adoption, but at the group’s insistence they collapse and prepare a delicious meal. But the other four arrive late, and Monica and Chandler decide to deprive them of meals by locking them in the hallway, resulting in the hilarious “floating heads” sequence. A touching scene ends the episode as Monica and Chandler find out they are going to be parents.
9. Season 4, Episode 8 – “The One in the Box”
Why is it a cult?
After kissing Joey’s girlfriend, Chandler decides to punish himself by being locked in a box during Thanksgiving dinner to prove his friendship. Meanwhile, Monica injures her eye and becomes close to Dr. Richard Burke Jr.
Source: Cine Serie
Ray Ortiz is a journalist at Gossipify, known for his coverage of trending news and current events. He is committed to providing readers with accurate and unbiased reporting, and is respected for his ability to keep readers informed on the latest news and issues.
