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It seems like every long-running sitcom has a Christmas special, but in the case of many, the Thanksgiving special is what kicks off that season. NBC’s Friends is no exception.

The hit show, which surrounded six New Yorkers as they guided their way through city life, was a smash during its run, and it’s still popular to this day. The Friends Thanksgiving episodes, in particular, have a special spot in the hearts of fans. 

‘Friends’ is a cult-classic

Friends Thanksgiving
(l-r) Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Greene. | Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank

Friends was NBC’s biggest hit for much of its 10-year run. A classic sitcom setup of three men and three women guiding through their 20s and 30s in New York, fans loved the show. Years after its finale, the show still resonates with many people, and stars like Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, and the rest of the cast remain huge to this day. 

How to watch ‘Friends’ Thanksgiving Episodes in 2020

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfjTerb4Ikk

When HBO announced HBO Max, a service, the acquisition of Friends was a significant selling point. Now, fans of the series who do not have access to the DVDs can watch all of their favorite Thanksgiving episodes in order. Friends is available, with a subscription, on Hulu, HBO Max, YouTube TV, and fuboTV. Fans can purchase episodes for $1.99 on YouTube as well.

The One Where Underdog Got Away (Season 1, Episode 9)

In this episode, Joey believes that he gets a venereal disease while Rachel misses her flight because she and Monica cannot get into the guys’ apartment while a turkey is cooking. The turkey eventually burns, and the gang has an extraordinary but exciting Thanksgiving story. 

The One With the List (Season 2, Episode 8)

This is a strange and dated episode in which Chandler loses his ever-loving mind over a new spreadsheet program on his laptop. Meanwhile, Rachel and Ross look back at their first kiss while Monica wants to hear every detail in great length. In the meantime, Ross is thinking about why he shouldn’t date Rachel. 

The One With the Football (Season 3, Episode 9)

What good is Thanksgiving without a little bit of football? Spending the holiday together, the guys and girls play a football game together. It culminates in a moment where a desperate Phoebe flashes Chandler so that Rachel can score a touchdown. 

The One With Chandler in a Box (Season 4, Episode 8)

Chandler is ashamed of something that he did to Joey, and he lashes out by locking himself in a wooden box for hours. Meanwhile, Monica spends the entire episode in an eyepatch while Rachel is exposed as a gift-returner. All of this comes together with hilarious results. 

The One With All the Thanksgivings (Season 5, Episode 8)

Between lost toes, a turkey on the head, and a love proclamation between two of the biggest stars, this is, perhaps, the most memorable Friends Thanksgiving episode there is. 

The One Where Ross Got High (Season 6, Episode 9)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bn4PDdFL76I

Everyone is floored to learn that Ross got high when he was a teenager. Meanwhile, Rachel ruins a trifle to everyone’s chagrin, and Phoebe develops a crush on Jack. 

The One Where Chandler Doesn’t Like Dogs (Season 7, Episode 8)

Rachel regrets making out with a man without knowing what his name is. Meanwhile, Ross challenges himself to remember all 50 states and will not eat the holiday turkey until he does. The most significant controversy, however, is when Chandler reveals his hatred for dogs.

The One With the Rumor (Season 8, Episode 9)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ0yqOavyPo
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A Complete List of All the ‘Friends’ Thanksgiving Episodes

Memorable, if not only for the guest spot by Brad Pitt, Rachel reveals that she is pregnant. Meanwhile, Pitt’s Will talks about an “I Hate Rachel” club from their younger days. Joey also tries to eat a whole turkey. 

The One With Rachel’s Other Sister (Season 9, Episode 8)

Monica decides to bring out the good dinnerware as she hosts a feast. Meanwhile, an argument breaks out over who will get Rachel’s baby if she and Ross die. The most entertaining part, however, is when Phoebe teaches Joey how to lie. 

The One with the Late Thanksgiving (Season 10, Episode 8)

In the final Thanksgiving episode, Rachel decides to become a pageant parent. Chandler makes a cranberry sauce that is so good that he will not stop talking about it. Joey also gets his head stuck in a door and summons his inner MacGyver to get it out.