Rewatching "Friends" Thanksgiving episodes could lessen the sting of being unable to visit family and actual friends this holiday.
"Friends" always made Thanksgiving better. This year, we need to revisit the show's Thanksgiving specials more than ever.
Over 10 seasons, "Friends" viewers got to join in the tradition along with Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Joey, Ross and Chandler as they became their own family. They cooked, ate, fought, invited some A-list guests over, and always got up to some Turkey Day shenanigans. Missing family and my actual friends this holiday and in need of a good laugh, I re-watched all the "Friends" Thanksgiving specials. The binge made the hot mess of a meal 2020 has served us a little sweeter.
Here are some highlights:
Season 1, Episode 9 — "The One Where Underdog Got Away"
Monica puts on a one-woman performance after the group gets locked out of her apartment. As her voice gets increasingly higher, Chandler tells her "OK Monica, only dogs can hear you now." The food is burnt, Chandler hates Thanksgiving, but it's their first time spending it all together.
Season 2, Episode 8 — "The One With the List"
Ross makes a list, Rachel and Julie pros and cons. Of course Rachel finds the list.
Season 3, Episode 9 — "The One With the Football"
"Losers walk." Losers talk." The Geller siblings' competitiveness comes out for all the gang to see.
Season 4, Episode 8 — "The One With Chandler in a Box"
When Chandler and Joey fall for the same girl, Chandler breaks Joey's heart. He decides to prove his love for Joey by sitting in a box for six hours.
Season 5, Episode 8 — "The
One With All the Thanksgivings"
Worth it for vintage Monica and Rachel alone. Plus, Chandler's 80's hair.
Season 6, Episode 9 — "The One Where Ross Got High"
Confessions and Monica ratting out Ross for smoking pot and stealing Playboys.
Season 7, Episode 8 — "The One Where Chandler Doesn't Like Dogs"
Chandler doesn't like Thanksgiving and guess who doesn't like dogs either?
Season 8, Episode 9 — "The One With the Rumor"
Rumors about Rachel, friends from high school, and Brad Pitt brings pie.
Season 9, Episode 8 — "The One With Rachel's Other Sister"
Rachel's sister Amy (Christina Applegate) shows up and brings a bunch of drama with her.
Season 10, Episode 8 — "The One With the Late Thanksgiving"
Chandler and Monica receive the best news.
RELATED: Here's your watchlist for the Thanksgiving weekend stretch
‘Hillbilly Elegy’
Glenn Close and Amy Adams (pictured left) star in director Ron Howard’s drama about three generations of one Appalachian family. Based on the memoir by J.D. Vance. Available on Netflix beginning Nov. 24
‘The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two’
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn reprise their roles as Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in this sequel to the 2018 holiday comedy. Directed by Chris Columbus. Available on Netflix beginning Nov. 25
‘Happiest Season’
A young woman learns her girlfriend still hasn’t come out to her conservative family in this holiday rom-com. With Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber and Ana Gasteyer. Directed by Clea Duvall. Available on Hulu beginning Nov. 25
‘The Mystery of D.B. Cooper’
Documentary investigates the case of the 1970s skyjacker who parachuted out of a plane midflight and then vanished without a trace. Directed by John Dower. Available on HBO and HBO Max beginning Nov. 25
'Uncle Frank'
A Southern teen visits her gay uncle in 1970s NYC. With Paul Bettany, Sophia Lillis, Margo Martindale, Steve Zahn, Judy Greer. Written and directed by Alan Ball. Streaming. Amazon Prime starting Nov. 25
'A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving Special'
Two hours of sketches chosen from the past 46 seasons of "SNL" should help chase away 2020 malaise, at least for a while. Let's hope it includes the one about the politically divided family that comes together by lip-syncing Adele's "Hello" and, of course, Adam Sandler's Thanksgiving song. "Turkey for me, turkey for you, let's eat turkey in a big brown shoe." 9 p.m. Wednesday, NBC
Macy’s Thanksgiving parade
The 94-year tradition continues during the pandemic without street-side spectators and marching bands, but with plenty of ornate floats, humongous balloons and Broadway performers — plus Santa Claus, of course. Nov. 26 on NBC
'The National Dog Show'
Admit it, at least 10% of your pandemic coping routine involves looking at puppy photos on social media. We're all relying on man's best friend for a moment of cheer, so sit back and enjoy the annual Kennel Club of Philadelphia's canine contest. The staple of NBC's Thanksgiving Day schedule won't have any on-site spectators this year, but home audiences can see the prized pooches strutting their stuff under the competition's new COVID-19 safety protocols. Noon Thursday, NBC, and re-airing 8 p.m. Saturday
‘Superintelligence’
An ordinary woman is chosen to interact with a potentially malevolent form of artificial intelligence in this comedy. With Melissa McCarthy, Bobby Cannavale, Brian Tyree Henry, Jean Smart, James Corden. Written by Steve Mallory. Directed by Ben Falcone. Available on HBO Max beginning Nov. 26
'Mosul'
Local forces fight to free the Iraqi city from the grip of the terrorist organization Islamic State in this docudrama. Written and directed by Matthew Michael Carnahan. Streaming on Netflix beginning Nov. 26. 101 Studios
‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas’
Put all of Whoville on alert: The grumpy green grouch with a heart two sizes too small returns in the enduring animated classic “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Nov. 27 on NBC
‘Frosty the Snowman’
It’s again time to chill out with “Frosty the Snowman” as the jolly happy soul drops by in his annual holiday special. The program is immediately followed by “Frosty Returns.” Nov. 27 on CBS
‘Black Beauty’
Update of Anna Sewell’s 19th century novel about a horse. With Kate Winslet, Mackenzie Foy and Claire Forlani. Directed by Ashley Avis. Available on Disney+ beginning Nov. 27
‘Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker’
Documentary spotlights choreographer Debbie Allen’s reimagined version of the holiday favorite. Directed by Oliver Bokelberg. Available on Netflix beginning Nov. 27
'Small Axe: Lovers Rock'
Director Steve McQueen has gotten much praise for "Small Axe," his five-part film anthology series. The movies, all set between the 1960s and the 1980s, focus on the lives of Black characters in London and the societal challenges and systemic racism they face. The latest chapter, "Lovers Rock," re-creates a house party of the 1980s, where young men and women have gathered for a night of music and dancing. Remember the fun of a crowded dance party? Premieres Friday on Amazon Prime Video.
"Friends"currently streams on HBO Max, which like CNN is part of WarnerMedia.
