A Guide to ‘New Girl’ Thanksgiving Episodes

In-Depth Look at Every Thanksgiving Episode of New Girl

 

When it comes to iconic holiday episodes, New Girl carves out its unique niche, especially during Thanksgiving. The beloved Fox sitcom, which entertained audiences for seven years from 2011 to 2018, revolves around the quirky teacher Jess Day, played by Zooey Deschanel. Following a messy breakup, Jess finds herself sharing a Los Angeles loft with three men—Schmidt, Winston, and Nick—portrayed by Max Greenfield, Lamorne Morris, and Jake Johnson respectively. The show, created by Elizabeth Meriwether, became known for its spirited holiday episodes, particularly its Thanksgiving specials that resonated with fans.

 

These episodes not only showcased heartfelt moments but also ingeniously incorporated guest appearances from legendary stars like Jamie Lee Curtis and Rob Reiner, who took on the roles of Jess’s parents. Deschanel has openly shared her feelings about working with such esteemed actors, recalling the mixed emotions of intimidation and excitement.

 

New Girl’s Thanksgiving episodes stand out for their creativity and humor, creating memorable moments for viewers. If you’re planning your holiday viewing, here’s a complete rundown of every Thanksgiving episode from New Girl.

 

“Thanksgiving” (Season 1 Episode 6)

This inaugural Thanksgiving episode is pivotal, setting the stage for the romantic dynamic between Jess and Nick. Jess, eager to impress her crush Paul, insists on hosting Thanksgiving dinner against the wishes of her roommates, who prefer their traditional “Dudes-giving.” chaos ensues when Jess’s lack of cooking skills leads to unexpected complications, including a shocking discovery of their neighbor’s deceased body.

 

“Parents” (Season 2 Episode 8)

Stars collide in this episode as Jess orchestrates a parent trap, getting her divorced mother and father, portrayed by Curtis and Reiner, to attend Thanksgiving dinner together. Meanwhile, Schmidt faces off against his cousin in a ridiculous contest of masculinity while Jess’s parents reignite their old flames in an unexpected twist that leaves Jess heartbroken.

 

“Thanksgiving III” (Season 3 Episode 10)

This episode turns Thanksgiving on its head as the gang ventures into the wilderness, trading in their usual celebrations for a nature-filled experience. Jess agrees to support Nick’s suggestion of a hunting excursion, but the plan quickly devolves into chaos as they attempt to procure food, leading Jess to accidentally consume toxic fish. The night culminates in a hospital visit, with Jess ultimately grateful for the time spent together regardless of the mishaps.

 

“Thanksgiving IV” (Season 4 Episode 9)

Dubbed “Bangsgiving,” this episode is all about relationships and blind dates. With the entire loft single, Schmidt proposes a setup for blind dates. Jess is excited but finds herself on an unexpected date with her coworker Ryan, set up by Coach. The antics escalate as all the roommates grapple with their own quirky obstacles, and former lovers Schmidt and Cece find themselves together once more, adding a layer of nostalgia to the mix.

 

“Last Thanksgiving” (Season 6 Episode 7)

In the final Thanksgiving installment of the series, Schmidt has to confront his emotions with his father, played by Peter Gallagher. While dealing with their own relationship turmoil, other characters navigate their complicated romantic lives, with Jess scrambling to end things with Robby, who crashes the holiday uninvited, leading to unexpected drama.

 

With its whimsical approach and engaging characters, New Girl’s Thanksgiving episodes perfectly encapsulate the essence of the holiday spirit. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for a festive viewing option, these episodes are sure to deliver on both laughs and heartfelt moments.