Hey, Upper East Siders! If you’re a college senior who’s been glued to your screens, yearning for that classic dose of scandal, style, and secrets, you’ll understand why Thanksgiving in the world of Gossip Girl is just as iconic as the holiday itself. As a college senior who grew up with the show, it’s time to indulge in some nostalgia and rank the Gossip Girl Thanksgiving episodes, just like Blair would at her chic dinner table.
One aspect that makes the Gossip Girl Thanksgiving episodes even more special for college seniors is the way technology has evolved since the show first aired. In those early seasons, we watched as characters used flip phones, a far cry from the sleek smartphones we’re glued to today. The show highlights the transition from MySpace to the rise of Facebook and Twitter, marking a significant era in the digital landscape. As college seniors who have grown up with technology, we can appreciate how Gossip Girl reflects these changes, reminding us of the journey we’ve been on, both personally and technologically.
“Roman Holiday” (Season 1, Episode 9)
Our list starts with the very first Gossip Girl Thanksgiving episode, “Roman Holiday.” In this classic, Blair’s Thanksgiving plans with her perfect family get disrupted when her estranged father makes an unexpected appearance. The episode showcases the love-hate relationship between Blair and Serena and sets the tone for the complex dynamics that will define the series. From the opulent Waldorf dinner to Serena’s return from boarding school, this episode is a perfect Thanksgiving cocktail of glamour, suspense, and delicious drama.
“The Treasure of Serena Madre” (Season 2, Episode 11)
Next up is “The Treasure of Serena Madre” from Season 2. This episode revolves around the turbulent Van der Woodsen family dynamics, as Serena’s estranged father returns to town. Secrets are revealed at a rapid-fire pace, and this Thanksgiving special perfectly captures the tension and emotional rollercoaster of the holiday season.
“Blair Waldorf Must Pie!” (Season 1, Episode 9)
Coming in at number three, we have “Blair Waldorf Must Pie!” from the first season. This episode peels back the layers of the Upper East Side’s elite, showing us that even in their world, Thanksgiving isn’t all glitz and glamour. Blair’s annual Thanksgiving celebration, steeped in tradition, proves that family and friends are just as complicated for the Queen Bee as they are for the rest of us. The emotional depth of this episode showcases the vulnerability hidden beneath Blair’s flawless exterior.
“It’s Really Complicated” (Season 5, Episode 10)
Zooming ahead to the fifth season, we find “It’s Really Complicated.” This Thanksgiving episode is packed with evolving character dynamics, including Blair’s budding romance with Dan, Serena’s quest to find her identity, and Chuck’s relentless pursuit of his father. While the series may have been winding down, “It’s Really Complicated” proves that the drama and intrigue of Gossip Girl were still going strong.
“Gaslit” (Season 6, Episode 7)
As we approach the series finale, “Gaslit” brings the Thanksgiving drama full circle. This episode takes us on a journey through Bart Bass’s life, unveiling the secrets and schemes that have driven much of the series’ drama. While the holiday may not be front and center, it adds an extra layer of suspense and intrigue to this Thanksgiving feast, reminding us that Gossip Girl knows how to keep us on our toes until the very end.
“The Fasting and the Furious” (Season 2, Episode 8)
Taking the sixth spot is the second season’s Thanksgiving special, “The Fasting and the Furious.” This episode focuses on Nate’s family troubles, as he invites his estranged family over for dinner. The contrast between the Van der Woodsens’ extravagant gatherings and the Humphreys’ humble feast highlights the class divide that runs throughout the series. It’s a stark reminder that, no matter how much money you have, it can’t buy happiness or mend broken families.
“A New York Minute” (Season 6, Episode 8)
In Season 6, “A New York Minute” takes a different approach to Thanksgiving. Blair and Sage join forces to sabotage Serena’s budding romance, and the resulting drama is a true Gossip Girl spectacle. This episode might not be the warm and fuzzy Thanksgiving special we’re used to, but it certainly keeps us on the edge of our seats with its unpredictable twists and turns.
“The Last Days of Disco Stick” (Season 3, Episode 10)
Season 3’s “The Last Days of Disco Stick” offers up a Thanksgiving with a twist. With a guest appearance by Lady Gaga and Blair’s attempt to turn a Brooklyn dive bar into a high-society hotspot, this episode is filled with unexpected moments and memorable one-liners. It may not be the most traditional Thanksgiving, but it’s quintessentially Gossip Girl.
“The Revengers” (Season 6, Episode 9)
Bringing up the rear as the final Thanksgiving episode of the series is “The Revengers.” Set against the backdrop of Thanksgiving, the episode sees the characters grappling with complex relationships and personal dilemmas. It’s a fitting choice for the last Thanksgiving episode, as it ties up loose ends and sees the characters making life-altering decisions.
As college seniors, we find ourselves at a unique crossroads in our lives, poised on the brink of adulthood and filled with nostalgia for the years that have brought us to this pivotal moment. Gossip Girl’s Thanksgiving episodes offer a delightful bridge between our past and our future, where drama, style, and secrets still hold an irresistible allure. These iconic episodes provide us with a nostalgic escape from the challenges and uncertainties of the real world, if only for a little while, as we immerse ourselves in the fictional realm of Manhattan’s elite.
For us, Gossip Girl has become more than just a show; it’s a symbol of our youth, a touchstone that reminds us of the journey we’ve taken from high school to college and now towards our future. These Thanksgiving episodes, filled with opulence and intrigue, have carved a special place in our hearts. They serve as a comforting reminder that, no matter where life takes us, we can always revisit the Upper East Side for a dose of glamour, drama, and, of course, unforgettable secrets.
So, as we raise a toast to our college senior status and eagerly anticipate what lies ahead, let’s also raise a metaphorical glass to the Gossip Girl Thanksgiving episodes. They have been a constant source of entertainment, inspiration, and a fashionable escape from the everyday. XOXO, Gossip Girl fans, let’s carry the valuable lessons, cherished memories, and enduring style of this iconic show with us into the future, knowing that the Upper East Side will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
