Thanksgiving was almost a constant in Friends, bringing in the year's laughter, chaos, and every touching moment. Eventually, the show turned out to become one of television's most adored running gags that illustrated how a group of six friends could always be thankful no matter the calamity.
Besides the burnt turkeys, Thanksgiving episodes were always graced by secret confessions and a good cast of characters for sitcoms to keep the audience laughing. Thus, what started as a simple sitcom tradition rapidly developed into one of the most popular gags on television.
7 best Thanksgiving episodes from Friends
1. The One Where Underdog Gets Away

In the very first Friends Thanksgiving, chaos happens to be the way to intimacy. Monica’s struggle to prepare a perfect dinner turns into a disaster when everybody’s plans change and they are left together as if by chance. The group gets accidentally locked out of the apartment while running after the Underdog parade balloon, and dinner is a complete failure.
This episode's power lies in its honesty; it shows friendship in its most basic application. Furthermore, even after so many years, this episode still proves that sometimes, Thanksgiving is perfect when nothing goes as planned at all.
2. The One with the Football

This episode amplifies Thanksgiving into a full-on competition, as Monica and Ross challenge the gang to a friendly football game. What begins as fun soon becomes a sibling rivalry, making this one of the most hilarious familial moments in the series.
Filming outdoors away from the usual apartment settings gave this episode a fresh feel. It also features Rachel and Phoebe in hilarious moments of inexperience. Even after all these years, this episode is still lauded for capturing how Thanksgiving can be heartwarming yet ridiculously competitive.
3. The One with Chandler in a Box

Chandler ends up in a box on Thanksgiving to prove his devotion after having kissed Joey's girlfriend, which becomes one of the most memorable redemption scenes in the entire show. The episode perfectly balances comedy and emotion as it depicts friendship, forgiveness, and self-reflection.
This episode has been singled out in recent fan polls for its mix of humor and heart. It is among those very rare sitcom episodes that would turn such a holiday get-together into a lesson about accountability and second chances.
4. The One with All the Thanksgivings

The Thanksgiving Day that was filled with flashback memories was the day when each of the characters by their worst Thanksgiving memories. Then, after that, Chandler’s revenge on Monica was the one that was most emotional one, and the peak was when Chandler accidentally told Monica for the first time that he loved her.
The combination of nostalgia, humor, and heart makes it one of Friends' most iconic episodes, as it very well portrays the spirit of looking back and finding the joy in old mistakes.
5. The One Where Ross Got High

Monica and Chandler throw a Thanksgiving party, oblivious to the fact that Ross had once accused Chandler of his college misbehavior. The dinner turns out to be a blustery storm of confessions, awkward moments, and never-ending laughter. It is a chaotic and hilarious episode that completely reflects the extraordinary chemistry of the series.
The underlying message of this episode is a rather realistic one regarding family gatherings; they are typically very honest, forgiving, and unexpectedly affectionate even in the midst of the confusion.
6. The One with the Rumor

Brad Pitt guest-stars as Will, Monica's old classmate who hated Rachel in high school. Things turn awkward quickly at dinner when Rachel finds out he started an I Hate Rachel Green club. The chemistry between Pitt and Jennifer Aniston in real life added extra entertainment for the viewers of the series.
It's a plot that uses old grudges and school memories really well, showing just how unexpected some reunions can be on Thanksgiving. It remains one of the most-watched holiday episodes in sitcom history, especially for its celebrity cameo and its mix of tension and comedy.
7. The One with the Late Thanksgiving

In the last season, Monica is already tired of organizing Thanksgiving, yet she gives in once again, only to be ignored when her friends show up late. Joey ends up stuck in a door, Rachel and Phoebe miss dinner because of a baby pageant, and chaos ensues.
The moment turns frustration into pure joy. It's a great wrap-up to the show Thanksgiving tradition, tucking heartfelt emotion neatly into playful humor. It's the perfect farewell to a series that made every holiday unforgettable.
Across ten seasons, the series made Thanksgiving a favorite TV tradition, which, as fans still do, celebrated it. Every episode was a revelation of the cast's emotional confessions, contagious laughter, and so on.
These Thanksgiving highlights are still there to remind us of the bond and appreciation among soulmates, even years after the show's last episode. No matter if you are in for the nostalgia or just for new laughs, the show has the ability to tell us that each Thanksgiving has its own charm.