Category: Holiday TV

Father’s Day 2015: 5 TV dads who stepped up to the plate

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on June 20, 2015.

It’s hard to be a dad.

Raising a family is difficult enough when it’s planned, but life can be full of unexpected surprises.

In honor of Father’s Day, here are some TV dads who stepped up to the plate.

LUKE DANES, “GILMORE GIRLS”

While Luke (Scott Patterson) helped take of Rory Gilmore, the daughter of his love, Lorelai, fatherhood wasn’t really on his radar.

And then April Nardini (Vanessa Marano) showed up. The smart preteen won over the heart of the diner owner after she conducted a science experiment to determine who her father was.

And once Luke got to know her, he couldn’t let her go, and he even fought for custody when her mother moved.

BARNEY STINSON, “HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER”

Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris), the legendary playmaker, was probably the last character on HIMYM anyone would expect to have a child.

But after his “perfect month,” Barney found out he would become a father. No one was quite sure how he would handle it, but the precious moment in the series finale where he holds his daughter for the first time and promises to always love her was one of the best scenes of the finale.

JOEY GLADSTONE AND JESSE KATSOPOLIS, “FULL HOUSE”

Give these two credit for stepping up to take care of Danny’s three girls.

They dropped everything in their lives — including volatile, elusive careers in comedy and music — to move in and love three young children … and they clearly had no idea what they were doing.

And even when Jesse (John Stamos) tried to run away from responsibility in season 1, he came back, knowing how much those girls meant to him.

MR. TURNER, “BOY MEETS WORLD”

The hunky teacher becomes … a dad?

Mr. Turner, everyone’s favorite English teacher, took care of Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) when his parents flaked out on him.

Shawn needed a solid influence, and Mr. Turner was that, along with being the cool guy to whom Shawn could relate.

UNCLE PHIL, “THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR”

Uncle Phil had kids, but taking care of his nephew wasn’t really in his plan.

Will (Will Smith) was the opposite of Uncle Phil (James Avery). Chaotic vs. reserved. Wild vs. proper.

They didn’t always get along, but in time, Uncle Phil provided the fatherly influence Will needed in his life.

Honorable mentions go to:

Which TV dads do you think stepped up to the plate?

In honor of Father’s Day, the best TV dads are…

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on June 13, 2014.

Since I picked the best TV moms for Mother’s Day, it’s only fair I pick the best TV dads for Father’s Day.

My top picks are:

Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, “The Cosby Show“

Not only was this a breakthrough show for African-Americans on TV, it featured one great dad. He’s so great, in fact, he’s No. 1 on the “50 Greatest TV Dads of All Time” list by TV Week.

Dr. Huxtable knew how to be tough, but he could always make his kids laugh.

He poked fun at his kids too, especially his son, Theo, including the time when Theo begged to get his ear pierced.

All fun aside, he taught his children how to love and how to grow.

Danny Tanner, Jesse Katsopolis and Joey Gladstone, “Full House“

With this ’90s sitcom, it was impossible to pick just one of these three “dads.”

Danny was the biological dad, Jesse was the uncle and Joey was the lifelong friend. They all took care of Danny’s three children when his wife died.

Danny needed Joey and Jesse. He needed support.

The trio worked together, balancing each other out.

Phil Dunphy, “Modern Family“

Phil might not know how to be the best dad, but he tries.

And he tries with flair.

He’s not afraid to be a dork or to be vulnerable.

Plus he wants to help, even if it’s in a quirky way. I would love to have his “Phil’s-osophy” book.

Burt Hummel, “Glee“

On Glee, it’s crystal clear how much Burt loves his son, Kurt, because of the journey Burt has taken on the show.

Viewers saw him accept his son, who is gay; stand up for his son; and even learn the “Single Ladies” dance as a high school graduation gift.

The scenes Burt and Kurt have together always bring a smile to my face or a tear to my eye.

Other notable fathers include:

Obviously there are many more great TV dads. Let me know your favorites in the comments.

Also, don’t forget to tell the father figure in your life how much you appreciate him.

The best TV moms are…

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on May 8, 2014.

In honor of Mother’s Day 2014, I thought this would be a good opportunity to pick the best TV moms.

My top picks are:

Lorelai Gilmore, “Gilmore Girls“

I’ve already talked about my love for  “Gilmore Girls” before, but I am a big fan of the character Lorelai.

She’s a fun mom. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the Gilmore Girls movie nights or the all-night junk food binges?

But she’s also a tough mom. Lorelai could be blunt with Rory, her daughter whom she had at 16, and she wasn’t afraid to tell her to be careful.

Clair Hanks Huxtable, “The Cosby Show“

Clair Huxtable balanced it all. She was a lawyer, a wife and a mom to five children.

The Cosby Show was one of those great, almost timeless family sitcoms. And Clair was a mom who kept everyone together.

She laughed with her children, taught them life lessons and still made time to poke fun at her husband, playfully, of course.

Rebecca Katsopolis, “Full House“

Rebecca Katsopolis was the woman needed to balance out all the men on this ’90s family sitcom.

Before she was a mom to twins Nicky and Alex, she became a stand-in mom for D.J., Stephanie and Michelle, her co-host Danny’s three daughters.

Rebecca taught D.J. how to properly apply make-up and offered to take Stephanie to a mother-daughter slumber party.

She was the mom they needed when Danny was unsure how to proceed. And viewers loved her for it.

Amy Matthews, “Boy Meets World“

Amy took care of three somewhat-wild children, and her husband, who sometimes made rash decisions. And she managed to be honest with her children about growing up.

Most of all, she took Topanga and Shawn in as her own.

Other notable mothers include:

Obviously there are many more great TV moms. Let me know your favorites in the comments.

Also, don’t forget to tell the mother in your life how much you appreciate her.

Mother’s Day 2016: 5 TV moments when moms don’t have it all together

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on May 4, 2016.

While moms are sometimes expected to be superheroes, it’s not always the case.

Moms are only humans, so even they mess up, freak out and/or need help some days.

Here are five moments where TV moms did just that:

RACHEL, “FRIENDS”

Episode: “The One Where Emma Cries,” season 9

First-time mothers learn a lot as they go. For new mom Rachel, that included letting her daughter sleep.

The day she brings home Emma, her newborn daughter with Ross, Rachel is so enamored that she decides to hold her sleeping baby, which wakes her up.

She should’ve listened to Monica, who’d advised against it. Emma wails for hours, and Rachel can’t figure out how to calm Emma down.

Fortunately she has friends to help, especially Monica, who seems to have the way to make Emma sleep.

 

CLAIRE, “MODERN FAMILY”

Episode: “Under Pressure,” season 5

Sometimes a reality check can be good.

Out of the three Dunphy kids on “Modern Family,” Alex is by far the smartest. But she’s also a perfectionist, and SAT prep gets to her so much that she decides to see a therapist after a birthday meltdown.

On the same episode/day, her mom, Claire, goes to parent-teacher conferences. By the way, Claire is the type of mom who wants her kids to have fun … and maybe didn’t do as well as Alex in school.

While Alex realizes she works so hard to be noticed, Claire realizes Alex’s classes are a lot to handle … and then stresses out in front of teachers.

The mother-daughter pair meet up after the therapy session, and Claire tells Alex how proud of her she is.

 

DJ, “FULLER HOUSE”

Episode: “Our Very First Show, Again,” season 1

Raising three kids with someone helping you is hard enough … imagine handling that on your own.

After her husband dies, DJ Fuller has family and friends help her raise her three boys. But they all have other obligations.

When they have a goodbye party and Jesse sings “Forever” to his wife, Rebecca, she tears up a bit.

Then, the next day, she has a sick child, work, a dog who’s about to give birth, and more.

So when she goes to take care of her baby, she talks to him, saying she’s scared and unsure because she doesn’t know how she’ll handle everything.

Little does she know her family and friends, who are about to leave, can hear her through the baby monitor.

Of course, this sets the reboot in motion, as sister Stephanie and best friend Kimmy decide to step up for DJ.

 

KITTY, “THAT ’70S SHOW”

Episode: “The Kids Are Alright,” season 6

When Red Foreman has a heart attack, he’s forced to rest and not work.

That means his wife, Kitty, has to pick up the slack. A lot of slack.

While Eric, their son, is preparing to leave town for college, Kitty picks up extra shifts at the hospital to help pay for everything, on top of taking care of her husband and the house.

But once Eric realizes Kitty can’t handle it all — he catches her doing laundry at about midnight because she’s between shifts and it’s the only time she can, and then finds her asleep on laundry — he agrees to stay home to help out.

 

LILY, “HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER”

Episode: “Band or DJ?” season 8

While most of “How I Met Your Mother” revolves around Ted and his love life (this episode is no different), there are moments where other characters get some focus.

In this episode, Lily and Marshall are dealing with the struggles of having a newborn, their son Marvin. In this episode, he’s crying … and producing empty diapers.

So Lily takes Ted up to the roof to talk. And she admits she wishes she wasn’t a mom sometimes, and that she hasn’t painted in months because she’s busy taking care of Marvin.

But she pulls through for her son, just like Ted has to move on from Robin. See, it all ties together!

 

So don’t forget to thank you mother or motherly figure in your life this weekend. Happy Mother’s Day!

Valentine’s Day 2015: 5 TV episodes celebrating the holiday

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Feb. 10, 2015.

Love is in the air. Or not.

Whether you’re single and ready to mingle or hopelessly in love, here are five Valentine’s Day-themed TV episodes you can enjoy.

Desperation Day: “How I Met Your Mother,” season 6

Oh, Barney. Always searching for what’s easy.

Barney refuses to have a Valentine’s Day date, but that doesn’t mean he can’t find a “victim” on Desperation Day, aka Feb. 13.

Lily struggles to get Marshall to care about their relationship after the death of his father. In the end, he pulls through for his Lilypad.

My Funky Valentine: “Modern Family,” season 1

Phil and Claire aren’t always the most adventurous, so to mix things up, they create fake personas.

But things go awry when Claire’s overcoat gets stuck in the escalator, and everyone, including her father, sees.

The One with the Candy Hearts: “Friends,” season 1

In a lot of moments of this beloved show, Ross can’t seem to catch in break.

In this episode, he ends up on a date at the same restaurant as Carol and Susan, his (first) ex-wife and her partner. Awkward.

Chandler ends up on a blind date with Janice, the woman he can’t seem to shake off. Also awkward.

Phoebe, Monica and Rachel burn mementos of ex-boyfriends. Not awkward, just super funny.

First Date: “That ’70s Show,” season 1

After a bit of back and forth, it seems like Donna and Eric will finally get together.

But this is TV, so of course, there’s a hitch. And his name is Hyde.

It’s an episode featuring young love and the nervousness that comes with it.

Silly Love Songs: “Glee,” season 2

Back when “Glee” was still good, this episode featured the right amount of cheesiness, heartbreak and sappy songs.

Puck tries to woo a girl by singing “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and we get to see Artie and Mike channel Michael Jackson with “P.Y.T.”

The episode will leave you saying, “Awww.”

New Year’s 2017: 3 wishes for the new year

New Year’s resolutions may not happen, but I can hope these wishes come true, right?

As we usher in 2017, here are my wishes for TV.

No more crossovers

This might be an unpopular opinion, but these two-, three-, and now four-part crossover episodes are too much.

With the success of The CW‘s superhero shows, I get the marketing behind combining all the shows over a week, with each individual show airing a new episode. But when they started these with “The Flash” and “Arrow,” it wasn’t entirely necessary to watch both shows to keep up.

But the recent 4-part crossover between “The Flash,” “Arrow,” “Supergirl” and “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” ended that. I didn’t watch the “Supergirl” part. But “The Flash’s” part ended on a cliffhanger, so then I had to watch “Arrow.” And then “Legends of Tomorrow” finished the saga.

That’s a lot of time to spend on one “event.” And I watch only “The Flash” regularly.

Even though they show what’s happened, it’s still confusing. I felt lost keeping up with some of the story lines because I didn’t know the characters. But I’d be confused not watching the episode of “The Flash” because I might miss stuff.

It shouldn’t be a requirement to watch four shows to fully understand one week of programming. It’s like being an outsider on a show you don’t watch…except you do.

Keep shows available online for at least a month

I made a similar plea for this last year, but I still wish for it.

With Hulu for only subscribers now, it’s more difficult to keep up with weekly TV. It’s doable since networks post content on the websites, but some networks still make you wait eight days unless you verify a cable provider.

But most networks give you only two weeks to watch a show. During midseason breaks, you might get the chance to catch up, but it’s not a guarantee.

We all need time to catch up, even with our favorite shows. So give us a break. Especially in a binge-watching culture, some people would rather watch a few episodes at a time instead of week-to-week.

CBS All Access is the next up and coming thing, especially with “The Good Wife” spinoff “The Good Fight” coming exclusively to it in 2017 (though the first episode will air Feb. 19 on CBS), I’m guessing it won’t be long before TV show won’t ever be free online, but I don’t want to subscribe to multiple TV streaming services.

end the revival trend

“Fuller House.” “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.” “The Exorcist.”

So many shows and movies are rebooted, revived, etc. And yes, it’s great nostalgia. But I’m done.

“The Exorcist” was creepy but predictable. “Fuller House” isn’t that good of a show. “Gilmore Girls” filled a need to hear the final four words…and then sent fans into a tizzy over what’s next.

Sometimes it’s better to just let a show end in its time and be good, instead of filling an empty void in our hearts.

What do you want for TV in 2017?

New Year 2016: My 3 TV wishes for 2016

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 27, 2015.

It’s almost 2016, and there’s still myriad TV shows to watch.

Last year I made a list of TV wishes, and some of them came true. So here’s hoping some of these wishes will come true!

NO MORE SPINOFFS

“Chicago Med.” “Chicago P.D.” “Chicago Fire.”

“Real Housewives of Atlanta.” “New Jersey.” “Potomac.”

“The Bachelor.” “Bachelor Pad.” “Bachelor in Paradise.”

Seriously? I’m over it.

Just because one show is good doesn’t mean a spinoff will be. Sure, it makes sense because, in theory, there’s a built-in audience. But it also saturates the channels with shows some people don’t want to bother watching.

Where’s the variety? I want it back!

DON’T TAKE SHOWS OFFLINE TILL AFTER MIDSEASON BREAK

I’m a TV blogger. I love TV. But do I have time to keep up with every show? No. I’m sorry, but there aren’t enough hours in the day. Plus, you know, there are other parts of life.

That’s not to say I don’t want to eventually watch episodes of current seasons. But I messed up this year.

I didn’t make time to watch “Scorpion” or “The Flash” when their second seasons premiered. By the time I could, the premiere episodes weren’t online for free anymore. These are not shows that you can start in the middle of the season.

So I’m out of luck. And I don’t even mind watching ads!

Especially in today’s binge-watching culture, current shows should keep their full slate of episodes in the current season until after the midseason break. That way, viewers who fell behind can catch up.

LET EVERYONE SEE AWARD-NOMINATED EPISODES BEFORE THE AWARD SHOWS

Even I have been that person who hasn’t seen what has been considered a popular, acclaimed show. (I’ve never seen a single episode of AMC’s “Mad Men.”)

Many shows contend for the Emmys and the Golden Globes. And while some years a few shows dominate the nominations, there are still many shows and respective episodes in the races.

Unless you have all access to all networks and shows, you can’t see the shows after nominations. So, why can’t viewers have the chance to do so?

These award show sites should allow viewing of nominated episodes (shows and actors submit episodes for consideration) so people who watch the shows have a better idea of the competition.

What do you think will make TV better in 2016?

My New Year’s wishes for TV in 2015

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 30, 2014.
To be fair, one of my wishes did come true in 2015.

If it hasn’t been your day, your month or your year, “Friends,” with the help of The Rembrandts, lets you know that friends will be there for you.

And so will TV. Sorry, but new shows and old re-runs will not disappear anytime soon.

While TV is enjoying a greater status these days, there’s always room for improvement.

Here are my wishes for TV in 2015 (There are some spoilers if you haven’t watched certain shows, so be warned.):

KEEP SHOWS ON NETFLIX

I’m watching “Ugly Betty” with a friend of mine, but we just found out the dramedy is disappearing from Netflix on Jan. 4. Not cool.

We still have 1½ seasons to go, and there’s no way we will be able to finish in time.

Why do shows stay on the streaming service for only a limited time? Myriad reasons, but I don’t care.

If I’m watching a show on Netflix, I don’t want to have to hunt for it elsewhere because the streaming service decided to remove it.

AIR THE GOOD FINALE OF ‘HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER’

Remember when many HIMYM fans (including me) were disappointed in the finale of the long-running CBS comedy? You know, the finale where Barney and Robin divorce, the Mother dies and Ted woos Robin … again?

After the should’ve-been-expected uproar, the alternative ending leaked prior to the season 9 DVD release. It’s not that different from what originally aired in March, but it’s infinitely better.

Anyone who buys the DVD or searches for it on YouTube can watch it, but since it’s what many fans wanted, the alternate ending should air on one of the numerous networks that air the show in syndication.

HAVE A PROPER SEND-OFF FOR HOWARD’S MOM ON ‘THE BIG BANG THEORY’

Carol Ann Susi died in November. The actress played a host of minor TV characters, but in her role as Howard’s mom on “The Big Bang Theory,” she was never actually seen, partly (I’m guessing) because she’s not actually that overweight.

Her voice will be missed on the CBS comedy, and she’s too memorable to just have the character slip through the cracks and never be talked about again.

I don’t know how the producers will make it work, but it’s necessary to give her something.

GET SCHMIDT AND CECE BACK TOGETHER ON ‘NEW GIRL’

Putting Nick and Jess together so early in the Fox comedy’s run might have been a bad idea, but the show’s other will-they-or-won’t-they couple has been apart for too long.

Schmidt (Max Greenfield) and Cece (Hannah Simone) have matured in ways viewers might not have thought were possible. When was the last time Schmidt had to put money in a certain jar?

The two have developed a solid friendship, so now it’s time for showrunner Elizabeth Meriwether to bring them together again.

AIR ‘DOWNTON ABBEY’ IN THE US AND ENGLAND SIMULTANEOUSLY

I have friends in England, and I’m super thankful they haven’t spoiled “Downton Abbey” for me.

I’m anxiously awaiting its Jan. 4 return, but it aired months ago across the pond.

It’s silly to wait to air the BBC show in the U.S., especially when spoilers are so easy to come by.

BRING ‘GRACEPOINT’ BACK

I’m still a bit shocked at how “Gracepoint” ended Dec. 11. I wouldn’t say I’m not satisfied since the pivotal question of who killed Danny was answered, but it left me wanting more.

Maybe I need to watch “Broadchurch,” of which the Fox drama was based. But I want to see how Anna Gunn would portray her character’s rebuilding.

MAKE CABLE SHOWS EASIER TO WATCH ONLINE

I would love to watch “The Newsroom” or “Olive Kitteridge,” but I don’t have an easy way to access them.

I also don’t believe in illegally streaming shows.

Hulu and cable networks such as HBO and Showtime need to make an agreement so that everyone can watch multiple shows in one place instead of having multiple online subscription services.

5 great Christmas-themed TV episodes

This blog was originally published on elkharttruth.com on Dec. 17, 2014.

December is a time for snow, fires, family and holidays.

And on TV, it’s the same, only with more comical endings. Check out some of my favorite Christmas-themed TV episodes.

5. The Best Christmas Ever: “That ’70s Show,” season 1

If you were 17 and your parents gave you Christmas tree money, what size tree would you get?

For Eric Foreman (Topher Grace) and his buddies, it’s not the size that matters, but where you get the tree.

Since the gang gets to throw a Christmas party in the infamous basement, they cut down a tree from the forest and use the money from Red (Kurtwood Smith) for beer, which of course doesn’t end well.

4. The One with the Holiday Armadillo: “Friends,” season 7

Ross (David Schwimmer) tries very hard to be a good father, so when he wants his son, Ben, to learn about Hanukkah, he goes to great lengths to make the holiday seem appealing to a kid who has a big heart for Santa … including dressing up as an armadillo.

But when Chandler (Matthew Perry) comes dressed as Santa, the former college roommates have to come up with a new plan … and one random story.

3. How Lily Stole Christmas: “How I Met Your Mother,” season 2

Lily (Alyson Hannigan) and Marshall (Jason Segel) belong together. But for a time in season 2, they weren’t.

This causes a problem at Christmas time when Lily listens to an old voicemail of Ted (Josh Radnor) calling her a “Grinch (aka as a very bad word).”

Ted ends up at his religious cousin’s house and teaches the children bad words, so there’s the awful-family-holiday moment.

In the end, Lily and Ted make up over beer after Lily realizes Ted knows her so well that he helped Marshall find his on-again fiance the perfect Christmas present: an easy-bake oven.

2. A Very Glee Christmas: “Glee,” season 2

Back when “Glee” was a trailblazing show, the Fox show was given the opportunity to mix in the plot of the Grinch, played by none other than slimy Cheerios coach Sue Sylvester (Jane Lynch).

It made for great TV, and the soundtrack for the episode is top-notch (it is a musical show, after all).

The episode seamlessly mixed in Christmas cheer and quality music.

1. The Bath Item Gift Hypothesis: “The Big Bang Theory,” season 2

Who doesn’t love Penny and Sheldon?

Sheldon (Jim Parsons) hates gift giving, because getting a present for someone with equal value and meaning stresses him out. So when Penny (Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting) tells Sheldon she got him a gift, he tries to find a proper gift for her.

When her gift turns out to be a Leonard Nimoy-autographed napkin, he is so elated that he gives her every bath item gift basket he bought, plus a hug. Yep, he was that overjoyed.

What’s your favorite holiday-themed TV episode?

Thanksgiving 2016: Ranking the ‘Friends’ Thanksgiving episodes

Even though “Friends” ran for 10 seasons, it showcased Thanksgiving holiday fun almost every year.

So in honor of Turkey Day, here’s the order from best to worst “Friends” Thanksgiving episodes.

10. The One with the List, season 2

This episode has to go last because it’s the only episode that doesn’t really surround the Thanksgiving holiday.

It’s also a sad episode because it revolves around Ross’ Julie vs. Rachel debate.

9. The One Where Chandler Hates Dogs, season 7

If you love Rachel with her much-younger assistant Tag, then you might rank this episode higher.

The beginning of their relationship is the highlight of this episode, along with the realization that Chandler isn’t allergic to dogs…he just doesn’t like them.

8. The One with the Late Thanksgiving, season 10

Monica is usually in charge of the Thanksgiving meal, which makes sense since she’s a chef.

But in the last season, she wasn’t planning on cooking. But her friends make her, and then they’re all late.

Locking the door on them was pretty funny though. Monica and Chandler also get news that they have a baby to adopt for them, melting their anger away.

7. The One with Chandler in a Box, season 4

Chandler and Joey rarely fight…but when a girl, Kathy, got in the way, it got ugly.

Desperate to get Joey to talk to him and forgive him, Chandler agrees to stay stuck in a box for a time. Without the holiday food.

Meanwhile, Monica needs to go to the eye doctor, but she’s embarrassed after her failed relationship with Richard, her old eye doctor. But that goes away when she sees Richard’s son…but then it gets awkward. Fast.

6. The One with Rachel’s Other Sister, season 9

Nothing like a holiday to bring family tensions.

When Rachel’s sister (played by Christina Applegate) comes to town, the topic of who will become Emma’s godparents hits.

All the fighting ends in the china from Monica and Chandler’s wedding breaking all over the apartment floor. But at least Chandler steps up and realizes he can be a parent.

5. The One with the Football, season 3

Oh, Monica. She’s so competitive!

When the old Gellar Cup resurfaces from Ross and Monica’s childhood days, the gang goes outside for a game of football. It doesn’t go well as sibling rivalry takes over.

Also, Joey and Chandler try to flirt with a Dutch girl.

4. The One With the Rumor, season 8

My main reason for putting this episode in the top 5 is because of Brad Pitt, who was with Jennifer Aniston (Rachel) at the time.

But they don’t like each other in this episode. And his character is out for revenge against the girl who made fun of him in high school.

It makes for an awkward, confrontational dinner.

3. The One Where Ross Got High, season 6

Poor Rachel, she tried to make a good dessert. But a trifle does not have a layer or potatoes and peas.

During the course of the day, it comes out that Chandler isn’t like by the Gellar parentals. And they don’t know he moved in with Monica either.

Ross tries to come clean, but it just ends to a yelling match where everyone says not-so-great things about others in the room.

2. The One Where Underdog Gets Away, season 1

We all know holidays never go as planned, but this episode features a big fail.

As the friends all recall why they’re not with their families, one of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloons gets loose.

It’s fun to watch all the friends watch the balloon float away together, but it’s even better to laugh when the group of six eat mac and cheese after their dinner burns.

  1. The One with the Thanksgiving Flashbacks, season 5

Fat Monica! Seahawk hair Chandler! And one big turkey!

This episode featured a lot of the past and problems between Rachel, Chandler, Ross and Monica…but it also featured a glimpse into the future of Monica and Chandler.

What more could you want? Oh wait, how about the first “I love you” spoken between Monica and Chandler. Aww.

How would you rank these “Friends” episodes?